Reviews

Opinions by Roxane Gay

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drakken's review against another edition

3.5

Collections are tricky. This one didnât leave as much of an impression on me as Gay's first, Bad Feminist, did. Maybe itâs because many of these pieces are from years ago and it's hard for some of them to not feel dated or less relevant than they once were, especially when talking pop culture or current events (though in theory that would also have applied to Bad Feminist...). Maybe itâs that some of the ground tred here feels over-familiar at this point, whether due to her writing about it on multiple occasions or me reading similar content from others.

That said - there are still plenty of meaningful observations to be found in these pages, and I continue to appreciate her voice and the thoughtfulness she brings to her writing.

trin's review against another edition

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3.0

Roxane Gay is an excellent writer and an expert opinion-haver. Unfortunately, I do not think this collection was well-selected. A full third to half the pieces are editorials on current events, and in this particular moment (January 2024) I feel like I am at the worst possible distance to appreciate hot takes on the events of 2016-2022ish. I remember them; I was just there! I think this section will have historical significance, so I am glad the pieces have been collected, but I can't say I enjoyed (re)reading them.

My favorite section was Gay's literary and film criticism; I may not always agree with her, but her analysis in these areas is always fascinating and fresh. But this was unfortunately followed far too soon by an interminable section of celebrity profiles that all read as fairly starfuckery and, frankly, insignificant. (Bland piece on Charlie Hunnam why -- except to make clear that you have interviewed Charlie Hunnam?) Finally there are surprisingly few excerpts from Gay's advice column -- so few as to feel unfortunately like an afterthought.

I think Gay is, and will long-term prove to be, an important writer, but I don't think this was the right assemblage of pieces for the present moment.