alexandra_avital's review against another edition
3.0
The autobiographical essays at the end were engaging and wonderful. The random magazine articles and reviews that made up the rest didn’t have enough linkage between them. There was no theme except ‘here are some pieces that Zadie Smith wrote reviewing things.’ They were excellent reviews individually but a bit of a slog to get through as a book. 5 stars for the last 100 pages. 3 for the rest of it.
oatpal's review against another edition
since It's just essays I will return to her eventually <3
elinamaria's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Found the bits were the author was talking about herself, art and social issues the most interesting. The bits where they talked about literature I feel like I would have enjoyed had I knew the books she was talking about.
hagiasophia's review against another edition
2.5
i think smith is a very talented writer, and there were a few essays i really liked. However, overall the topics didn't engage me and the analysis was liberal, rather than being fully leftist, as I prefer in my cultural commentary.
abbie_ohara's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe I should have read white teeth? Harvard grads always write like they have something to prove. Didn’t like this one. Felt forced
librelivre's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning collection! I can’t quite unpack how wonderful it was but it certainly will find its readers among writers, art lovers, daughters, pop culture aficionados, the nostalgic, the analytical, avid travelers and more. (IMHO, the book’s strengths are its effortless prose and its wide-reaching topics.. What variety!)
I do recommend the audiobook (my first take) but suggest a physical copy if you like highlighting memorable passages. I am not much of a re-reader, but will pick this one again very soon to do just that.
I do recommend the audiobook (my first take) but suggest a physical copy if you like highlighting memorable passages. I am not much of a re-reader, but will pick this one again very soon to do just that.
theres_claire's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0