Reviews

A Guide to Being Born by Ramona Ausubel

pazfauxster's review against another edition

challenging mysterious reflective medium-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

2.5

The first story in the book, called <i>Safe Passage</i>, was so strong that I really got my hopes up. It was moving, mysterious, and I loved how the first part of the book, titled <i>Birth</i>, began with a story (ostensibly) about death. <i>"What an inventive decision!"</i> I thought. Unfortunately, I was in for a disappointment after that.

Overall, I found several stories rather compelling. Those were, apart from the first one, <i>Atria</i>, <i>The Ages</i> and <i>Tributaries</i>. I didn't exactly love them, but they were rather interesting in both premise and execution.

The rest I either found undercooked (what was it about? did the author want to make a statement or was it just a vignette?) or downright disturbing with no particular reason to be so. <i>Poppyseed</i> was the second story in the collection and it already made me want to close the book and forget it ever existed. Not cool. But maybe I'm overreacting.

Anyway, if you're into bizarre stuff about love, life, and family where everything is kinda normal on the surface and not so normal underneath, this is your jam. Unfortunately, it wasn't mine.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Pregnancy, Grief, Terminal illness, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Animal death, and Death

pallotj's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

izzyridge's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

samneat's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

smay's review against another edition

4.0

I figured I would like Ausubel's work and now my suspicions are confirmed. My favorite stories were the weird ones where shit like will you still love me if I'm a chest of drawers happened, but I also really enjoyed the small emotional moments in many of the stories. Will look out more of her work after this!

aleesagammy's review

dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

moodyjulia's review against another edition

4.0

Some of these stories shook me to the core. Some turned my stomach, hurt my heart & took more than they gave. But all were important, and all of them will stay with me. A handful of times I reread a story, just after finishing. That’s so special.

minkattmossy's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

passacaglia's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

2.5

joyful24's review against another edition

2.0

i was only partially impressed by two of the stories. i am sure that i am missing something. might try this again in a few months. just failed to knock the socks off me in every way but one-the idea of the short stories sounded good.