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katsusho_'s review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
- I probably should have read the blurb instead of hopping into this blindly. Rating this book lower than others might be a mistake on my part. I mean, if I were to read a book about Eve's experience with Hollywood in the 80's perhaps I should be expecting a litte bit of what seems like celebrity gossip. I don't know, I felt partially intruding on conversations I shouldn't have heard. But it most of the reason I rated it low. The writing was fine, and at some parts it was intriguiging enough to keep me going.
I think it was probably because I wasn't in the right mood to appreciate this properly. Maybe if I've grown to be middle-age would I enjoy this. I was simply not the demographic. But this would be a good read for someone whose more interested in Hollywood culture and Los Angeles. Don't get me wrong, I also think this would be good for someone who is interested in a socialite finding their defining interest and making it out in the working world.
Don't let me stop you from reading this! (Maybe I just feel bad not appreciating a book from a decent author.) Maybe it's also because I'm more of a classics reader, and have never read a non-fiction? so this is a bit out of my comfort zone. I've also read a classic right before this, maybe it's the reason I wasn't in the mood.
I think it was probably because I wasn't in the right mood to appreciate this properly. Maybe if I've grown to be middle-age would I enjoy this. I was simply not the demographic. But this would be a good read for someone whose more interested in Hollywood culture and Los Angeles. Don't get me wrong, I also think this would be good for someone who is interested in a socialite finding their defining interest and making it out in the working world.
Don't let me stop you from reading this! (Maybe I just feel bad not appreciating a book from a decent author.) Maybe it's also because I'm more of a classics reader, and have never read a non-fiction? so this is a bit out of my comfort zone. I've also read a classic right before this, maybe it's the reason I wasn't in the mood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Addiction, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Car accident
hannahlouise_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
this is my first book of Eve Babitz’ i read - i went in expecting Joan Didion and while she is definitely not Didionesque, she recounts a different LA + one that was really interesting to read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Drug use, Drug abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
hellovivi_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This book was so good, but I felt like it was lacking just a little bit. I loved Eves recollections, her writing is gorgeous.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
bluesourskittl_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, and Drug use
bookgirllife's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
What I have decided upon reading this book is that Eve Babitz is a cool girl. My god, what a witty and exuberant writer she made. Her character and humour shine through her prose. This was my first introduction to Babitz and I was surprised by how modern the stories were. Not sure if that's Babitz's credit or society's failure, but in either case, her work is very captivating. I loved her conversational tone. Reading Black Swans made me feel like I was listening to a friend tell me stories about what they got up to throughout different stages of their life.
One of the first standout pieces for me was ‘Free Tibet.’ I hadn’t put this book down until I reached the end of ‘Free Tibet’ and needed some time to sit with it. The way that story made me feel was something else altogether. Babitz induced a whole spectrum of emotion from the lightheartedness of the main character to the devastating ending. Every now and then you come across a story that makes you evaluate your own life and I think that's what makes for excellent art. My other favourites were 'Coco' and 'Black Swans'. These are both stories of troubled relationships and bad habits. The prose in 'Black Swans' was my favourite of the collection.
The only critique I have is the very out-of-touch and flippant commentary on the LA riots. The way she tackles this lacks tact.
That said, I will be returning to Babitz soon. I enjoyed her writing and storytelling, and I want to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Death, and Police brutality
Minor: Eating disorder
kangaci's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Alcohol, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Addiction, Car accident, Death, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Grief, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
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