Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee

5 reviews

ckrysiak's review against another edition

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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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remimicha's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

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massivepizzacrust's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I read this through Life's Library, the world's best online book club! I love how it makes me pick up books I never would have read otherwise and sometimes those books turn out amazing! As was the case here, obviously. I am no good at book reviews. Why did I love this book? I'm not 100% sure, I don't always love essays but I guess the reason I loved this collection is because I felt like I got a real sense of who Alexander Chee is as a person, there is so much vulnerability in this book and so much of an invitation into his thoughts and struggles. Even if my life is so different from the author's, it was so easy to put myself into his shoes at times because the emotions and concerns were relatable. I know the feeling of being haunted by past trauma and mistaking it for my personal mistakes, I know the feeling of having to go somewhere new to find myself and still not knowing who I am. Also, the writing! The writing is so beautiful! I don't know who to recommend this to but I want to recommend it to someone. I recommend this to anyone who struggles to believe they're making the right choices in life. 
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manarnia's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book is phenomenal. I enjoyed reading it so much. Chee is a brilliant essayist, and while each essay stands alone just fine, this collection builds narratively in a way that I have never seen in another essay collection. This book is smart, sincere, and painfully honest. It's very intense at times, but it is very good all the way through. 
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dytiscusfriend's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

After years of stagnation, this book blew on the glowing ember of my writing and inspired me to once again pick up the pen. Every essay is moving, tender, and invites the reader to imagine sharing their own thoughts and stories through the written word.

Recommend for fans of The Empathy Exams and How We Fight For Our Lives. 
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