Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I picked this book up at random in a second hand bookstore and, especially considering that, really really enjoyed it! Some meaningful, thought-worthy sentiments on having it all, on what life owes you.
This was a very quick read for me, primarily because I find people just talking about true things that happened to them in their lives incredibly compelling, and because Ariel Levy is a just plain excellent writer who kept me engaged.
It was also heartbreaking to read. And at turns infuriating, because I was so frustrated with Ariel being so selfish. But what was great about it was that she knew, as time had passed, just how selfish and naive she had been. She doesn't try to defend herself in the present. She just tells her story and lays it bare, both the events and the way she reasoned and rationalized and explained it all away to herself until there was nothing left to do but let go.
It was excellent, and if you are into memoirs, I recommend it.
It was also heartbreaking to read. And at turns infuriating, because I was so frustrated with Ariel being so selfish. But what was great about it was that she knew, as time had passed, just how selfish and naive she had been. She doesn't try to defend herself in the present. She just tells her story and lays it bare, both the events and the way she reasoned and rationalized and explained it all away to herself until there was nothing left to do but let go.
It was excellent, and if you are into memoirs, I recommend it.
I began reading this as a library book on my Kindle, and within the first half, I decided to order the hard copy because I was highlighting so many passages and writing my own notes in. This is one of the most raw memoirs I’ve read and written so beautifully. Ariel Levy has been through her share of ups and downs, but what I loved most about her story is that she didn’t try to portray herself as the hero. There are moments when I hated the choices she was making, but you can tell that she also hated herself for them - just going to show that we don’t always have 100% control over our emotions and our handling of them.
Levy’s stories will leave you alternating between laughing and crying, all the while remaining completely relatable. It’s a vulnerable look at a somewhat unconventional life and how she navigated her way through it. Highly recommend.
Levy’s stories will leave you alternating between laughing and crying, all the while remaining completely relatable. It’s a vulnerable look at a somewhat unconventional life and how she navigated her way through it. Highly recommend.
The clickbait-y premise drew me, but this was one was oddly paced (the ending just sort of fizzled out) and hard to enjoy. I did appreciate reading the author’s perspective and experience of addiction, but overall didn’t love.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Probably 3.5 stars. Levy's writing is descriptive, powerful, and astute. The individual sentences were gorgeous, but the book overall felt a bit chaotic. We know from the very beginning that she will have a miscarriage and her marriage won't work out, yet it still felt so ominous and urgent. Reading it as a 'young' unmarried and childless woman in NYC, much of it felt like a cautionary tale.
First off: this is a tough read. It's unfiltered, dark, honest and raw. Which, if you're me, is exactly what you want from a memoir. But even then, there were moments I gasped aloud and felt close to to tears. It doesn't pull its punches.
Second: Levy is a great writer. Her prose is sharp, her descriptions lush but not overwritten and her pacing is really, really good. You feel like you're watching a movie, and have to remind yourself it's someone's life.
This was one of the best books I've read this year, and it really put into focus how random and cruel life can be, and how it's important to remain hopeful and honest with yourself no matter what happens. A powerful work that I'd pass along to anyone looking for a great nonfiction read.
Second: Levy is a great writer. Her prose is sharp, her descriptions lush but not overwritten and her pacing is really, really good. You feel like you're watching a movie, and have to remind yourself it's someone's life.
This was one of the best books I've read this year, and it really put into focus how random and cruel life can be, and how it's important to remain hopeful and honest with yourself no matter what happens. A powerful work that I'd pass along to anyone looking for a great nonfiction read.
The Rules Do Not Apply is a compelling and extremely readable biography. It deals with many different issues, including loss of a baby, alcoholism, love, bisexuality, and friendships. It is candid, honest, and at times raw. I want to read more of Ariel Levy and see what other directions her life is to follow.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
a passage through grief and the loss at the hands of motherhood, very dark and challenging - slightly problematic protagonist
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Suicide