A review by carly_reads
Death Valley by Melissa Broder

emotional funny reflective
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Help me not be empty,” I say to god in the Best Western parking lot.

If I’m honest, I came to escape a feeling- an attempt that’s already going poorly because unfortunately I’ve brought myself with me.

People are such a commitment. I would "reach out" more often if everyone promised not to check in again later.

I always say that I don’t believe a person has to suffer to make art. But that’s only because I imagine it’s true for others (also, I don’t want to be accused of inspiring teen suicide).

Melissa has such a distinct writing style, I think I could recognize it anywhere. She has the sharp ability to meld together big themes with the most absurd situations you could ever come up with. I feel like she’s also able to be concise with what she’s trying to say, but still make an impact. In this case, I think she’s making a statement about how you can’t avoid/escape your life and feelings forever as well as finding the silver linings in life despite circumstances. This felt like an exploration into depression, anticipatory grief, so much anxiety you can’t live your life, how the wants and needs of your inner child never go away, and searching for reasons that would make life meaningful. 

This truly reads like a fever dream- very surreal and absurd but in a good way. I think it was very different than her other books. The main character is much more redeemable (imo lol). I appreciated the commentary about how hard being a caregiver for a loved one with a chronic illness can be. I think it’s unfair to assume that people don’t have less than positive feelings when put in that position despite wanting to be there for that person. I think the author does a good job saying things that a lot of people think but are too afraid to say (both in that context and generally). 
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