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daphnesayshi's review
3.0
For some reason I had the mistaken impression that Isn't It Pretty To Think So was going to be a very different book from what I ended up reading.
I think it must have been some kind of free association – I got the book right about the same time I got Lang Leav's Love And Misadventure; Nick Miller was also a known Tumblr user. And because Love And Misadventure eventually turned out to be such a traumatic experience for me, I had very little hope for how Isn't It Pretty To Think So would turn out.
You see, I buy books often, and sometimes only get around to reading them after a long time has passed. I find that a rather effective method for me because I often am pleasantly surprised with what I read for the fact that I sometimes forget why it was that I wanted to buy a particular title in the first place.
This is perhaps what I will say about Nick Miller's debut. I didn't think I was going to, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes he reminds me a little of Bret Easton Ellis, especially with Jake's time at the Sunset House, but less... I don't know menacing? Less futile?
I also think a lot of why I liked it has to do with the fact that he did not try too hard to be innovative with form as some contemporary writers do (Tao Lin anyone?). It reads like a story, and it makes sense like a story, and we therefore enjoy it like we do with a story.
In fact when I read the thinly veiled insult thrown at Tao Lin's Shoplifting At American Apparel (the book was never mentioned but all signs point to it), I knew that it was going to be a book that I'll like.
However, at times, the narrative feels meandering and long winded – the book I think, will benefit from getting it trimmed down a bit.
Enjoyable, immersive read, readily identifiable and relevant to all of us weaned on social media – even if towards the end I found it difficult to maintain my suspension of disbelief.
I think it must have been some kind of free association – I got the book right about the same time I got Lang Leav's Love And Misadventure; Nick Miller was also a known Tumblr user. And because Love And Misadventure eventually turned out to be such a traumatic experience for me, I had very little hope for how Isn't It Pretty To Think So would turn out.
You see, I buy books often, and sometimes only get around to reading them after a long time has passed. I find that a rather effective method for me because I often am pleasantly surprised with what I read for the fact that I sometimes forget why it was that I wanted to buy a particular title in the first place.
This is perhaps what I will say about Nick Miller's debut. I didn't think I was going to, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes he reminds me a little of Bret Easton Ellis, especially with Jake's time at the Sunset House, but less... I don't know menacing? Less futile?
I also think a lot of why I liked it has to do with the fact that he did not try too hard to be innovative with form as some contemporary writers do (Tao Lin anyone?). It reads like a story, and it makes sense like a story, and we therefore enjoy it like we do with a story.
In fact when I read the thinly veiled insult thrown at Tao Lin's Shoplifting At American Apparel (the book was never mentioned but all signs point to it), I knew that it was going to be a book that I'll like.
However, at times, the narrative feels meandering and long winded – the book I think, will benefit from getting it trimmed down a bit.
Enjoyable, immersive read, readily identifiable and relevant to all of us weaned on social media – even if towards the end I found it difficult to maintain my suspension of disbelief.
ca_mila's review
4.0
This is a beautifully written book and although at times I think it could do with a stronger storyline, it made me laugh and almost cry. It has quite a humorous and yet accurate representation of today's youth which I liked a lot and made me think about myself too. I would definitely recommend this to other people.
mxmaxreads's review
4.0
This is a story for college graduates or adults in their early to mid 20's who are unsure of their futures and struggling to find themselves. I found that I could relate to the narrator on some levels (despite his relatively large sum of money that he was free to spend as he chose), and Jake's journey to find himself on his pursuit of making a career out of his writing. I think what is the most compelling about this book is how it blends the modern American culture of technology and social networking with references to classic literature and concepts that dive into interpersonal relationships. What Miller does here is he portrays the urge to let loose and party with the repercussions of losing sight of who you are on that winding path. He also highlights the importance of connections with the people you encounter as well as the significance of everyday things (literature, coffee, music, simple pleasures). I can see a lot of Salinger and Murakami in his writing style, but Miller doesn't fail to put his own touch on "Isn't It Pretty To Think So" and makes for a fine first novel, which is, hopefully, only the beginning of what is to come of his creative mind.
melodywan's review
4.0
A very gripping story. Beautifully written, and as a twenty something year old just out of college millennial, I feel a special bond toward Jake. A great first novel.
I almost passed on this novel from other people's not so positive reviews. But good thing I didn't.
I almost passed on this novel from other people's not so positive reviews. But good thing I didn't.
adamngoodtime's review
4.0
As I read this novel, I enjoyed following Jake Reed on his journey of self discovery. Nick Miller accurately portrays aspects of the Millennial generation: angst, self doubt, desires for greatness and deeper connections; all amidst the sifting of what is "real." Truly, a great first effort by Miller.
zeecorster's review
4.0
Beautifully written, deeply felt debut novel. Some really excellent insights into the creative inspiration and mind of a writer, complete with the self-loathing and depression that seem to inevitably accompany them. Not the most uplifting book, but one I feel speaks directly to me and other twenty-somethings with my post-college despairing attitude. A novel that truly speaks to the power of individuals and their effects on our lives.
jfruth's review
5.0
There are too many things I want to say about this book and I just can't pick where to start. And I feel like I need to actually have it in front of me so I can scour it for specific quotes or passages that really spoke to me and changed me.
Well, generally speaking... for a debut novel, this is a stellar start. I cannot begin to articulate how much this novel changed me - truly. While Stephen King and J.K. Rowling introduced me to the desire to craft stories, this novel really set that in stone. It spoke to me on a very deep level because the main character is absolutely relatable. Many people may knock this as "hipster lit," as they have done with "Perks of Being a Wallflower." But if Nick Miller has created a character and the world he inhabits so clearly and crisply that so many people can find at least ONE THING to relate to him with, then he has done his job as a writer. This is perhaps one of the most emotional books I've ever read, and while it at some points reads as an autobiography - though Miller swears that it's not - it is never boring and always beautiful. The language and the imagery is breathtaking, and I cannot wait to see what Miller does next.
Well, generally speaking... for a debut novel, this is a stellar start. I cannot begin to articulate how much this novel changed me - truly. While Stephen King and J.K. Rowling introduced me to the desire to craft stories, this novel really set that in stone. It spoke to me on a very deep level because the main character is absolutely relatable. Many people may knock this as "hipster lit," as they have done with "Perks of Being a Wallflower." But if Nick Miller has created a character and the world he inhabits so clearly and crisply that so many people can find at least ONE THING to relate to him with, then he has done his job as a writer. This is perhaps one of the most emotional books I've ever read, and while it at some points reads as an autobiography - though Miller swears that it's not - it is never boring and always beautiful. The language and the imagery is breathtaking, and I cannot wait to see what Miller does next.
thebooksitter's review
4.0
Wonderful first novel. Jake, the main character, is quite complex. I originally picked up the book because I've take interest in novels of self discovery and this one did not disappoint. While I cannot bond with Jake over the excess use of drugs or alcohol, I completely understand the depression that overcomes a person when they start to question the meaning of their life. Certain points of the book had me nodding along while others left me frustrated. This book proves that with some pushing and shoving, not to mention new experiences, self discovery can lead to the experience of new emotions and a wonderful story. It is also thought provoking and it has left me wondering what the next step in my life will be.
katieostrowka's review
1.0
I was a decent way into the book before I just couldn't read anymore. The whole west Hollywood party/club culture stuff brought the book down to a pretentious level that totally distracted me. The writing is not BAD, but it came up as over 900 pages on my nook. Where was the editor here?? Unnecessarily long and drawn out, I'm sorry for any Hemingway fans who are/were also expecting more from a book with this title.
jenbebookish's review
4.0
I actually struggled a little bit with my feelings about this book. I'm not going to lie, I had to give myself a little pep talk before I even started it. Because I went to hs with this guy, and actually remember seeing him--I have a clear memory of him in a red polo and the blue uniform shorts the guy's had at our school. So because I remember him, and because he's a young writer in general and nothing so great and amazing to me as a young writer, I knew that I really really wanted to like the book and that I might have a biased opinion. I didn't want to forgive it any large flaws, or like it just to like it. I wanted to literally like it. Technically like it. Seriously actually like it.
And I did, I did!!
But I don't really know how to review it. Hard to even describe the plot. Suffice it to say, it was the story of the life of a twenty something living in LA. And that in itself might not be so great, not like it hasn't been done before...think Brett Easton Ellis, who I don't even like. It's the fact that it's so so right on. The feeling of feeling isolated and alone, the activities in general, the streets... the drugs. All that shit. It made me wonder, does everyone feel and experience exactly the same thing living in LA? I guess I'm not that special after all. But whatever. Nick Miller pegged it perfectly. The way you start off virginal, and inexperienced...the way you get thrown into situations you'd never thought you'd be in. The way the drugs just fall into your lap, and eventually you just try them (peer pressure is a real thing. Except it's not all like "Come on, don't you wanna be cool?" or "Come on, everyone is doing it!" The way it's portrayed on the funny flat peopled commercials. It's more like, literally everyone is doing it and in order to seem like one of them, like you're NOT the inexperienced kid you actually are, you pop that pill in your mouth and try and pretend you've done it before, or you do that line, or take that hit.-whatever the drug of choice may be.
I read some negative reviews on this book that kinda attacked Miller by saying his partying, sexing, drugging was redundant and they were sick of him being his own worst enemy. But I thought that was the point. Trust me--these people (ill include myself in this group) know they are their own worst enemies. They know, and want to stop but can't and then get even more depressed about it. Being self destructive isn't synonymous with being oblivious. In fact I think these people are the MOST self aware and that's what makes it worse!
And now I feel like I'm making a debate for these existential crisisis. I'm not. Ultimately--I just mean to say that I relate. I empathize. And I wonder, how much of this was taken from his life? ( don't readers always wonder that? And don't writers always take from what they know?)
I wasn't sure initially how I felt about the constant contemporary references. Facebook. Twitter. Franzen. Portugal the Man. Then after awhile I realized that had they not been there, I wouldn't have related quite as much. Sure, I would recognize the same feelings, the same melancholy mood and depressive tendencies and clearly typical angst. But without all that name dropping I wouldn't have felt like I did; and that's that Isn't It Pretty To Think So? was a page taken right out of my life. And the fact that it was so real, made me think he was honest and the fact that he was honest made me like the book.
I guess in life there are two types of people. The people who are just happy. Simple. The kind of people that can let things roll of their back's, can decide what they want to believe instead of being a slave to their actual beliefs that they wish they didn't believe. The kind that can move on easily, and let go. This is probably not a book for them. They will think it is whiny, because they think WE are whiny. And then there are the others. The kind that CAN'T let things roll off their back's, the kind that over analyze and idealize and agonize over lost loves and past mistakes. These people will surely relate to so many aspects of Jake's story. (Is it Jake's story.... Or is it Nick's?) And I hear the former kind of people scoff at the latter kind. "Whiny emo shit" to be exact--a quote from my best guy friend who I admit I love for saying things like that, because I secretly like when people trivialize my pain because it makes me believe them just a lil, that maybe just maybe it's not that big of a deal after all. A word of advice tho, to those happy people. Give the other kind a break. They'd rather be like you, trust me. It reminds me of what Daisy Buchannon says in the Great Gatsby, "That's the best thing in life a girl can be, a beautiful little fool."
Some oddities; Jake was a both absurdly lucky and unlucky. Lucky for the $, the way random people reached out (jayson, Parker, stone fox, Henry. I mean how many people extend a hand to a stranger like that? Whether it be a helping hand or hand seeking saving. With some insightful speech or note or rambling sililoqy?) and then unlucky with all the death; the gma, Tatiana. The chick that used him to get her ex boyfriend back. (Something that's embarrassingly familiar to me, I will admit.) And also, Jake sure met a lot of crazy people. (I always wonder...is ANYONE that ridiculous? I've seen crazy, but so blatantly bizarre? not quite.) The actress. Parker. The Asian DJ roommate.(another question--is anyone THAT obsessed with Facebook? I've yet to see one.) I'm not sure one person could come across so many outrageous people and experiences in such a short lifetime. But maybe they could, who knows Nick Miller could be transcribing straight out of his journal.
This book made me cry. It made me angry, and it made me think, and it actually inspired me to try writing something. Isn't that a success in itself? Upon completion, I closed the book and felt I had a bit of a kindred soul in Jake-and thus perhaps with the author himself.-because when I read it, I felt... UNDERSTOOD. You can't make that up unless you've felt something close to that, right? How could one be that exact on a feeling if he hadn't felt it himself? Impossible! Actually, the main point is that I FELT. If that doesn't make the book a success--I don't know what does.
He's a young writer. I have faith that his writing will only get better, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
And I did, I did!!
But I don't really know how to review it. Hard to even describe the plot. Suffice it to say, it was the story of the life of a twenty something living in LA. And that in itself might not be so great, not like it hasn't been done before...think Brett Easton Ellis, who I don't even like. It's the fact that it's so so right on. The feeling of feeling isolated and alone, the activities in general, the streets... the drugs. All that shit. It made me wonder, does everyone feel and experience exactly the same thing living in LA? I guess I'm not that special after all. But whatever. Nick Miller pegged it perfectly. The way you start off virginal, and inexperienced...the way you get thrown into situations you'd never thought you'd be in. The way the drugs just fall into your lap, and eventually you just try them (peer pressure is a real thing. Except it's not all like "Come on, don't you wanna be cool?" or "Come on, everyone is doing it!" The way it's portrayed on the funny flat peopled commercials. It's more like, literally everyone is doing it and in order to seem like one of them, like you're NOT the inexperienced kid you actually are, you pop that pill in your mouth and try and pretend you've done it before, or you do that line, or take that hit.-whatever the drug of choice may be.
I read some negative reviews on this book that kinda attacked Miller by saying his partying, sexing, drugging was redundant and they were sick of him being his own worst enemy. But I thought that was the point. Trust me--these people (ill include myself in this group) know they are their own worst enemies. They know, and want to stop but can't and then get even more depressed about it. Being self destructive isn't synonymous with being oblivious. In fact I think these people are the MOST self aware and that's what makes it worse!
And now I feel like I'm making a debate for these existential crisisis. I'm not. Ultimately--I just mean to say that I relate. I empathize. And I wonder, how much of this was taken from his life? ( don't readers always wonder that? And don't writers always take from what they know?)
I wasn't sure initially how I felt about the constant contemporary references. Facebook. Twitter. Franzen. Portugal the Man. Then after awhile I realized that had they not been there, I wouldn't have related quite as much. Sure, I would recognize the same feelings, the same melancholy mood and depressive tendencies and clearly typical angst. But without all that name dropping I wouldn't have felt like I did; and that's that Isn't It Pretty To Think So? was a page taken right out of my life. And the fact that it was so real, made me think he was honest and the fact that he was honest made me like the book.
I guess in life there are two types of people. The people who are just happy. Simple. The kind of people that can let things roll of their back's, can decide what they want to believe instead of being a slave to their actual beliefs that they wish they didn't believe. The kind that can move on easily, and let go. This is probably not a book for them. They will think it is whiny, because they think WE are whiny. And then there are the others. The kind that CAN'T let things roll off their back's, the kind that over analyze and idealize and agonize over lost loves and past mistakes. These people will surely relate to so many aspects of Jake's story. (Is it Jake's story.... Or is it Nick's?) And I hear the former kind of people scoff at the latter kind. "Whiny emo shit" to be exact--a quote from my best guy friend who I admit I love for saying things like that, because I secretly like when people trivialize my pain because it makes me believe them just a lil, that maybe just maybe it's not that big of a deal after all. A word of advice tho, to those happy people. Give the other kind a break. They'd rather be like you, trust me. It reminds me of what Daisy Buchannon says in the Great Gatsby, "That's the best thing in life a girl can be, a beautiful little fool."
Some oddities; Jake was a both absurdly lucky and unlucky. Lucky for the $, the way random people reached out (jayson, Parker, stone fox, Henry. I mean how many people extend a hand to a stranger like that? Whether it be a helping hand or hand seeking saving. With some insightful speech or note or rambling sililoqy?) and then unlucky with all the death; the gma, Tatiana. The chick that used him to get her ex boyfriend back. (Something that's embarrassingly familiar to me, I will admit.) And also, Jake sure met a lot of crazy people. (I always wonder...is ANYONE that ridiculous? I've seen crazy, but so blatantly bizarre? not quite.) The actress. Parker. The Asian DJ roommate.(another question--is anyone THAT obsessed with Facebook? I've yet to see one.) I'm not sure one person could come across so many outrageous people and experiences in such a short lifetime. But maybe they could, who knows Nick Miller could be transcribing straight out of his journal.
This book made me cry. It made me angry, and it made me think, and it actually inspired me to try writing something. Isn't that a success in itself? Upon completion, I closed the book and felt I had a bit of a kindred soul in Jake-and thus perhaps with the author himself.-because when I read it, I felt... UNDERSTOOD. You can't make that up unless you've felt something close to that, right? How could one be that exact on a feeling if he hadn't felt it himself? Impossible! Actually, the main point is that I FELT. If that doesn't make the book a success--I don't know what does.
He's a young writer. I have faith that his writing will only get better, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.