A review by serendipitysbooks
It Chooses You by Miranda July

emotional reflective medium-paced

3.5

 
This week’s pick from the #essentialwomenwriters list was a particularly quirky read. It Chooses You is the result of the author’s procrastination on a screenplay she was working on. She started reading Pennysavers and then decided to approach some sellers to see if they would be willing to let her interview them. Most weren’t but a few were and the results of those interviews form the backbone of this book, along with details of the progress on her film project.

I didn’t feel entirely comfortable reading this book. It felt voyeuristic and somewhat exploitative, even though the interviewees agreed to be interviewed, received payment, and one was even cast July’s film and a genuine connection seemed to have been made. I understand that getting a glimpse into the lives others live can be useful in expanding and enhancing our understanding of the human condition, but I’m not sure that was the purpose of this venture. I’m not sure I fully understand what the purpose was. The book did offer insights into July’s creative process but as a non-creative type these didn’t interest me as much as they might some other readers.

This was a quick read - a slim volume with plenty of photos - but I can’t say that I really enjoyed it or gained much from my reading experience. It wasn’t a bad book, just not the right book for me.
 
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