shoohoob's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
I loved this so much. As a musician and lover of music, reading how Abdurraqib so vividly talks about music is amazing. The way he just weaves artists into stories of his life and experiences is impactful. I’m not usually a big non-fiction/essay reader but I am so so so glad I picked this up and read it. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I knew/heard all of the artists he talks about, but the ones I did know HIT.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Islamophobia, Racism, Death of parent, Police brutality, Xenophobia, and Grief
mercedesb's review
5.0
Incredible essay collection. Poetic writing, insightful cultural commentary, loving personal reflections, and a tour through time via the music that defined Abdurraqib's young adulthood. Def recommend.
grayola's review against another edition
5.0
One of those perfect collections of essays that rivet you with every sentence. I think Hanif deeply understands how critical and cultural commentary thrives alongside autobiography. We read someone’s perspective for its subjectivity, not its objective truth. There is no aggregated approval or disapproval of a film, piece of music, or item of cultural discourse: just feeling and the expression in relation to it.
etbliss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
anuwolf's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I am so happy I picked this book up. Music is so powerful and it connects so many of us in so many different ways. Hanif was able to beautifully portray his thoughts on how culture, music, and our lives are intertwined and can relate to all sorts of subjects many of us have to deal with. I love this book and all of its essay. It made my heart swell.
heyitsamandarae's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
john_hewitt's review against another edition
5.0
Never thought I would read a book that has an entire chapter dedicated to Cute is What We Aim For and the misogyny of mid-2000s emo bands. Didn't disappoint.