Demon Theory - House of Leaves - Dermaphoria

I just got dermaphoria for christmas. I haven't started it yet but will soon. What should I start first though Dermaphoria or the cortinorist handbook?

Dermaphoria- Demon Theory- House of Leaves.

i haven't read Demon Theory yet, but that seems like a good order to read them in. House is pretty dense to get through so i'd say save it for last to really savour it.

CH was a tough read for me. It was difficult to focus on the plot while pondering the amount of research CC had pour through to obtain all of the info in the book. Incredibly clever, but not one of my favorite reads. Dermaphoria sounds a little more up my alley, I do fancy a novel packed full of drugs, another reason behind my my WCB = God theory.

I've heard s much about HOL and the unconventional format definitely has my curiosit peaked. It'll be hard to save it for last.

But if I hold true to one of my New Years resolutions, to read one novel a week, I shouldn't have to wait too long.

Can anyone recommend another SGJ book? Perhaps the "All the Pretty Somethingoranotherlikethat" I've heard so much about? I'm trying to knock out the entire contents of The Velvet before Godspeed comes out. I think that the Jones catalogue is pretty extensive so I may not be able to get to them all. Anyone have an opinion on a few of his bests?

I'd go with Nathaniel's order as well.

Dermaphoria is in some ways a more conventional read than Handbook. However, its logistics are quite ambiguous as well, with equally-unreliable narration. The language is far more impressive and descriptive, and a bit romantic. It's more of a right-brain book, while TCH was sorta left-brained with its facts and research.

I think All the Beautiful Sinners in Jones's best work. One suggestion for reading him in general, however, is that I wouldn't put it down for too long, as there's a lot to keep track of, and extended time away can fuzz your brain. Very rewarding for those who pay attention. Favorites after that, I'd probably say Ledfeather, then Demon Theory. If you're a horror/slasher buff, you'll especially dig Demon Theory, cuz it's sort of a love letter to the genre, with hundreds of homages buried between the lines. Plus its footnotes will prep you for the labyrinthine House of Leaves.

I'd go with Nate's order. Unless you're like me and very unconventional formats annoy* you, then I'd do Dermaphoria** between the two.

*annoying, still good. I liked House of Leaves and loved Demon Theory.
**easily, and by far, I think, the best of the three.

LEDFEATHER- which is probably my favorite by him. Just about perfect and beautiful.

ALL THE BEAUTIFUL SINNERS - where i started reading him and got hooked enough to buy and read everything else he's put out.

DEMON THEORY - so cool in so many ways.

THE FAST RED ROAD: A PLAINSONG - i need to read this one again to straighten everything out. One of those books that you enjoy the first time, but can't quite explain how everything happened.

THE BIRD IS GONE: A MANIFESTO - read this twice before really figuring out what happened. Read it a third time and couldn't stop thinking about it. Very short book, around 150 pages, but just twisted and hard to keep your head on while reading it. The first time you read it, you'll enjoy it and not really be sure why because some things make no sense to you. The more reads, the more enjoyment, i think.

I don't know if i'd read them in that order, but i think that may be the easiest order to read them in. He's a very imaginative, funny, and incredibly talented writer. can't recommend him enough. I will say that FAST RED ROAD and BIRD are by far the most challenging of his books to read. They're worth it, but i think i'd save them for the end of the Jones journey. Also, if you're looking for some short stories, BLEED INTO ME is a great colection by him.