A review by joshlynjavier
Banal Nightmare by Halle Butler

dark funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

..but let's hang soon. i have a doctors appointment Tuesday, and I have to take my batteries to the recycling place and talk to my cousin on the phone, so maybe in like a week or something.

she was just a thirty seven year old little girl.

okay, what the fuck now? i went to fucking dinner and here i am again in my stupid little room, guess i'll sit on the couch and think about my stupid life. 

she stared blankly at the coeds, who laughed and screamed, blissfully unaware of what boredom and anguish were to come a mere decade in their lives

..she curled into a little ball and screamed into her blanket like a person serving an eternal sentence in solitary confinement, who'd just learned that the afterlife was real, and there would never truly be an end. 

i needed to take a second to really think how i felt after i finished this story, this book initially put me into a slump but definitely gave me a lot to think about after i had finished it. 
 
 halle butler’s sarcasm and dry humor definitely helped this otherwise grating read. the character were insufferable at times but in the best way possible, i enjoyed reading their intrusive thoughts. surprisingly, as dark as this read was, the satire about the absurdity and banality of everyday life was oddly comforting and i found the commentary on fulfillment and the pretentious air surrounding art/academics very entertaining. and refreshing. 
 
 the switching perspectives give an added layer of depth to this story. it’s a well executed trainwreck and i found the contradicting moments of self righteousness and self hatred to be incredibly ironic but unfortunately relatable, especially while going through any form of life crisis or transition. 
 
 would ultimately recommend but not without a few disclaimers regarding expectations. 
 
 thank you netgalley and random house for the digital advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest reviews and opinions!