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A review by kendranicole28
Congratulations, Who Are You Again? by Harrison Scott Key
4.0
Growing up in Mississippi, Harrison Scott Key had few talents or redeeming qualities, but he DID have a dream—to one day become a writer and publish a book. Key chased after that dream for years, and after much angst and many false starts, he got an enviable book deal. His dream was coming true. But nobody tells you that not every fulfilled dream is really a dream-come-true. Key discovered what a book deal meant—lots of work, unsuccessful book tours, toll on his family—and what it did not mean—universal praise, widespread fame, happiness, a sense of fulfillment. In this comedic memoir that is just as raw and uncomfortable as it is funny, Key invites on the harrowing journey of his first book’s lead-up and its aftermath.
This was my first exposure to Harrison Scott Key and he made a strong first impression. (I chose to listen to this while waiting for my hold to come through on Key’s most recent book, about which I’ve heard nothing but great things.) I appreciated the extreme candor and vulnerability of his writing, and was wowed by his comedic timing and hilarious turns of phrase. Key’s humor is the type of self-deprecating, wry wit that I love, and it was interesting (though pretty depressing) to get a look inside the book/publishing world between laughs. Key is very close (timeline wise) to the events described in this book, and I tend to be skeptical of memoirs written from the “messy middle” without the gift of time for insight or reflection, but Key does have some very admirable and valid takeaways, and I believe the lessons form these experiences are sincere and timeless.
The book is largely written in the second person, as though he is offering direct advice to an audience of dreamers, and at times this conversational tone off-putting to me. I also was not thrilled with the audio narration (which may be what led me to dislike the tone). But this book made me laugh and made me think and, most of all, made me appreciate my own little life, and for that I would call it a success.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Book Format: Audiobook
This was my first exposure to Harrison Scott Key and he made a strong first impression. (I chose to listen to this while waiting for my hold to come through on Key’s most recent book, about which I’ve heard nothing but great things.) I appreciated the extreme candor and vulnerability of his writing, and was wowed by his comedic timing and hilarious turns of phrase. Key’s humor is the type of self-deprecating, wry wit that I love, and it was interesting (though pretty depressing) to get a look inside the book/publishing world between laughs. Key is very close (timeline wise) to the events described in this book, and I tend to be skeptical of memoirs written from the “messy middle” without the gift of time for insight or reflection, but Key does have some very admirable and valid takeaways, and I believe the lessons form these experiences are sincere and timeless.
The book is largely written in the second person, as though he is offering direct advice to an audience of dreamers, and at times this conversational tone off-putting to me. I also was not thrilled with the audio narration (which may be what led me to dislike the tone). But this book made me laugh and made me think and, most of all, made me appreciate my own little life, and for that I would call it a success.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Book Format: Audiobook