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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
A very thoughtful exploration of how to engage with art while acknowledging the evil of the artist. This book touches on cancel culture, the politics of 'art over the artist', identity over art, motherhood over art (and vice-versa), as well as beautiful memoir-esc segments that make the collection feel very personal. Although this narrative was not new or particularly definitive in its answer, I really enjoyed it and left feeling better prepared to determine how I will engage with art in the future.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This is honestly one of the best books I’ve read all year. The author writes prose that’s extremely conducive to a vivid and engrossing audio experience. I’d 100% recommend this book to a friend, especially in the audio format. The book tackles some really interesting questions and also inspires me to think more about similar questions/read books on similar subject matter in the future.
it was a really good read (audiobook) and just interesting to hear my thoughts put into words on this subject. i think it took an interesting approach bringing in personal feelings instead of just spewing information but it also became part of the downfall because i did secretly want a bit more information. def still recommend!
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
I knew this juicy inner debate would need to be confronted eventually, and I was happy to face it today with Claire Dederer at LAX. What’s interesting is I didn’t feel like she was trying to sway me one way or the other, just opening my eyes to the different ways to approach this daily dilemma. I appreciated the messy, noncommittal route, even if it did leave more questions than answers.
Dederer’s dive into art and motherhood was unexpected and probably most interesting to me, although I don’t like its placement under the “monster” umbrella. It doesn’t feel right grouping these women in with the rapists, racists, abusers, etc. That was probably the point though, to show how little women have to do to be considered monsters, while even the most atrocious acts by men can be ignored as long as they claim the “genius” title.
I think the term “monster” may have been used too generously overall, but the insights were powerful and I’m glad to have something to refer to when another one of my favorite artists inevitably lets me down. :/
Dederer’s dive into art and motherhood was unexpected and probably most interesting to me, although I don’t like its placement under the “monster” umbrella. It doesn’t feel right grouping these women in with the rapists, racists, abusers, etc. That was probably the point though, to show how little women have to do to be considered monsters, while even the most atrocious acts by men can be ignored as long as they claim the “genius” title.
I think the term “monster” may have been used too generously overall, but the insights were powerful and I’m glad to have something to refer to when another one of my favorite artists inevitably lets me down. :/
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This book tackles the fan’s dilemma: what to do with the art of artists who happen to be terrible people. Can you stop watching a movie you once loved or listening to a song that shaped you because you learned the director or singer is awful? The answer isn’t simple—and that’s the point, with the author likening it to a stain. It discusses figures like Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Pablo Picasso, and Miles Davis. But not all the “monsters” are men—there are also women such as J.K. Rowling, Doris Lessing, and Joni Mitchell, among others. Part essay, part memoir, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking read.
reflective
medium-paced