Not my favorite piece of writing from Maggie Nelson ; but a good contribution to what I'd call "illness literature" -- and as someone going through myNot my favorite piece of writing from Maggie Nelson ; but a good contribution to what I'd call "illness literature" -- and as someone going through mysterious pain stuff , it was worth the read :)...more
Absolutely beautiful. Perhaps I'll return and update this review later, but in short -- a fascinating deep dive into the writers psychology. Though itAbsolutely beautiful. Perhaps I'll return and update this review later, but in short -- a fascinating deep dive into the writers psychology. Though it doesn't deserve comparisons, it felt like a hybrid of Lispector, Silvia Plath, travel diary, and reading log. Really enjoyed it. 2025 has been one of my weaker reading years, but this is definitely a highlight -- a sharp star that has stood out for me. And holy mackerel, the beautiful design of the book certainly enhances and matches the prose. Kudos to the artist, and the publisher Transit....more
A nice book length critical essay on aging and art.
Like the other Dyer book I read, this was funny, insightful, well written, and at times profound. A nice book length critical essay on aging and art.
Like the other Dyer book I read, this was funny, insightful, well written, and at times profound.
Like the other Dyer book I've read, I'd almost classify this as "beach read criticism" or "philosophy light" -- not a diss at all -- its an easy, pleasant, and meandering read -- like a gentle conversation over a cocktail, or a conversation during a come down (though I don't take drugs, I can imagine). And the funny moments are great.
But its nothing like the mind blowing moments of Rachel Cusk, who for some reason his writing vaguely reminds me of. Nor does it match the profundity of other essay collections or writers like John Berger, who he mentions. (Also heavy mentions of Louise Gluck and Nietzsche)
My favorite pieces were his descriptions of jazz music and reading. There's a decent amount of tennis, which doesn't interest me, and none of the athletic stuff really held my attention. His biographical vignettes of drug usage are pretty amusing and have fun cynical humor. And its probably worth saying that the moments he talks about covid and lockdown were not annoying or grating, which is an accomplishment in its own right.
Light 4 stars. Not essential or "mind blowing", but enjoyable and interesting nonetheless....more
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