The writing, the philosophy, the self-reflection, the existentialism, the inclusion, and the various explorations of relationships in mid-life get a loud, rowdy 5 stars from me. As a queer 44-year-old in an open relationship raising a nonbinary kid with a coparent and going through perimenopause, WOW. This was thought-provoking and reassuring and validating on several levels, and it blew my mind a few times with how she put into words thoughts I haven’t been able to speak or articulate myself but that so badly needed expressed. 

I decided to subtract half a star because some of the more risqué sexual parts and the language used was too raunchy and graphic for me; it sometimes made me uncomfortable to the point of not wanting to read anymore. I’m not one to clutch any pearls and love that she could express herself and her own relationship with sexuality, but it just wasn’t for me and I don’t think I could recommend this to many people. I know it’s a me thing and has to do with certain personal traumas though. 

All that said, Miranda July is a special kind of brilliant and an absolute artist.