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A review by rgamblin
It Chooses You by Miranda July
emotional
funny
4.25
I believe that upon finishing this one, I’ve read every one of July’s books, and I’m surprised that this one doesn’t rank higher in people’s minds.
A series of interviews with people that July discovers via LA PennySaver ads, this book seems to explore the fundamental curiosity in people that her work is based on. Her reflections on the (notably computer-resistant or computer illiterate) characters she meets forces the reader to confront their own curiosity which can sometimes veer into voyeurism, but I believe is fundamentally based in an empathy and a curiosity around what people are struggling with and how they cope.
Maybe this is a fundamentally selfish question - to know the strangeness of your neighbor creates a sort of solidarity in isolation. I’m left reflecting on the fact that we’re all facing unique struggles, often on our own, but that breeds its own community.
Also an interesting meditation on the privilege of the artist/narrator. July has been poor and has worked odd jobs, but is now in a position to interview others about their odd jobs and receive financial reward and artistic recognition for telling those stories - a conflict she herself confronts within the book.
More heartwarming (and more challenging) than expected.
I love people.
A series of interviews with people that July discovers via LA PennySaver ads, this book seems to explore the fundamental curiosity in people that her work is based on. Her reflections on the (notably computer-resistant or computer illiterate) characters she meets forces the reader to confront their own curiosity which can sometimes veer into voyeurism, but I believe is fundamentally based in an empathy and a curiosity around what people are struggling with and how they cope.
Maybe this is a fundamentally selfish question - to know the strangeness of your neighbor creates a sort of solidarity in isolation. I’m left reflecting on the fact that we’re all facing unique struggles, often on our own, but that breeds its own community.
Also an interesting meditation on the privilege of the artist/narrator. July has been poor and has worked odd jobs, but is now in a position to interview others about their odd jobs and receive financial reward and artistic recognition for telling those stories - a conflict she herself confronts within the book.
More heartwarming (and more challenging) than expected.
I love people.