A review by jedore
Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

1.0

“Nothing is more desirable than that which is being withheld.”

This novel is a compilation of intimate conversations between women spanning 20 years. The unnamed narrator is raw and honest about desire, self-discovery, and female identity as she navigates relationships, motherhood, and societal expectations.

Sounds good, right? That's why I chose it as a BOTM selection and gave it a solid chance all the way to the end...even though I was already rolling my eyes on Page 1.   

For me, this book made a generation gap feel like a generation canyon. Whiny, self-indulgent, pretentious, entitled..these are just a few of the words that swirled around my head while I forced myself to plod forward.

I've never disliked a book so much that I grabbed a snack and read the reviews just for fun. My favorites were by orclnght and readcharlotte:

⭐️ "Oh no."   

⭐️  "This was so self indulgent and pretentious. I hate-read the entire book. It was just really, really bad. I hope this woman finds some happiness, truly."

"...hate-read..." 🤣

This book is solid proof that I should never, ever, ever rely on book endorsements and awards when choosing a book. Based on the low average ratings of this book here and on Goodreads and Amazon, they are clearly being paid or have completely lost touch with the majority of readers.