Roxane Gay

I started this right before bed, thinking I'd read a story or two before sleeping. It was about 3:30 AM when I next looked at the clock. The stories were that good.

The stories in this collection were ugly and dark, but also beautifully written and completely compelling. They showed how healing can be a painful process.

While most of the stories were contemporary, there were a few that edged into magical realism, if not outright SF. The one alternate history of a US where the South had seceded after the election of (supposedly) President Obama hit home, given the current political climate. And the very science fiction story of a world in which a coal miner flew to the sun and snuffed it out in order to make himself feel whole was beautiful.

A gorgeous collection that made me want to read everything Gay's written.… (mer)

I’ve noticed that on several books lately that I’ve read on Goodreads that Roxane Gay has posted her thoughts. I respect her opinions as they are always well thought out, never reactive. But they show emotion, as well as clear critique and review of the topic.

Gay writes from the perspective of a Black woman in America and the book explores the issues around that, centring around the idea of being a ‘bad feminist’ as women as expected to be perfect at all times. Gay uses many excellent examples of this, from her own experiences to the notion that a female character in a book is meant to be likeable but it’s okay for male characters not to be. Why can’t we have unlikeable female characters as a positive trait rather than a negative one? There is also the most in depth essay I’ve seen about Fifty Shades of Grey which explores the themes in a light hearted way but totally gets the point across. Why is it not OK for women to like this sort of book? Or Twilight? Some of the texts I wasn’t familiar with, like Green Girl, and I found the review of the themes interesting but not engrossing.

This book was written nearly 10 years ago, but the themes are still just as relevant a decade on. Black Lives Matter, the right to an abortion, sexual violence and gender – it could all be taken from today’s headlines. (Except for the positive vibes of Twitter). Gay challenges the reader to take stock of their own reactions, emotions and prejudices by presenting clear, well researched arguments. But the writing is not dry like you might think based on the topics – it’s like a good friend who Knows Stuff chatting with her. Her style is engaging and acknowledges her faults and strengths. Plus, there are lots of pop culture references and Gay is unapologetic with that, which I love. Pop culture is part of our lives, why ignore it? (And bonus points for in depth Sweet Valley High analysis).

Roxane Gay is a brilliant writer who draws you in. After finishing this book, I immediately went and bought her new essay collection for more fun and smart essays.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com… (mer)