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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
I actually had only vague associations with the name Sarah Polley. I remember Stories We Tell, written and directed by her, but that’s about it. I say this because, often, memoir intersections like this essay collection, written by someone with parasocial relationships from being in the public eye, rely on an affinity toward the author developed elsewhere. This collection is not like that. Nor is it, as it may telegraph from the title, a vapid cringe self-help intersection.
This is a very well crafted—especially in structure—formulation of really key events in Polley’s life, starting with what should have been unbridled success at an early age: The production of Alice in Wonderland, with her as a lead. Instead, it’s merely a small toe in a large pond of a complicated relationship to being a child performer. One that other essays expound upon, but immediately, I imagine, reorient fans of Polley to who she actually is, rather than the various personas and characters she’s adopted through her work.
Polley has not had it easy, though in other ways is immensely privileged. She knows this, acknowledges it, and is adept at drawing boundaries for each piece collected here. It is surgical in it’s points regarding trauma, physical head injuries, memory, grief, motherhood, and the cost of her being a child star. Something perceived as a wish come true, but is far more complex than it’s perception.
I found this really moving, well written, excellently narrated, immensely informative, and often absolutely harrowing.
This is a very well crafted—especially in structure—formulation of really key events in Polley’s life, starting with what should have been unbridled success at an early age: The production of Alice in Wonderland, with her as a lead. Instead, it’s merely a small toe in a large pond of a complicated relationship to being a child performer. One that other essays expound upon, but immediately, I imagine, reorient fans of Polley to who she actually is, rather than the various personas and characters she’s adopted through her work.
Polley has not had it easy, though in other ways is immensely privileged. She knows this, acknowledges it, and is adept at drawing boundaries for each piece collected here. It is surgical in it’s points regarding trauma, physical head injuries, memory, grief, motherhood, and the cost of her being a child star. Something perceived as a wish come true, but is far more complex than it’s perception.
I found this really moving, well written, excellently narrated, immensely informative, and often absolutely harrowing.
Sarah provides an insightful and introspective look at her experiences - and what she’s gained from them. I appreciated getting to hear her story, her perspective and how she used her past to grow as a human. The last essay sums it up well reminding us all that our growth and healing can only happen when we run towards the danger.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
We’ve heard Sarah Polley’s voice through her directing and documentary but this is the first time we’ve been able to sit with her words for hundreds of pages and just absorb.
I find it hard to review essays—we often give higher ratings to those we agree with, so keep that in mind.
Sarah Polley hits several major issues in a way that is deeply personal and several personal issues in a way that is deeply universal.
Her writing is approachable, and understandable even when she’s writing about something few people can personally relate to, such as being a child actor. She also discusses grief, parent loss, high-risk pregnancy and birth, and managing a health crisis while also juggling motherhood and a career (something that spoke to me as I was once a cancer patient with a toddler).
Polley doesn’t hesitate to examine her own biases and contradictory beliefs, many of which I happen to share. I often found myself swinging from laughter to tears and then laughing tears.
Definitely looking forward to further collections.
I find it hard to review essays—we often give higher ratings to those we agree with, so keep that in mind.
Sarah Polley hits several major issues in a way that is deeply personal and several personal issues in a way that is deeply universal.
Her writing is approachable, and understandable even when she’s writing about something few people can personally relate to, such as being a child actor. She also discusses grief, parent loss, high-risk pregnancy and birth, and managing a health crisis while also juggling motherhood and a career (something that spoke to me as I was once a cancer patient with a toddler).
Polley doesn’t hesitate to examine her own biases and contradictory beliefs, many of which I happen to share. I often found myself swinging from laughter to tears and then laughing tears.
Definitely looking forward to further collections.
I don't often feel compelled to talk about the books I'm reading, but this one sunk its teeth into me and I needed to tell everyone I encountered about it.
The insights into what sexual assault survivors face and how inept our system is to bring them justice has given me a more layered understanding of the #metoo movement than anything I've read up to this point.
The author expertly wove together threads from the past with the present in a way I've never experienced before. I am blown away by her strength and determination and vulnerability. This will stick with me for a long time.
The insights into what sexual assault survivors face and how inept our system is to bring them justice has given me a more layered understanding of the #metoo movement than anything I've read up to this point.
The author expertly wove together threads from the past with the present in a way I've never experienced before. I am blown away by her strength and determination and vulnerability. This will stick with me for a long time.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced