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A review by casskrug
How to Read Now by Elaine Castillo
4.0
this was a thought provoking read! elaine castillo asks how we can engage more deeply with the works we consume and take ethics and politics into consideration so that we can think more critically about the way we see things. it’s super in line with my own goals for reading and thinking about books, and felt especially poignant as the 2nd trump administration begins.
castillo’s voice is fresh and witty, which made these essays not only educational, but also enjoyable to read. she pulls in a wide array of literature, film, and TV to examine through the lens of the “unexpected reader.” the essay about joan didion in this book was recommended to me specifically and i really appreciate how well-crafted and well-researched the piece was.
such a great piece of contemporary criticism and a reminder for us to take a deeper look at the art that we interact with!
“…it became patently obvious that much of our literary industry functions as little more than a quaint pastime for its adherents…: a place to merely cosplay diversity, empathy, education. Not a place to truly be diverted from oneself; not a place to be made humble in one's vulnerability; not a place to be laid bare in one's unknowing.”
castillo’s voice is fresh and witty, which made these essays not only educational, but also enjoyable to read. she pulls in a wide array of literature, film, and TV to examine through the lens of the “unexpected reader.” the essay about joan didion in this book was recommended to me specifically and i really appreciate how well-crafted and well-researched the piece was.
such a great piece of contemporary criticism and a reminder for us to take a deeper look at the art that we interact with!
“…it became patently obvious that much of our literary industry functions as little more than a quaint pastime for its adherents…: a place to merely cosplay diversity, empathy, education. Not a place to truly be diverted from oneself; not a place to be made humble in one's vulnerability; not a place to be laid bare in one's unknowing.”