Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
Weather made me feel like I was in Boston in the fall (though it’s set in NYC and spans across seasons). It had a very soothing autumn vibe – a ‘tilting into the abyss’ feeling that was dark and a little sad but also gentle and sometimes delightful. Little moments and phrases that caught my eye while reading – like how the narrator referred to her style of dress as like ‘a little dun bird’ – will likely stay with me longer than the book as a whole.
Having read reviews of Jenny Offill's books, I thought this would be more like an Ali Smith title. But it was less substantial, even thought it was about an ostensibly deeper subject (climate change fears.)
Also, a minor criticism but it is my profession, after all. Librarians (usually degreed positions, though in this case, explained as to why she does not have a degree) do not regularly shelve, nor do they usually have time to read (even journal articles, if not related to the profession) on the job.
Also, a minor criticism but it is my profession, after all. Librarians (usually degreed positions, though in this case, explained as to why she does not have a degree) do not regularly shelve, nor do they usually have time to read (even journal articles, if not related to the profession) on the job.
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Reflective and sad story of a period in a woman’s middle age amidst political turmoil in the USA told in fragments. It’s about 2016, and reading it in 2025, it feels appropriately familiar and grim. Quite depressing, especially the climate pessimism of it all.
The fragmented narrative structure allowed for the ebb and flow of the speaker’s thoughts in a way that feels very similar to my own inner monologue. I wished the story had meaningfully snapped the narrator out of her myopic hand-wringing experience of liberalism and doomsday prepping, but I understand why it didn’t.
The fragmented narrative structure allowed for the ebb and flow of the speaker’s thoughts in a way that feels very similar to my own inner monologue. I wished the story had meaningfully snapped the narrator out of her myopic hand-wringing experience of liberalism and doomsday prepping, but I understand why it didn’t.
Honestly a bit of a rough read when you’re struggling with mental health…not sure how I feel about this book. Will probably take some time to digest…
This book is getting good reviews and since I enjoyed the author's "Dept. of Speculation" back in 2014, I gave it a try. This time Offill's style and the main character didn't grab me. Lizzie is a librarian, mother, wife, sister, daughter, neighbor, soft-hearted, knowledgeable about all sorts of minutiae, answerer of big questions for a former prof's podcast fans, before and after the days of the previous election and with worries about climate change and the end of the world. Bits and pieces swirl around, poetry, novel, funny, sad.
i understand this book on a deep level but i fear i also missed a lot
it took a bit to get used to the writing style but in hindsight i think it perfectly conveys the disjointed and unanchored feeling of technology- and media-centered living
def putting this on the reread list
it took a bit to get used to the writing style but in hindsight i think it perfectly conveys the disjointed and unanchored feeling of technology- and media-centered living
def putting this on the reread list