"The Familiar" is a series of novels written by Mark Z. Danielewski. The series is known for its unconventional narrative style and unique formatting, which includes varying fonts, colors, and layouts. It explores themes of identity, reality, and the nature of storytelling through multiple interconnected plots. The first volume, titled "The Familiar, Volume 1: One Rainy Day in May," introduces a diverse cast of characters, including a young girl named Xhade and her pet cat. The story weaves together their experiences in a surreal and often disorienting manner, inviting readers to engage with the text in a non-linear fashion.