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cristah 's review for:
The New Me
by Halle Butler
The Gist
The New Me is a bleak, biting character study centered around Millie, a thirty-something woman whose life is as stagnant as it gets. She spends her days halfheartedly working temp jobs and her nights numbing out to Forensic Files, all while floating through the world with no sense of direction or connection. When the possibility of a permanent placement arises, it briefly jolts her out of her daily daze – but not for long. Plot is minimal, but Millie offers a sharp, deadpan narration of her unmotivated, disillusiioned and isolated existence.
The Good
Millie’s inner monologue is dry, cynical, and often funny in a way that I’m not super stoked to admit was uncomfortably familiar to me. She nailed the thoughts I’ve occasionally had about irritating coworkers right on the head. Some of her commentary on the sheer vastness of corporate nonsense genuinely made me laugh. At times, the writing really encapsulates that strange, specific blend of boredom and rage that can bubble up in almost any job – but especially one as mundane as answering phones.
The Bad
The book felt like the same cycle of thoughts and behaviors on repeat for nearly 200 pages. I kept waiting for something – anything – to happen, and when it didn’t, I was like what was even the point of all this. The lack of plot led to a lack of resolution, which I found frustrating. And while I get that the bleak tone was intentional, it left me feeling more sad and anxious than anything else – which is the exact opposite of what I want in my reading experience. It was like being stuck inside someone’s depressive episode with no light at the end.
The Bottom Line
This short little book captures the crushing monotony of modern life a little too well. If you’re in the mood for dark, cynical, and aimless, this might hit the mark. But if you’re looking for a plot or even a small flicker of hope – you won’t find it here. Read with caution.
The New Me is a bleak, biting character study centered around Millie, a thirty-something woman whose life is as stagnant as it gets. She spends her days halfheartedly working temp jobs and her nights numbing out to Forensic Files, all while floating through the world with no sense of direction or connection. When the possibility of a permanent placement arises, it briefly jolts her out of her daily daze – but not for long. Plot is minimal, but Millie offers a sharp, deadpan narration of her unmotivated, disillusiioned and isolated existence.
The Good
Millie’s inner monologue is dry, cynical, and often funny in a way that I’m not super stoked to admit was uncomfortably familiar to me. She nailed the thoughts I’ve occasionally had about irritating coworkers right on the head. Some of her commentary on the sheer vastness of corporate nonsense genuinely made me laugh. At times, the writing really encapsulates that strange, specific blend of boredom and rage that can bubble up in almost any job – but especially one as mundane as answering phones.
The Bad
The book felt like the same cycle of thoughts and behaviors on repeat for nearly 200 pages. I kept waiting for something – anything – to happen, and when it didn’t, I was like what was even the point of all this. The lack of plot led to a lack of resolution, which I found frustrating. And while I get that the bleak tone was intentional, it left me feeling more sad and anxious than anything else – which is the exact opposite of what I want in my reading experience. It was like being stuck inside someone’s depressive episode with no light at the end.
The Bottom Line
This short little book captures the crushing monotony of modern life a little too well. If you’re in the mood for dark, cynical, and aimless, this might hit the mark. But if you’re looking for a plot or even a small flicker of hope – you won’t find it here. Read with caution.