Welcome to Litsy!

Although I would have enjoyed some more plot escalation as it goes, the writing is just magnificent. Gaitskill weaves together whole paragraphs of recurring themes and references with seeming effortlessness. The story--a former model recalling her career and the lasting impact of one friend-- is secondary to the effect remembering it has on the inner life of the protagonist via prose that brims with guilt, uncertainty, and hard-won wisdom.

"When I was young, my mother read me a story about a wicked little girl."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

I always go on about Mary Gaitskill but I've only read one book by her, Two Girls, Fat and Thin. It's like I'm always recovering from that book; so brutal and raw and urgent. I can't wait to read more Gaitskill but also feel like I need to be prepared. This is still to be read and features one character who's a #supermodel (or at least, a model 😬).

#Aprella @Cinfhen @Mdargusch @emilyhaldi @Reviewsbylola

I can usually recall the source of a recommendation on my reading list. I'm at a loss with this one. Therefor, I don't know who to thank for the tearful interlude at work today as I listened to the final chapter. I suppose I'll just have to send my gratitude to Mary Gaitskill for breaking down my emotional armor. (Bitch :)

People kept mentioning Mary Gaitskill and then I came upon this one in a used bookstore, so I figured it was a sign from the heavens. I underlined so much of it, there are really amazing sentences and bits and it left me feeling hopeful and like whatever happens in your life is possibly worth it in the long run.

Beautiful writing. However, it was a giant black hole of depression for me and so not my cup of tea. Leaving a book feeling negative and dark about humanity - just not what I'm into right now. Life is beautiful! Maybe I'll like it at some other time in my life.