“I throw myself into things, expecting always to get what I want. And I always get what I want. Now it feels like I’ve failed all over again. Only this time there’s no motivation behind it. I’ve just failed myself, and it hurts in a strange, unfamiliar way. The wound is deeper than anything I’ve ever felt.”

This is a truly magnificent debut with much to love and admire about it.

There’s so many elements that gauged such an empathetic response from me. Tu’s use of language is beautiful but also contains a sense of urgency which I found incredibly engaging. The amount of emotional trauma and self harm that manifests itself though sex, a longing to feel, is confronting but also incredibly relatable to many in our society. Thus I didn’t find it to be inappropriate or unnecessary. There is also a great amount amount of social commentary throughout which is sharp, perceptive and more or less 100% true. I think Tu has done an amazing job in manifesting a protagonist that’s damaged, but not broken (aren’t we all?). Trying to navigate a life once so scheduled and regimented, controlled by the prospect of success and perfectionism, a life that’s lonely.

I think many may describe this book as mundane (from a place of negativity) but that’s precisely what I loved about it. I could say so much more, but more than anything I suggest you dive in and read it.

(Buddy read with @paulineisreading)