The Familiar, Volume 2: Into the Forest

Wow. Just, wow. I finished reading this second volume last night. I apologize for the hyperbole, but this is turning out to be one of the greatest reading experiences that I've had.If you weren't sold by the first volume, I implore you to give the second one a chance. This volume is leaps and bounds better than the first. I'm trying to pinpoint why, and it is likely due to several factors.* By this point, I have become accustomed to the style. The characters are familiar (he he), and easier to wade through (this includes jingjing). I read through this one much more quickly than the first volume. It becomes a seamless experience once you grasp the style of presentation for each character.* The plot quickens and emerges. In the first volume [chapter, really], there is not much of a plot. It serves mostly to set the stage; to the introduce us to the characters and the universe. The story arc is practically nonexistent. Here, in volume 2, the action begins, and the relationships between the characters start to emerge. The action takes place over the course of about a month, rather than the single day. This allows more stuff to happen (and it does). Themes start to emerge. Chapters often end with a punchline, not unlike a zen koan, which leave you with some delicious food for thought.* The details! All the glorious tiny details! The subtle clues, both visual and textual. The synchronistic symbols. Shifts in text, shapes, and colors. I certaintly can't claim to understand what they all mean (I've only seen the first two episodes, after all!). At this point I'm just taking note of them. Each one I discover fills me with glee (even moreso if I can grasp some of its meaning!).This book is a TV show. Don't expect all the action to happen at once. It will be delivered at a deliciously slow pace, just like many of the great shows out there today. Patience and persistence will be rewarded, I guarantee it! I can't wait til Volume 3!I'll likely reread the first two volumes with a journal nearby to record my thoughts. There is a lot going on here.

I think it's safe to assume that if you're thinking of reading this book, you read volume one. So you should already know you need to buy this as a print book, and that Danielewski has a peculiar style that is perhaps not for everyone.That said, I loved volume 2 even more than volume 1. Danielewski's writing remains strange and beautiful, and while with volume 1 I sometimes had a hard time keeping up with the various plotlines and characters, this book felt like it pulled things together more. I also agree with other reviewers that this is a quicker read. The 800+ pages can be daunting, but I found myself reading large chunks all at once. It of course helps that some pages barely have any words on them (if any).I can't wait to read volume 3, and appreciate Danielewski's speed in publishing this epic series.

I'm loving The Familiar Volume 2 as much as I loved Volume 1. Danielewski's creative manipulation of a novel's construction continues to be fun. My only complaint is that the "voice" of JingJing is so very difficult to read. I know I'm missing a lot in those particular chapters. I can't stop reading, I can't stop wondering where all of these separate stories are leading too!

Just like Volume 1. With a few drop-the-book moments which Volume 1 didn't have.Why only four stars? Because this time it wasn't new. Part of the fun of Volume 1 was figuring out how to read it. Now, we know what to expect.But this is still a great book. OF COURSE you are going to read it and enjoy it if you already read Volume 1.

Picking up where the last volume left off and picking up the pace as well. The particular dialects of some of the characters gets easier as they become more familiar. Where will all these threads lead and how tangled will they become as the story spins out? Only time will tell

Still just getting acquainted with the characters but starting to get involved in their story lines more and more. Some of the endings of chapters have some sudden shocks and surprises. Can't wait to see where the next couple books take the story.

Savored every page! Can't wait for the 3rd installment! Huge fan of MZD, this series is my favorite of his work so far. Completely engrossing, hard to put down. Incredible author!

Good book

"The Familiar" ist herausfordernde Lektüre, zugleich sehr aufwendig gestaltet (Romane, die durchgehend vierfarbig auf Kunstdruckpapier gedruckt werden, gibt es wohl nicht viele. Jeder Band wiegt ca 2 kg, was das Lesen nicht gerade "erleichtert"). Die Handlung gliedert sich in mehrere Erzählstränge, von denen jeder in einem eigenen Font und mit eigenem Seitenlayout gestaltet ist. Hauptfigur ist das Mädchen Xanther, das in Echo Park in LA lebt und unter epileptischen Anfällen leidet. Eines Tages rettet sie eine winzige weiße Katze vor dem Ertrinken, wodurch die scheinbar nicht zusammenhängenden Stränge der Geschichte verknüpft werden.Laut Wikipedia war "The Familiar" auf 27 Bände angelegt. Am Ende von Band 5 gibt es einen Teaser auf Band 6, der aber nicht mehr veröffentlicht wurde, weil die Bücher zuwenig Käufer:innen fanden, um die teure Produktion zu finanzieren.Ich bin froh, dass ich alle existierenden Bände (Band 2 gebraucht) ergattern konnte, sie sind zum Großteil schon out of print. "The Familiar" bleibt ein erratisches Fragment. Ich mag es."House of Leaves" von Mark Z. Danielewski ist aber noch erhältlich, eine große Empfehlung für Freunde des intellektuellen Grusels!

Bought for daughter, apparently it's v.g.

Great delivery. Great book. Love the format and design that works alongside the written word. Beautiful addition to the Danielewski library.

Amazing, can't wait for the next one

This book is a artistic and literary speciality and might not be for everyone, but it is a great continuation from the #1. The story of book #1 unfolds further and more clues are coming up with additional puzzling details. I just recommend it, though it might not be for everyone.