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cindywho's review
I was looking for some levity between A Gift upon the Shore and The Scar. I can't say I didn't think that L.A. would be a horrendous place to live. The only writer who has endeared it to me is Francesca Lia Block. Sandra is resigned to it in a snerky, semi-hysterical way. It's mostly funny, but also uncomfortable to watch. Most of the essays are probably magazine pieces and I may have heard some on the Loh Life. It's funnier to hear her read them in the KCRW archives. (January 03, 2004)
dylan_james's review
2.0
Some of the essays were engaging and funny, but overall I would say my experience is "meh"
mfreitas's review
2.0
After hearing Loh reader her short story "Bad Sex with Bud Kemp" on NPR's This American Life, I ordered this book, eager to hear more of Loh's dry and witty observations on society and popular culture. Although the content and style of this book is consistent with what I heard on NPR, this book failed to meet my expectations.
Focusing on her experiences as an overeducated, underpaid, writer/artist living in Los Angeles, Loh does an excellent job of capturing a specific time and place -- perhaps too good of a job. Loh's book is loaded with cultural references that can only be understood by readers who are familiar with L.A. and its arts and culture scene. Though these allusions don't make the stories unintelligible, they do keep the reader at arm's length from the material. Consequently, many of the essays come across as an anecdote that should end with the phrase "I guess you had to be there."
However,this problem should not discourage prospective readers. Depth Takes a Holiday still entertains readers with tales of attempting to lead an adult life in the post-collegiate years that are told from an Everygirl perspective.
Focusing on her experiences as an overeducated, underpaid, writer/artist living in Los Angeles, Loh does an excellent job of capturing a specific time and place -- perhaps too good of a job. Loh's book is loaded with cultural references that can only be understood by readers who are familiar with L.A. and its arts and culture scene. Though these allusions don't make the stories unintelligible, they do keep the reader at arm's length from the material. Consequently, many of the essays come across as an anecdote that should end with the phrase "I guess you had to be there."
However,this problem should not discourage prospective readers. Depth Takes a Holiday still entertains readers with tales of attempting to lead an adult life in the post-collegiate years that are told from an Everygirl perspective.
ruthiella's review
3.0
Melissa gave me this book in 2000. Thanks Melissa and sorry it took me 12 years to read it! Depth Takes a Holiday is a selection of essays which explore the trends and foibles of the mid-ninety's Los Angeles demographic. While the quality of the essays is uneven, on the whole, the collection was a funny, insightful and self-depractory observation Tsing Loh's life as an artist and an Angeleno.
miam's review
Really funny, especially for those who live in/love Los Angeles. Very dated at times (think CD-ROMs and IBM computers) but still rings true to the experiences of lost, broke, entitled (but also redeemingly self-aware?) aspiring artists in their 20s. At times reads like a funnier Sex and the City or an edgier Bridget Jones's Diary. Devoured this in one day and plan to read "Aliens in America" next.
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