A review by wenwanzhao
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

I first started this book when I was 18. I thought that Tolentino’s prose was masterful and that her critique was mind blowing. Back then, her articles were part of what introduced me to theory in relation to culture. Finishing this book three years into a social science degree, I found that I have more criticisms and disagreements with her essays. I still think her prose is great. There are some beautiful lines in these essays. But I’ve read so many essays and articles now. I’m able to see more flaws in her lines of reasoning. I can form thoughtful critiques of her subject matter. It’s strange how what once seemed to me like pinnacle of culture criticism now reads more like theory dumbed down for a general audience. Picking the book up again years later really showed me the level of growth I’ve had over the years. 

I still enjoyed these essays. The one on religion and ecstasy was my favourite. I imagine myself going back to it. It does feel very dated to what people were thinking about in the mid- to late-2010s, but I find that being able to pinpoint the cultural atmosphere something was written in is not an inherently bad trait. I still read Tolentino’s articles from time to time. She has a unique voice and discernment that I find compelling. 
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