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bmarchman's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
I feel ashamed to admit I had not heard of Eve Babitz before ordering this book and starting to read it. I thought I had found some little known LA author of the 70’s and instead discovered I was the one late to the party. I was instantly enthralled with the writing of this book and its descriptions of LA and Southern California in the 70’s through the eyes of Babitz. While not every story immediately hit me like when I read Joan Didion or other California writers, I appreciated how singular and interesting Babitz was compared to those writers.
As Matthew Specktor in his introduction to this book says, “sternness was inimical to Babitz.” While sometimes it is refreshing to have Didion’s judgment as a compass for understanding San Francisco of the 60’s or LA of the 70’s, you feel far more along for the ride with Babitz. It’s both a good and bad thing, but something that seems appropriate from someone born and raised in LA.
As Matthew Specktor in his introduction to this book says, “sternness was inimical to Babitz.” While sometimes it is refreshing to have Didion’s judgment as a compass for understanding San Francisco of the 60’s or LA of the 70’s, you feel far more along for the ride with Babitz. It’s both a good and bad thing, but something that seems appropriate from someone born and raised in LA.
kseniia_xenia's review against another edition
5.0
everything about Eve and her writings is just so uniquely glamorous, fresh, hot. god knows there will never be another it girl quite like her
hillaryunabridged's review against another edition
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
l_mell's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
shelby22's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
regcorey's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
jessicarosee's review against another edition
3.0
loved! my favourite essay was “rain” — reminded me of didion’s “holy water”. i think i would have given this four stars if i read it before “black swans” because i just adored that so much the first time
lenorasay's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
I want her life
katjayorke's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0