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sofiamarielg's review against another edition
3.0
I had been meaning to read this book for a while because of two key reasons. The first was that everywhere I read, Daum was touted as an iteration of my all-time hero Joan Didion. The second was that it seemed that in this book she would divulge some precious nuggets of sageness that would lessen the blow of my impending quarter-life crisis. Unfortunately, My Misspent Youth only delivered weak, lukewarm pieces of both. It is possible to see the Didion comparisons in her journalism pieces on polygamy and flight attendants. I mostly enjoyed these but for the fact that they were heavily watered down with Daum's personal opinions, which were too overbearing for what could have been simple, well-written essays about American life. In terms of writing that could help any twenty-something, the titular essay did most of the legwork by making me feel better about my college debt. Everything else was shrouded by heavy pretension, in particular the essay solely dedicated to express Daum's disdain for carpet. Overall, not exactly the best tome with which to inaugurate this year of reading - but a somewhat interesting one, at least.
bookofcinz's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit I am a fan of Meghan Daum. I read “Selfish, Shallow and Self-Absorbed” that she edited and I wanted to read something that she actually wrote, I was not disappointed. I am not a big fan of essays but Daum really wowed me with these pieces. I like that all the topics covered were totally random while being interesting and thought provoking. Yes the essay “Carpet” threw me on a loop but I totally got the analogy she was going for.
Daum’s voice is poignant, I am hoping she will take the leap and write a book. A great read.
Daum’s voice is poignant, I am hoping she will take the leap and write a book. A great read.
cremefracas's review against another edition
1.0
I Hated this book. Which is a funny thing to say, seeing as how the thing that bugged me about the book was how relentlessly negative and judgmental Daum was about almost every subject she undertook. By the end, I was just so weary of her hating/being better than everything, I couldn't wait for it to be over. Which was a shame, because the last essay was written (formatted?) really interestingly and appealingly, but the emotions involved were just so repulsive, that after the whole book of approximately zero self-awareness, it didn't matter. Maybe all this was meant as satire? I'm not convinced. Also, my e-copy was typo-riddled, just making things worse.
romcm's review
4.0
Very good personal essays on debt, playing the oboe, the death of a friend, flight attendants and dolls. Very relatable.
emmagreaves's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
2.25
loved certain essays, felt unsettled by others. music is my bag was my favorite.
k8iedid's review
I enjoyed this as a nice walk down memory lane to being in your early 20s in NYC. The essay about carpet was my favorite. The Brian Peterson piece was so abrupt and different, it seemed like it was written by an entirely different person/a.
lola425's review
3.0
Based on the first couple of essays, I would have given it four stars as it hit all of my sweet spots. I felt the second half was uneven and I was downright uncomfortable with the last essay (certainly the intent). Daum comes across as completely self-aware at the same time that she seems clueless, which is ultimately all of us.
kjboldon's review against another edition
2.0
At the time they were written, these essays probably felt fresh and daring, with Daum's insight, sharp writing, and willingness to speak truths that others wont. But they miss some critical elements of what's developed as necessary ingredients in memoir: self awareness (especially in regard to white privilege) self deprecation (it's not enough to admit you're a jerk, you have to regret it, not trumpet it), and a sense of humor that comes not from mocking others. The title essay is great and one of the few that manages the balance of tone. But many of the other essays betray a startling lack of awareness. Search for the title essay online but skip this book.