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thejadedhippy's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a mind bender. I had to get a physical copy because I had so many highlights and will need to go back and read it again soon. So unique, so deep, in the way I like (spirituality, identity, thinking about one’s life, etc). Highly recommend the audiobook as the author reads it and it really adds to the experience listening to the words they emphasize and such.
bessiehead's review against another edition
3.0
I finished reading this book while on the toilet. 4/5 stars
vtlism's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
The writing and topics are perfection. I enjoyed most of the topics, especially those of gender and mental health.
theillegiblevirgo's review against another edition
5.0
this was the memoir i needed to feel like it's possible to go on. sharing so many identities with the author makes it sit in a way no other memoir has. their considerations of madness, gender, worth, and hope resonate so deeply. while they challenge map making in the process, i think it's a beautiful constellation and map of their walk to the present. my favorite letter was probably "anointing | dear ann." i'm excited to return to it and see where i'm at then and how i'm consideration my walk.
someone read it and saw exactly how it it in conversation with my own work. high compliment.
someone read it and saw exactly how it it in conversation with my own work. high compliment.
nordstina's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
4.0
Akwaeke Emezi is such a unique and memorable writer. I have enjoyed their previous works of fiction (looking forward to their new one!), so was curious on what a memoir would be like. The format of this memoir is a series of letters that they write to others (sometimes it's clear who that person is to them, other times it isn't). They are incredibly vulnerable throughout the memoir and touch on their relationship with their family, experiences in the publication industry (really appreciated the transparency), education, gender identity, and spirituality. Some of the areas overlap with the main character in their first novel Freshwater (my favorite book of theirs), and multiple letters touch on their experience with writing, publishing, and the reception of that novel. They touch on their experiences with love and mental illness, which are incredibly raw and vulnerable. Even if not all the topics they touch on are of interest, this memoir was a big swing and unique and I really appreciated its openness.
bubblegumcreams's review against another edition
5.0
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I review this book in this video: RAVING about my fave poetry book, 2 other faves, & 14 other books ✨ (not so) recent reads...
I review this book in this video: RAVING about my fave poetry book, 2 other faves, & 14 other books ✨ (not so) recent reads...
thecozyarchivist's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Absolutely one of the best memoirs I've ever read. Akwaeke Emezi is a true master of writing, and this was such a unique memoir. Each chapter is a letter they've written to someone they know, sometimes it's a friend or family member, other times it's someone no longer in their life. The book mostly focuses on their life leading up to the publishing of their first novel and the depression and disabling health issues they've faced throughout their life. It was just so incredibly good. I highly recommend reading this one on audio because Akwaeke narrates the book and it feels so intimate.