Reviews

Chiang engages with the most base human anxieties –what happens when I die? Am I good? What is the meaning of it all? – in a miraculously simple, yet simultaneously profound, complicated manner; it’s breathtaking. His craft marries the two things I love most in reading, a damn good story with mind bending, existential philosophy. So much more than the guy who wrote the short story Arrival is based on, Exhalation is another home run collection from someone who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Also LOVED his notes after each story.

acrickettofillthesilence's review against another edition

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5.0

I think "The Truth of Fact the Truth of Feeling" as well as "Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom" are going to stick with me for a long time.

Side note: Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom may now be my favorite title/phrase.

linwin's review against another edition

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5.0

I was completely taken in by this book all the way through and I could not put it down. The concept of each story is fascinating and I also connected to a lot of the characters in an emotional way despite the short formate. The structure of the storytelling of the first chapter wasn’t exactly my cup of tea but I still found it interesting from a philosophical standpoint. Will immediately go find more works by this author to read!

iaross's review against another edition

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3.5

Some standouts, some meh

raisa's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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