There's something inexplicably compelling about the writing that keeps you turning pages even as you want to throw the book across the room. You’ll rage-highlight passages, text friends "WTF AM I READING?!", and question why you can’t put it down. You'll find yourself yelling at the MC's choices and possibly needing moral support from a fellow Pagebounder to get through it (shoutout to Caait for the emotional hand-holding!). What emerges from this rollercoaster is an appreciation for Miranda July's darkly humorous, razor-sharp prose that oscillates between poetic vulnerability and biting introspection. ⚠️Mild Spoilers Below⚠️ The book boldly challenges taboos around female sensuality and desire, particularly for women in their 40s. Some scenes are so startlingly raw and honest they'll make even open-minded readers blush (ok, me). Through the MC's journey, we're forced to reimagine societal expectations about middle-aged womanhood. The character only gets 0.5 star from me because of her weaponisation of hormonal changes to excuse genuinely toxic behavior, all for the sake of "self-discovery." The narrative essentially flips the script on the tired male midlife crisis trope without adequately addressing the collateral damage left in the wake. Several compelling events in her backstory that could have added depth but were left underexplored. While the writing itself is equal parts witty and profound, the character's unchecked narcissism ultimately leaves a sour aftertaste. This is the rare book that's both brilliant and deeply problematic, worthy of discussion if not wholehearted endorsement. 3.5 stars for making me feel and think intensely, even when I wanted to disown the main character.

This is a perfect book. A new favorite. Once you get past part 1, the story is beautiful. Even just in part 1, the world building is amazing and descriptive. I never once struggled to visualize any scene in this book and I so dearly wish for a movie to share this story with those who do not read. I will be insufferable in recommending this to anybody that will listen. If the description of this book doesn’t sound all that interesting to you, still pick this up. There’s so much more to this story than the reader will expect.