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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
The literary analysis pieces were brilliant, as were the Eminem and Richard Pryor pieces. I'm still annoyed by the Malcolm X analysis--not because Als has a different opinion than I do, because I see his point on some things, but the business about "When Malcolm was looking out the window with a gun, he was looking for his mother." Nope nope nope. What you and Freud do in your free time is your own business, but it doesn't belong on the page. Still, if you're comfortable enough with intellectual writing that you don't have to scream "pretentious!" at it, this is very much worth checking out.
This book is completely insane and astonishing. Als is such a brave, unorthodox writer. He does things with syntax I just can't imagine ever doing myself.
The quicker hit essays are terrific, and curiously pointed at a number of my favorite obsessions, like Flannery OConnor. The more ponderous entries aren't at that level but still more than worth it.
some essays were good, others were tedious and pretentious in tone. overall worth a read though, particularly for the first essay.
As intimate and tender as it is grotesque and abstract. A glorious, wonderfully written book — easy to get lost in, but wonderful nonetheless.
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
This was my second time coming back to this book after picking it up in a Waterstone’s when I was at university on a whim. It’s incredibly challenging to read and I definitely couldn’t get into all of the essays, it felt like a bit of an uphill battle at times and I’m not sure Als’ writing style always worked with his subject matter. But I absolutely loved some of the essays especially on Richard Pryor.
Legitimately couldn't get into or through this book. Might revisit at another time when I'm better able to appreciate the language and to delve into what it all means - but it was the wrong time for me with White Girls.
Complicated and rewarding. I didn't agree with everything Als said, but I loved that because it constantly stopped me in my tracks and made me question everything.
The first couple of essays center on Hilton Als' life as a black gay man in white America, and I found them stunning. His pieces on Flannery O'Connor, Eminem and Michael Jackson are all worth several rereads as well.
Read this book if you want to be challenged. I promise you haven't read anything like it before.
The first couple of essays center on Hilton Als' life as a black gay man in white America, and I found them stunning. His pieces on Flannery O'Connor, Eminem and Michael Jackson are all worth several rereads as well.
Read this book if you want to be challenged. I promise you haven't read anything like it before.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective