The best books for an impactful read but never want to read again

• The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks

  • Described as amazing but harrowing, once was enough for some readers.

• Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

  • Beautifully written yet disturbing, often forgiven due to its language, may not be worth a reread.

• How High We Go In The Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

  • An impactful and original novel, beautifully heartbreaking, and soulful.

• A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara

  • Devastatingly sad and impactful, a one-time read that leaves a lasting impression.

• Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk

  • Known for being a disgusting yet beautifully written book.

• The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

  • Begins with a harrowing premise of a little girl being raped and murdered, impacting the family's growth.

• The Last Policeman series by Ben H. Winters

  • A well-loved series that readers may not want to revisit due to its impactful themes.

• Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

  • An intense book that starts with a messed-up premise and delves into darker themes.

• The Vegetarian by Han Kang

  • Amazing but not for the faint of heart, a book many readers may not want to revisit.

• Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

  • A compelling yet haunting read that some may find difficult to go through a second time.

• House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

  • A recommended read for an impactful experience, though the unsettling nature may deter readers from revisiting it.

• Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy

  • Gripping but harrowing, leaving readers with a lasting impact that may not warrant a second read.

• Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.

  • Highly recommended for those who liked the film, offering a deep and intense reading experience.

• The Road by Cormac McCarthy

  • A deeply affecting and bleak novel, some readers may find the content too heavy for a reread.

• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

  • Violent and intense, this book may not be an enjoyable or easy read a second time.

• Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby Jr.

  • Intense and impactful, offering a similar disquieting experience to Requiem for a Dream.

These books offer powerful and memorable reading experiences, but their harrowing themes and impacts may deter readers from revisiting them. Each book provides a unique perspective and narrative that stays with the reader long after the book is finished.