Reviews - Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma

Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer

3.13k reviews for:

She made some good points, but ultimately this book fails to answer its main question!!

I agree that shifting the blame onto the consumer is misplaced, and art can be enjoyed with a critical lens. HOWEVER, at some point if you’re only enjoying media riddled with harmful viewpoints, what does that say about you?

tilmanhenschke's review against another edition

3.75

informative reflective fast-paced

no_rah_reads's review against another edition

3.0

Really interesting, only 3 stars based on how long it took me to read. Can be a bit of a slog at times to get through- I recomend the audiobook instead.

misscazz1224's review

4.0

informative reflective medium-paced

illusionfoxpkmn's review

4.5

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

vikkom's review against another edition

4.75

reflective slow-paced

bc_dittemore's review against another edition

5.0

In an attempt to decode her own misgivings about the art she loves, Dederer asks what are we to do with the art made by monstrous people.

I have often asked myself this question. Like Dederer I love the films of Polanski. I enjoy the music of Michael Jackson and Miles Davis. Yet, these artists, along with many others that Dederer names, have done despicable things. They have been hailed as geniuses and innovators, as people who have made major contributions to their art forms. So do we just throw their artistic contributions away? Are we still allowed to enjoy them, to revere them?

Dederer’s answer to these questions surprised me. Her writing is succinct and engaging. I love her ability to critique a work of art, and it is clear that she has put in the work to get to the root of this dilemma.

I couldn’t recommend this book more; it’s fantastic, thought-provoking, and informative. There are many philosophical nuggets that I know I will be dissecting and turning back to time and time again.