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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I picked this book from a bookstore not knowing what to expect. I was marvelled by this find. I had been wanting to read this kind of literature for ages now. It is beautifully written, and that is really all there was. I loved this book even though I can’t relate to most of the life experiences she described here, mostly because the way Jami uses language is gorgeous. I would read anything she wanted to tell. I’m excited to read more of her, because this book is amazing and might be my absolute favorite this year.
Based on this book, I think I would like Jami Attenberg as a person, and I think that says a lot about this memoir. There are essays and moments where I thought “For the first time, I am reading words by someone who >gets me<“. Then there were moments where that feeling disappeared altogether and I wanted to give up reading. The thing is, it’s her memoir and not mine. I just get the sense that she is keeping the reader at arm’s length more often than not. Like there are some truths she just doesn’t want to explore so keeps everything very surface level. Fair enough, none of us are entitled to know her every secret. But I think that’s why the moments of elation and recognition can’t make up for where she’s lost me completely. It’s because of those joyous moments that my disappointment is so strong where my impression is that she’s holding back. I wanted to scream “Just be brave and own this thing that you’re not really talking about because I think I get you. I think I understand and i think you can put into words something that I cannot so please just do it.” But she doesn’t, and would I have the courage to be brave in a memoir? Probably not. But if Jami ever ends up at a local literary festival, I would make it a point to go just to hear her read or give a talk. It’s easier to be honest in fiction, so might explore hers once my (unreasonable?) disappointment fades.
I've loved Jami Attenberg's novels and her #1000wordsofsummer project, so I already knew I'd enjoy her memoir. I was not prepared for all the ways her humanness, heart, writerly journey, and expertly crafted book would wallop me. It was exactly the right book at exactly the right time for me. It was hard to put down, but I made myself take it slow to savor it. What a joy to watch someone grow and learn and fail and try and try for the love of the art.
I really loved this memoir of a writer, as I enjoy all memoirs about writers finding their craft and in turn themselves. Jami Attenberg contemplates a lot of things she moved through and experienced in her life that I am beginning to think more about as a creative, a woman, and a person in the world. Reading this felt like a friend who was at the other end of the tunnel letting me know that the journey might be hard but a creative life is one well-lived and something that can bring you great joy amid the frustration of being a writer.
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
“I Came All this Way to Meet You” by Jami Attenberg
Jami Attenberg has been a writer for many years and of many books. But she has had her ups and downs, successes and failures both in life and in publishing. In this collection of memoir essays, Attenberg accounts for some of her truths about life, writing, and creativity, offering a retrospective for the choices that got her where she is today.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, which I consumed quickly via audiobook. I enjoyed Attenberg’s wit and honesty that didn’t sacrifice memoir style in the process. However, I did ultimately find this to be not very memorable. It could be the time of year (April is always incredibly busy for me), but I also just think some books are like that. There is nothing wrong with a book that is a simple enjoyment in the moment that doesn’t hang with us when we leave it behind. It just means it doesn’t have the impact for me long term.
Overall I’d softly recommend this one, as I do think some folks would find it thoughtful and engaging, maybe even important for one’s own journey. However, I wouldn’t necessarily rush it to the top of your TBR.
Jami Attenberg has been a writer for many years and of many books. But she has had her ups and downs, successes and failures both in life and in publishing. In this collection of memoir essays, Attenberg accounts for some of her truths about life, writing, and creativity, offering a retrospective for the choices that got her where she is today.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, which I consumed quickly via audiobook. I enjoyed Attenberg’s wit and honesty that didn’t sacrifice memoir style in the process. However, I did ultimately find this to be not very memorable. It could be the time of year (April is always incredibly busy for me), but I also just think some books are like that. There is nothing wrong with a book that is a simple enjoyment in the moment that doesn’t hang with us when we leave it behind. It just means it doesn’t have the impact for me long term.
Overall I’d softly recommend this one, as I do think some folks would find it thoughtful and engaging, maybe even important for one’s own journey. However, I wouldn’t necessarily rush it to the top of your TBR.
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced