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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Full of witty, valuable truths
about heavy topics. I definitely will read again!
about heavy topics. I definitely will read again!
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Claire Dederer is brilliant, and this book is vital for anyone consuming art today. She did lose me a bit towards the end when she opened up the argument of what makes a monster to investigate “woman monsters”, where she is unconsciously making the argument that morally questionable and complex decisions of women are the same as men who are actively inflicting trauma and physical abuse. I think she gets stuck in her own paradox of ethical thought versus complex feelings here, an invaluable scaffolding for arguments of what to do with the art of monstrous men. At times, especially in the chapter on Woody Allen, it felt as though Dederer had witnessed the fraught conversations I’ve had with myself as revered artists have had their work stained by their personal actions. Ultimately, the point of this book is to not offer answers but to delve deeper into an issue that will never have an easily applicable solution.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Thoughtful and thought provoking. Monsters raised questions rather than answering them. But, I find it great fun to noodle on the monstrosity in art, in artists, and ultimately, in ourselves. A satisfying blend of memoir and critique. Reading this reminded of those moments back in college, in a really fun class, when an especially juicy discussion would get going. That crackling magic in the air.
The weather was dreary when I picked this one up and I was very much in the mood to ponder. If you’re looking for concrete resolutions, you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for heart and vulnerability and lovely writing, this will hit the spot.
The weather was dreary when I picked this one up and I was very much in the mood to ponder. If you’re looking for concrete resolutions, you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for heart and vulnerability and lovely writing, this will hit the spot.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
despite the author’s clear indecision to support a monster, it was hard to listen to because of the privilege the claire is allowed to take in this moment - “roman polanski raped a 13 year old, but wow i love his movies.” the attempt to not be tone deaf is … deafening.
medium-paced
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring