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A review by starsnotshadows
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book wrecked me very much, but I was quite the fan.
I'm sure I will have more coherent thoughts later, but that's all I got for now
Editing to add more coherent thoughts: This book felt almost uncomfortably familiar. At times it was deeply triggering, and at times it was the most seen I have ever felt. Because of that, it was difficult for me to ever be frustrated with Gilda. But I can see where other readers would become frustrated or even dislike the book due to her actions. For me, it just felt like I was reading about another version of myself. Like I know some of these things are irrational, I know there are easier ways to go through life, but I genuinely don't know how to do that.
This book also helped me realize that I enjoy character driven novels more than I thought. I wasn't really expecting this to be character driven up front; I really thought there would be more mystery involved. But I was happy for the journey it took when I realized that wasn't what the book was about. I was also a fan of the meandering vignettes wrapped up in sections, I think I enjoy that novel structure quite a lot.
I am a little confused by how many reviews list this book as funny though. Maybe it's because I was wrapped up more in the emotional moments that I couldn't appreciate the humorous ones. Reflecting on it now, I do remember smiling and finding joy in the more light hearted moments. I suppose I just didn't find very many of those moments to be funny.
Either way, loved the book, may reread at some point but not for a very long time!
I'm sure I will have more coherent thoughts later, but that's all I got for now
Editing to add more coherent thoughts: This book felt almost uncomfortably familiar. At times it was deeply triggering, and at times it was the most seen I have ever felt. Because of that, it was difficult for me to ever be frustrated with Gilda. But I can see where other readers would become frustrated or even dislike the book due to her actions. For me, it just felt like I was reading about another version of myself. Like I know some of these things are irrational, I know there are easier ways to go through life, but I genuinely don't know how to do that.
This book also helped me realize that I enjoy character driven novels more than I thought. I wasn't really expecting this to be character driven up front; I really thought there would be more mystery involved. But I was happy for the journey it took when I realized that wasn't what the book was about. I was also a fan of the meandering vignettes wrapped up in sections, I think I enjoy that novel structure quite a lot.
I am a little confused by how many reviews list this book as funny though. Maybe it's because I was wrapped up more in the emotional moments that I couldn't appreciate the humorous ones. Reflecting on it now, I do remember smiling and finding joy in the more light hearted moments. I suppose I just didn't find very many of those moments to be funny.
Either way, loved the book, may reread at some point but not for a very long time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death
Minor: Homophobia
This book follows a young woman dealing with severe anxiety and depression, and it did feel quite triggering for those two conditions.