Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee

4 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.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Police brutality, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Xenophobia, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, and Chronic illness

internationalreads's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Body shaming, Bullying, Car accident, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness

nibs's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

This book is so intimate and powerful. Such personal essays about his own experiences - identity being a central part, as well as writing - made me feel connected to the author and all other readers. EVery essay stands alone, but ordered like this forms a cohesive unit. I expected to connect most to his queerness, learning about history and seeing parallels with my present life as a queer young person, but all of his exploration of identity hit me so hard. 
What is your sense of self? What are you constructing as a self? How does your present shape your present self? 
I am recommending this to so many people. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent

Moderate: Pedophilia, Police brutality, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Racism, Terminal illness, and Mental illness

drwilko's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

Powerful and thought provoking vignettes

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Hate crime, Homophobia, Medical content, Pedophilia, Police brutality, and Sexual assault

Minor: Islamophobia and Mental illness