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mxunsmiley's review
3.0
His writing has the propensity both to uniquely appeal to me in how charming and whimsical it can sound, and to tread into incomprehensible territory with regard to its sometimes confusing syntax. He comes across as a real lovable goofball which, at times, can run the risk of cheesiness, but I think it's a good problem to have at the same time. I also truly relate to him in how he describes his garden and plant life in general.
jayisreading's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
As the title suggests, this book is nothing but a delight. I really welcomed Gay’s reflective words that called for hope and gratitude for all things big and small that we so often overlook. A handful of these very short lyric essays—many only being a page long—celebrated the wonders of nature, but I was most taken to the essays that dealt with human connection. Perhaps I felt this way due to all the man-made tension that exists in the world at the time of reading this book. Whatever the reason may be, it was a heartwarming reminder that humans make so much meaning out of our interactions with one another.
While I appreciated the nature of what this book tackles, I found that Gay’s writing style didn’t always work for me. His particular flow was a little difficult for me to follow, not so much because the writing was dense (though the run-on sentences did get to me a few times). Instead, it was more a reminder that we all have different thought processes that make sense to some, while others might struggle a bit more with them.
If you’re looking for short and uplifting essays to read, though, The Book of Delights is absolutely one to pick up. What I also appreciate about this collection of lyric essays is that you could read one a day in the morning, should you want some food for thought to start your day, or you just want to be reminded of the ordinary joys that exist in our lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death, Homophobia, and Murder
klgoodrich98's review
I love the concept of this book but stream of consciousness style just isn’t doing it for me…
boyfouronetwo's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful start to my morning!
I was gifted this book by my wife and it sat on my “to read” shelf for a while. I finally got around to reading it and it’s been a wonderful way to start my day. I can read three or four essays and then get on with the many morning chores...and be in a much better mood than I would have without my morning quiet time with this book. Thank you Ross!
I was gifted this book by my wife and it sat on my “to read” shelf for a while. I finally got around to reading it and it’s been a wonderful way to start my day. I can read three or four essays and then get on with the many morning chores...and be in a much better mood than I would have without my morning quiet time with this book. Thank you Ross!
dinasamimi's review against another edition
4.0
So lovely. Inspired me to make more space and take more notice of my own delights. A real balm for these times.
vivakresh's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I wanted this book to last forever! Each delight so beautifully drawn, each observation so perfect.
samanthasimonsen's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
My coworker told me recently that she would recommend this book to everyone and I very much see why. I think I will be returning to this book again and again. I’ve been having worse-than-usual anxiety the last couple of months, and this book both soothed me and stressed me. It is already causing me to be more intentional in seeking out and noticing little delights.