miromie's Reviews (148)

I found this collection of essays to be difficult for me. I have two likes about this collection and two dislikes about this collection. 

My first like regarding this collection is the essay entitled “Always Be Optimizing.” This essay is about how women should always be improving themselves and their bodies. I feel that though this is a topic that may seem mundane, or talked about too much, Tolentino wrote about it in a new way with a new perspective about exercise and women’s understanding of themselves and the “forces” around them, for lack of a better term. This essay was endlessly fascinating; I would read a whole book about this topic if Tolentino wrote it. This was, by far, the best essay in the collection. 

My second like regarding this collection is the variety of topics presented. Though it is easy to see how all of these essays connect to one another, I thought that the topics were varied enough that it didn’t feel repetitive or boring. Tolentino chose relevant, modern topics that spark thought and discussion. I think Tolentino wrote about ideas that make themselves known in our culture without repeating what has already been said about those topics. She is smart, quick, and knows how to craft an argument. 

However, I do have two dislikes about this collection. My first dislike was the aura of self-importance Tolentino seemed to have throughout the essays. In fact, one essay was solely about her--I didn’t see why it needed to be included in the collection at all. It was funny to me that she seemed to have this air of self-importance because the book is entitled “Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion.” To me, at least, Tolentino thought herself more important that she actually is, which is not to say she doesn’t have important things to say or isn’t intelligent. 

My second dislike was the accessibility of language, which was practically non-existent. This collection of essays was smart, well-thought out, but a little bit tricky to read. Tolentino uses big words and complex, long sentences. I have no problem with this, but I think that if Tolentino wants people to read, understand, and apply her ideas to their lives, she could have used easier language that is more accessible to the average person. 

This novel was taut. It is told quickly and efficiently without losing character dynamics or depth. However, I only thought the story itself was okay. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The idea itself seems tired, and while the narrative was told in a way that seemed new, I felt that the overall feeling was trite. Yet, Woodson’s characters are quite remarkable. They are well-developed and have emotional depth that jumps off the page and allows readers to really feel like they understand the character’s world and life. Overall, I liked it well-enough, but it wasn’t as stunning as I expected it to be.

Like all the books I’ve been reading lately, nothing really happens in “Outline.” Mostly, there are philosophical conversations about life and love. I actually enjoyed the conversations this woman has with the various people she meets in Athens; Cusk created a character that has the ability to listen and to provide responses that are thought-provoking and relevant. Though not all of Cusk’s characters were particularly enjoyable, I felt all of them were necessary to the story, or perhaps more accurately, the ambience. However, I did like Cusk’s main character, though I felt she was a bit lackluster. Perhaps because she listened so frequently to the conversations and didn’t contribute as much as I thought she should have, I felt lost in who her character was or was supposed to be. Sometimes I felt as if the story was happening to her, rather than she being an active participant, but maybe that was the point. Overall, I liked this novel. 

I really, really loved this book. It is very much Sally Rooney style, but it is distinct enough to stand on its own. It doesn’t feel as if Macken is trying to copy Rooney; Rooney and Macken are just similar. For the same reasons I love Rooney, I love Macken. Her characters aren’t exactly lovable, but you don’t hate them either. They’re interesting, unique, and funnily dark. Like Rooney, nothing really, truly happens in Macken’s story, but her characters are developed deeply enough to keep the reader interested. It isn’t a bland story, but driven by the characters and their problems. As a reader, you root for the characters, but understand their shortcomings, too. Macken masterfully creates these strange characters. 

This was pretty good and I felt it went deep into itself, despite being so short.

I know everyone hates this book but I found it enjoyable. I connected with how Doyle presented her ideas.

I had to read this for school, but found it really enjoyable. It was funny and covered an important topic in a fresh and exciting way.

Ugh, I know everyone loves this book but I found it to be full of stereotypes. It was dull and unrealistic.

This book was okay, and I think I was disappointed by the ending. I finished it quickly, as it does clip along and keep the reader interested.

I found this book to be closely related to the movie "Get Out," and while that's very interesting and thrilling, I felt it was repetitive.