Welcome to Litsy!

‘I can‘t do it. The quiet restraint, the lack of discernible needs or desires, the undifferentiated sea of dry-cleaned nothingness, the small sips, the half-smiles, the polite pauses, the autopilot nodding. It feels like we‘re all voluntarily erasing ourselves, as if that‘s the only appropriate thing to do.‘ #nowreading.

Starting #NFNov with this collection. I enjoy Havrilesky's Dear Polly advice column so hoping I'll enjoy her essays.
@rsteve388 @Clwojick

Just finished this beauty. Great messages and reminders to not get too caught up in the comparison that is so prevalent in life.

I was completely into some of the essays, and then felt a little blah about some other ones. She covers a huge range of topics - everything from Disneyland to "The Sopranos.” I also felt like I had a harder time with some of her writing style choices - her syntax forced me to concentrate really hard, instead of the reading feeling effortless (although this probably has more to do with me than her). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #NetGalley

A series of essays critiquing society, this one came highly rated but ultimately left me disappointed. Many of the essays were either superficial or stopped short of revelation and the ending was sappy like a bad advice column. Then again, the author is an advice columnist, so I guess that‘s not a surprise.

Even though I have mixed feelings about this book, this essay is quite interesting, specially when it starts to compare all these characters.

I finished the year out with this essay collection, which is also one of my new favorites. I loved the thoughtful blend of pop culture, social criticism and self-reflection.

Now I‘m going to spend New Year‘s wrapping some work-related things up, drinking wine, and watching the new Taylor Swift tour movie on Netflix 💁🏼‍♀️. I‘m excited to start my picks for #newyearwhodis tomorrow! Happy new year!

Guessing/hoping my mind may be about to be blown.

Ducked out of my company holiday party to drink wine in my pajamas and read 💁🏼‍♀️ shout out to everyone, like me, who is struggling this winter. I‘m having a pretty hard time & feelings of isolation and self-loathing have been overwhelming me. One bright spot is that I‘ve been reconnecting with the world of reading, which makes me feel less alone.

Whether she's talking about feminism, pop culture, literature, or the self-help movement, Havrilesky brings razor-sharp analysis and insight. Her analysis of Shirley Jackson and her work and its relevance to our contemporary situation is brilliant. Another essay examines our fascination with apocalyptic scenarios (GoT, Walking Dead), our politics, CrossFit and the Pioneer Woman. IMO, one of the best books of 2018. [I got it through #Netgalley.]

By the acclaimed critic, memoirist, and advice columnist, an impassioned collection tackling our obsession with self-improvement and urging readers to embrace the imperfections of the everyday.

I‘ve been trying to read more nonfiction, and have determined that my preference may lay in essays and autobiography/biography. I am attracted to this title, but have heard that it skews heavily to using pop culture as a main reference point. That might turn me off, but I will hold my judgement until I get further into it.

This aptly named book of essays examines &critiques materialism, consumption, &our obsession w/consumerism &the pursuit of happiness. Pulling largely from pop culture ¤t trends &fads, she delves into the world of foodies, 50 Shades, Disneyland, The Sopranos, romance, &so much more. Each essay is strong in their own right &collectively they make a small tome that packs a punch &causes one 2 examine their own lust 4 such things.
#essays #arc