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mikeybjones's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment, Car accident, Child abuse, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Police brutality, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Suicide
ckrysiak's review against another edition
4.75
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.
Graphic: Death, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Police brutality, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Xenophobia, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, and Chronic illness
remimicha's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Death and Homophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, Grief, Racism, Sexual assault, War, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Classism, and Bullying
savvylit's review against another edition
4.5
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.
Graphic: Death, Police brutality, Chronic illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
owenwilsonbaby's review against another edition
5.0
This was incredible. It's only March but probably my favourite read of the year? Which is such a nice change because I usually find it hard to get into non fiction and essays. All of it was so deftly, fantastically written that it was a struggle to pick out a single favourite quote. Other strong quote contenders: the rose garden growing back stronger, the reason why you write in the face of adversity. Chee is an insanely talented storyteller, and has so much to say about life experiences, identity, activism, love, growth, trauma and writing itself. I feel like a different person after reading this, and trying to sum it up in this review feels cheap.
Moderate: Sexual assault, Racial slurs, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Grief, Suicide attempt, Police brutality, Child abuse, Racism, and Homophobia
internationalreads's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Body shaming, Bullying, Car accident, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
questingnotcoasting's review
3.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Child abuse, Death, Terminal illness, and Police brutality
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Racism, and Homophobia
manarnia's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Car accident, Suicidal thoughts, and Xenophobia
yrioona's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Grief