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erincampbell87's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I finally finished a book, guys. 2014 has been a struggle.
This is cultural criticism as biography at its absolute best and most relevant, because Als uniquely interprets cultural touching points through his perspective as a black gay man in a way that makes clear that much of our popular culture is impossible to truly appreciate without that understanding. Als' identification as an outsider in most of the groups with which he identifies - gay men, white women, black straight men - leaves him a perceptive observer and critic of each. Here, identification as a white girl becomes a way of looking, a lens through which the world is judged rather than a physical identifier. The essays are rambling and disjointed at times, reading more like a hazy stream of consciousness. Still, Als' world is fascinating and his critiques are always spot-on, which makes this a rewarding, if not occasionally challenging, read.
This is cultural criticism as biography at its absolute best and most relevant, because Als uniquely interprets cultural touching points through his perspective as a black gay man in a way that makes clear that much of our popular culture is impossible to truly appreciate without that understanding. Als' identification as an outsider in most of the groups with which he identifies - gay men, white women, black straight men - leaves him a perceptive observer and critic of each. Here, identification as a white girl becomes a way of looking, a lens through which the world is judged rather than a physical identifier. The essays are rambling and disjointed at times, reading more like a hazy stream of consciousness. Still, Als' world is fascinating and his critiques are always spot-on, which makes this a rewarding, if not occasionally challenging, read.
elizabeth_1898's review against another edition
3.0
The first essay: wonderful, 5/5, inspiring, beautiful use of language
The rest of the book: 2/5, lackluster
The rest of the book: 2/5, lackluster
song's review against another edition
4.0
Finishing this book just made me feel unfinished: so many unfamiliar references + a distinct need to reread.
juliapappo's review
5.0
tristes tropiques is the most heartwrenching piece i've ever read; i am the happiness of this world will have me thinking about louise brooks until the next time i can go to rochester, cursing myself for not visiting her grave when i lived there.
manaledi's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book because Junot Diaz recommended it. I went in unprepared for the cultural critique and came out feeling awed and confused. It's a book I feel like I need to read multiple times and sit down and discuss. There were a lot of powerful and important ideas presented about the specific people analyzed and black, queer culture, but there was also just so much going on.
keight's review against another edition
4.0
Some of these essays are perhaps better as pieces than part of a cohesive collection, but the writing is entrancing. Read more on the booklog
k80uva's review against another edition
3.0
Felt very ambivalent about this book--it was often very intriguing, but sometimes I think the writing became obscure and artificial. Not all of the subjects covered seem equally important or well done. But it's definitely worth reading.
ts7's review against another edition
Reread after five years and this time I understand it more.