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A review by trin
Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People's Business by Roxane Gay
3.0
Roxane Gay is an excellent writer and an expert opinion-haver. Unfortunately, I do not think this collection was well-selected. A full third to half the pieces are editorials on current events, and in this particular moment (January 2024) I feel like I am at the worst possible distance to appreciate hot takes on the events of 2016-2022ish. I remember them; I was just there! I think this section will have historical significance, so I am glad the pieces have been collected, but I can't say I enjoyed (re)reading them.
My favorite section was Gay's literary and film criticism; I may not always agree with her, but her analysis in these areas is always fascinating and fresh. But this was unfortunately followed far too soon by an interminable section of celebrity profiles that all read as fairly starfuckery and, frankly, insignificant. (Bland piece on Charlie Hunnam why -- except to make clear that you have interviewed Charlie Hunnam?) Finally there are surprisingly few excerpts from Gay's advice column -- so few as to feel unfortunately like an afterthought.
I think Gay is, and will long-term prove to be, an important writer, but I don't think this was the right assemblage of pieces for the present moment.
My favorite section was Gay's literary and film criticism; I may not always agree with her, but her analysis in these areas is always fascinating and fresh. But this was unfortunately followed far too soon by an interminable section of celebrity profiles that all read as fairly starfuckery and, frankly, insignificant. (Bland piece on Charlie Hunnam why -- except to make clear that you have interviewed Charlie Hunnam?) Finally there are surprisingly few excerpts from Gay's advice column -- so few as to feel unfortunately like an afterthought.
I think Gay is, and will long-term prove to be, an important writer, but I don't think this was the right assemblage of pieces for the present moment.