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Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'
The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater: Essays on Crafting by Alanna Okun
4 reviews
astridiris's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
This book is one I can see really speaking to some people. A lot of it, mostly in the first half, didn’t really speak to me. The authors descriptions of dating, sex, and drinking aren’t in my experience. I felt that the author’s description of men and gender was very gender essentialist. It was a small thread but one I could not ignore as I read through the book.
I really enjoyed the sections on crafting. Those parts were fun to read as a fiber artist who doesn’t normally talk about it with other people.
Overall, the narratives felt a little flat but I nevertheless enjoyed reading some by the end.
I really enjoyed the sections on crafting. Those parts were fun to read as a fiber artist who doesn’t normally talk about it with other people.
Overall, the narratives felt a little flat but I nevertheless enjoyed reading some by the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Mental illness
onalark's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Cursing and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content
dominic_t's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I could relate to a great deal of this memoir. I share Alanna's love of crafting and anxiety. I teared up when she shared about her grief after two of her friends passed away right after she graduated college; I have experienced something similar, and I found her description of her experience with grief very profound and resonant. I loved her funny little snippets of crafting humor. "Missed Connections" is probably my favorite. I also related to her descriptions of anxiety and how she uses her crafting to tame the mean voices in her head.
Some of it just fell a bit flat for me. I wondered how she could afford to live in New York City while she was grinding for a writing job. And then she mentioned her parents' vacation home, and it made sense. And I got a bit bored with some of the talk of boys.
This book kept me company in the ER between tests and doctor visits. It was perfect for that. Sweet, funny, and uncomplicated.
Some of it just fell a bit flat for me. I wondered how she could afford to live in New York City while she was grinding for a writing job. And then she mentioned her parents' vacation home, and it made sense. And I got a bit bored with some of the talk of boys.
This book kept me company in the ER between tests and doctor visits. It was perfect for that. Sweet, funny, and uncomplicated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Grief
Moderate: Death
Trichotillomaniajamesjoyc's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75
Essay collections aren't usually my cuppa tea, but this one was enchanting! Never have I felt so seen as a crafter than in the words of this beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
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