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The 52 Book Club's 2025 Challenge - hosted by the52bookclub

Breaks the fourth wall
The fourth wall is an imaginary wall that separates the reader from the characters. We as the reader can see and understand the story, but usually characters don't know of or acknowledge the existence of a reader. When a character breaks the fourth wall, they're removing the barrier between the reader and themselves.

In literature, there are a variety of ways a book may break the fourth wall. One of the most common ways perhaps, is addressing the reader directly. (Think of the famous line from Jane Eyre: "Reader, I married him.")

Narrators may address the reader with side comments or an authorial intrusion. (For example, in The Princess Bride, the narrator uses asides marked in parentheses to comment on the story.) 

Breaking the fourth wall is also commonly used in metafiction. Metafiction intentionally references the work's fictional nature. An example of this is when the narrator or characters are aware of or acknowledge that they are fictional characters. 

While there are a variety of interpretations as to what breaking the fourth wall looks like within literature, for this prompt, we're looking for books that break the barrier between reader and character. It may be something occurring constantly within the book, or only a line or two sprinkled throughout. If you think that's happening in the story, it counts toward this prompt! 
All books added
The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker

The Strange Case of Jane O.

Karen Thompson Walker

288 pages • hardcover • 2025

fiction literary science fiction mysterious reflective medium-paced
My Salty Mary by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows

My Salty Mary

The Marys #3

Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows

448 pages • digital • 2024

fiction fantasy historical young adult adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope

Holding the Reins

Silver Pines #1

Paisley Hope

362 pages • paperback • 2024

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Mr. Fox's Game of No! by David LaRochelle

Mr. Fox's Game of No!

David LaRochelle

40 pages • hardcover • 2024

fiction childrens
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars

We Were Liars #1

E. Lockhart

320 pages • paperback • 2014

fiction contemporary mystery young adult emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield

Our Wives Under The Sea

Julia Armfield

232 pages • hardcover • 2022

fiction horror lgbtqia+ literary science fiction dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
Bloody Acquisitions by Drew Hayes

Bloody Acquisitions

Fred, the Vampire Accountant #3

Drew Hayes

414 pages • paperback • 2016

fiction fantasy adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4

Rick Riordan

400 pages • paperback • 2008

fiction fantasy middle grade adventurous funny fast-paced
Księgarnie i kościopył by Travis Baldree

Księgarnie i kościopył

Legends & Lattes #0

Travis Baldree

384 pages • paperback • 2023

fiction fantasy lgbtqia+ adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Obaka-chan Koigatariki, Vol. 1 by Zakuri Sato

Obaka-chan Koigatariki, Vol. 1

Obaka-chan Koigatariki #1

Zakuri Sato

208 pages • 2008

fiction manga romance adventurous challenging medium-paced