The Hike

By Drew Magary,

Book cover of The Hike

Book description

“The Hike just works. It’s like early, good Chuck Palahniuk. . . . Magary underhands a twist in at the end that hits you like a sharp jab at the bell. . . . It’s just that good.” —NPR.org

“A page-turner. . . . Inventive, funny. . . . Quietly…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked The Hike as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I binge-read this book in two sittings. It was so bizarre. Probably one of the weirdest things I have ever read, and I adored it for that. At times hilarious, gross, and horrifying in turns, the last few pages had my jaw on the floor. It's not a book I can recommend to just anyone because it's truly bizarre. But if you like your books a little creepy and a lot weird, check this one out.

The Hike is a completely bizarre, surrealist masterpiece by former Deadspin Columnist Drew Magary. While it’s impossible to describe the plot, I personally recommend this book if you don’t mind being taken on a strange, strange journey filled with fantastical creatures, a bit of horror, and some mind-bending introspection. You might not know where you’re going to end up, but part of the fun is strapping in and enjoying the crazy ride. Fans of animation like Infinity Train or Adventure Time might enjoy this if they’re looking for something with a grittier, adult edge to it.

Unlike anything I've ever read, yet still familiar and comfortable at the same time. Starts out normal, goes off the rails absurdist crazy for one heck of a fun ride, and somehow manages to stick the landing of a perfect ending with a lot of emotional weight to it. The Hike proves anything goes in fiction. It pulls off that delicate balance between goofy and sincere so well, which was an inspirational motivator as I found the story hidden in the songs that became L Extreme.

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