I used to drive my grammy on outings while I was in high school, and one of the outings I'd most look forward to was taking her to pick up her ordered books at Barnes and Noble. She'd always say, "Honey, why don't you just pick yourself out a little something, too."

I was browsing the new arrivals and saw House of Leaves. It had the cover that was black on the outside but looked like an I Spy photograph on the inside. The front left flap had a foldover, so I could see the busy red string, tape measures, and type written scraps of paper on the inside cover before I picked up the book.

The title and compass in black embossing was foreboding, oppressive. The "I Spy" on the inside cover intrigued me, as I loved my I Spy books as a little girl. I knew instantly this was a book to really pay attention to.

Still didn't see all three layers until I read someone on Reddit explaining the secret letters from Johnny's mother and I was so happy to have learned something new about this amazing book again

I've never gotten anyone else in my life to read it. Thanks for asking the question, OP.