Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'
How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee
3 reviews
ckrysiak's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Such incredible and thought-provoking writing from Chee. This was my first time reading his work, and I put the book down feeling inspired and reflective after every chapter. I did find myself craving more of the story styles from the first third of the book, as I loved Chee's way of describing environments and bodies. However, I still much appreciated his knack for making any topic - simple or incredibly complex - relatable and insightful. Every chapter, every short story, felt like closure; a warm hug in a world that wants to give us the cold shoulder.
This novel offered a tasteful mix of niche experiences with death, AIDS, and romance; as well as the opposite: the journey of a writer, rose gardens, and spaces one can occupy while living in New York.
I did find some parts a bit redundant, specifically in hearing Chee's struggles with certain topics surrounding being a writer, but it didn't push me away.
Overall, this left a remarkable impression on me. I can't wait to see what Chee brings to the table next.
This novel offered a tasteful mix of niche experiences with death, AIDS, and romance; as well as the opposite: the journey of a writer, rose gardens, and spaces one can occupy while living in New York.
I did find some parts a bit redundant, specifically in hearing Chee's struggles with certain topics surrounding being a writer, but it didn't push me away.
Overall, this left a remarkable impression on me. I can't wait to see what Chee brings to the table next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Police brutality, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Xenophobia, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, and Chronic illness
savvylit's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
"Something new is made from my memories and yours as you read this. It is not my memory, not yours, and it is born and walks the bridges and roads of your mind, as long as it can. After it has left mine.
All my life I've been told this isn't important, that it doesn't matter. And yet I think it does. I think it is the real reason the people who would take everything from us say this. I think it's the same reason that when fascists come to power, writers are among the first to go to jail. And that is the point of writing."
In this honest and eloquent collection, Chee manages to both tell readers about the power of the written word AND show that power by sharing deeply personal stories from his own life. Though the title of the collection seems to imply that this is a sort of guidebook for aspiring writers, labeling it as such would be limiting and incorrect. Reading about Chee's experiences makes one feel more inspired to write, yes. But they also make one feel more inspired to live. How to Write an Autobiographical Novel is a compassionate and vulnerable glimpse into the mind of an extraordinary author.
All my life I've been told this isn't important, that it doesn't matter. And yet I think it does. I think it is the real reason the people who would take everything from us say this. I think it's the same reason that when fascists come to power, writers are among the first to go to jail. And that is the point of writing."
In this honest and eloquent collection, Chee manages to both tell readers about the power of the written word AND show that power by sharing deeply personal stories from his own life. Though the title of the collection seems to imply that this is a sort of guidebook for aspiring writers, labeling it as such would be limiting and incorrect. Reading about Chee's experiences makes one feel more inspired to write, yes. But they also make one feel more inspired to live. How to Write an Autobiographical Novel is a compassionate and vulnerable glimpse into the mind of an extraordinary author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Police brutality, Chronic illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
bildungswalton's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual violence, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Chronic illness and Terminal illness
Minor: Car accident
More...