Reviews with content warning for Drug abuse - Truth and Beauty

I don’t know how I feel about this book. I devoured it, but guiltily—like it was immoral to read a text that feels so exploitative. I will be thinking about it for a long while.

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allisonreadsdc's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

4.0

I can't tell if I like this story despite myself or not. I loved the audiobook experience, and I love portrayals of young writers and female friendship, so it was an incredible read in that regard. I thought by reading the response from Lucy's family to the book I'd dislike Ann more, but I almost feel that I'm more sympathetic to her decisions both as an artist and as a friend. The relationships we have with our blood family and chosen family are on display in the reaction from Lucy's family to this book. I think the other thing I'm sitting with is how often people with disabilities are portrayed on others' terms, not their own. So even though there may not have been a ton of explicit ableism, at least in my read as an ablebodied person, I can't help but wonder. Time for more googling to read the responses.

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carsonautri's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

I would read Ann Patchett's grocery list. Everything she writes feels like magic to me, and this book is no different. Even though it felt repetitive at times (as it is to have a friend who complains like Lucy does), I couldn't put it down. I wish I could explain what I love about it, but it's just beautiful.

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