I read this out of pure morbid curiosity. I saw what it did to people on tik tok and I was like I must know. I became so deeply connected to the main boys and of course everything that happened especially to Jude was so heart wrenching and it hurt a lot to read. There was a point towards the end where something major happened that felt so unnecessary and I was thrown into rage. I was so mad at the author for just doing that and I genuinely did not want to finish it because I was so angry. But I finished it. And it really broke me. I loved certain parts of it but it was really hard. And you have to be very much mentally prepared to take on this story. I’ve had many friends ask if they should read it or they want to borrow my copy and I have told them no. I feel like a lot of people are not clear enough about how hard this book is. I will probably reread it because I miss the characters and beautiful writing. But yeah this book is one of the hardest I’ve gotten through.
Literally lol'd when you compared house of leaves to this. House of Leaves is creepy for sure but A Little Life is outright sadistic towards the reader. I think the trigger warnings are way more intense for this book simply because it's not JUST that a character is suicidal, it's that the author designed the book the inspire hopelessness in the reader. She designed it around the concept that some people are so abused and traumatized that their life will only get worse. I had to put it down because I have PTSD and it was WAYYYY too much. I got to like page 400something.
So i bought this book at the end of last summer but then school started and I got depressed and now I just don't have time BUT this summer. i feel it. it's coming. :)
i’ve needed such a long time to read this book and i think i’m gonna have to dnf it. i try to refrain from using the term torture porn at all bc many terrible things happen to people and calling books written about said tragedies as such feels reductive to me. however, this book is just too much for me. i felt like jude was never allowed to catch a break or have one moment of peace. i think it’s beautifully written but as a queer poc, i just can’t do it bestie. i was really curious to see if people felt the same conflicted way about this book as i do and i’m kinda glad that i share my opinions with some people bc i’ve seen many roaring reviews that i just don’t agree with. i certainly don’t love this book but i don’t hate it either. awesome video!!
I so appreciate you making this video. I was planning on reading this book but based on your review, I’m going to make the decision to wait until a later time or maybe never. It was just very helpful to know what I would be getting my headspace into while reading this book. Your time is appreciated. :) (Also, I just really like your channel and you seem really cool)
glad i could help!! it really is a fantastic novel but i definitely don’t think it’s the best for the mental hell we’ve all been in during this pandemic 😅
I agree a lot with what you said on the aroace aspect. I actually felt a bit guilty for relating so much to Jude in that aspect because my sex repulsion doesn’t stem from any trauma at all and I didn’t want to compare myself to someone who had such horrifying reasons to not like sex (and also because I didn’t like the rest of the book much), but seeing his and Willem’s relationship play out was very comforting. Especially when Willem essentially describes a QPR as their own way of having a relationship that works well for both of them. I wish the book would’ve gone more into this direction: Jude implementing and getting used to tiny changes to what’s expected of a “normal life” so he can survive more or less comfortably.
This was a great review! Even though I didn't like the book beyond its beautiful narration, your points really resonated with me. I'll be sharing this with people who're pondering whether to read it given the triggering content in future!
A part of the book that absolutely devastated me was the explanation regarding Jacob. I sobbed then, taking in the descriptions of his sickness. My god.
Alright Jenna. So since I read the book I obviously had to come back and watch your review! So much of what you said hit the nail perfectly on the head for how I felt. I think it was interesting to see Yanagihara's take on friendship and how one's past and mental health affects those relationships. ALSO the ace thing! I found myself relating to those parts too and feeling bad because I have never been abused the way Jude had. It felt good to know someone else saw themselves in that aspect too. It's interesting to me that you could understand Jude's choice by the end. As someone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts, I am constantly gripping to the good parts of life to keep going. Because of this I almost felt the opposite. I almost felt by the end of the book he had made some progress with talking to a therapist and with Harold's help that maybe he would be ok. I feel like I could write a million words on this book, but I will shut up lmao. Thanks for the great review!
A little life is one of the best books that ever been written. It's so deep and with a beautiful and disturbing sadness. It teaches you a lot about love, friendship, sadness, anger, fear, kindness and hope. I love it and everyone should read it. When you rated a book by his page numbers, then you aren't a real reader. It's long, but it have to be that long!
Not gonna lie, I’m really curious about this book and am checking out positive, negative, and neutral reviews alike, before I settle on whether or not I should check it out - it sounds like there *are* things I would like about it, e.x. so many people stress that they really like the characters from the start, and it explores complex ranges of emotions when it comes to dealing with trauma, interpersonal relationships, and the like, all in a strong style - and also things that I *wouldn’t* like, e.x. the whole thing where the writer admitted that she didn’t really research some of the subjects she brings into it despite their weight and so trying to write a serious book using them can feel kind of exploitative and irritating - but while I’ve heard criticisms of the “romance” and how it’s handled, as well, I’m… honestly kinda interested by hearing someone vouch for how it ends up, as a sex-repulsed person who isn’t ace, but is… aro, at least, and appreciates the idea of a popular story that still separates components of a relationship such that “I love my partner, but I don’t want to have sex with them; they still have a sex drive, though, and so I trust them if they want to have sex with other people.” That was kind of… one of the things that interested me about hearing the spoilers of the book in the first place - “oh, cool, this story toes the line between friendship and how traditional elements of a relationship are often thought to be and it’s happy when sex-repulsed Jude and his best friend more-sex-favorable Willem learn to maintain a relationship that isn’t ‘just friendship’”.
I’m interested in this book, mostly for exploring the concept of male kinship and intrasexual conflict, regardless of hetero or homo (Maybe it doesn’t matter in the case of this book, would they make their decisions regardless of sexuality?). From the perspective of a female writer trying to understand, and get under the skin of how males interact seems fascinating, and of course is something that other books have explored before all the time. It brings to mind shounen ai/yaoi fiction you usually find in Japanese manga; more than just fanservice I think there is a legitimate underlying examination from a female perspective to try to understand male dominance hierarchies that exist in society (almost like an unspoken code), and male to male interactions, whether good or bad. I haven’t read it so maybe that’s not what is important in the book, just going off of other video blogs and comments. It does seem kind of over the top but I’ll give it a chance.
Thank you for this video! I’ve been fascinated by this book and wondered if I could and want to read it. It was really helpful to hear you explain more thoroughly what reading this book makes us go through. These topics, such as what to make of your life as you grow old and loved ones dying are things that I worry about a lot, so I think this book would get me into a very bad headspace I don’t currently want to be in. So I’m glad I saw your video and know that I should probably avoid this book.
I’ve had this book on my tbr, and been meaning to read it this year. Thanks for sharing your deeper insights on this book and giving us a heads up re: the triggers in this story. I think I’ll still give it a try but it’s helpful and good to keep some of these things in mind before going in. 🙂
I had to DNF this book. It doesn't sit right with me that this story is so over-the-top with shoving tragedy after tragedy upon LGBT characters. To me it just feels like tragedy porn, especially because it was written by a straight person. She's definitely a great writer, but I don't think the world needed another extreme LGBT tragedy.
Exactly how I felt. Like for me the most disturbing part is that someone could willingly write this book. Like no judgement to people that enjoyed it, but I genuinely think that the author is a little twisted to write so much tragedy and trauma in such graphic detail.
I disagree completely, as an LGBT person who has gone through trauma. I felt heard and understood, and yes, it's "too much" and overwhelming, but that's what trauma is. It doesn't read like an "lgbt tragedy" to me at all, but a study in how trauma shapes people and their loved ones. It felt extremely true in its portrayal of how all-consuming, endless and relentless pain and trauma is, which is why its so exhausting and upsetting to read. I feel like calling it "over the top" comes from a place of privilege, because this is true and real for a lot of people, and excluding it from fiction or wanting to pretty it up just because it's ugly and uncomfortable to read sits even less right with me. The point of the book is precisely that Jude is convinced that his trauma is too much for people to cope with, and that they will eventually abandon him - and people proving him wrong by being willing to take on his trauma because they love him. And so we the readers assume the same position of his loved ones, who can either stick with Jude despite how "much" it is, or put the book down because it's "tragedy porn" and thus confirm the idea that Jude's trauma is, in fact, "too much"
@@em8842 I was sharing my personal feelings on the subject and it’s fine that we don’t agree, but there’s no need to come at me with such aggression. You know nothing about my experiences or traumas as an LGBTQ+ person. We all handle things in different ways and some of us don’t want to read about traumas we have experienced in real life. The main point of my comment was that a story about LGBT+ suffering might not be told best by a cishet individual. Thanks for your input.
@@therainbowlibrary1879 I didn't mean to be aggressive, I apologise. I stand by my opinion, but I could have phrased it in a less confrontational way - I'm sorry.
I read this out of pure morbid curiosity. I saw what it did to people on tik tok and I was like I must know. I became so deeply connected to the main boys and of course everything that happened especially to Jude was so heart wrenching and it hurt a lot to read. There was a point towards the end where something major happened that felt so unnecessary and I was thrown into rage. I was so mad at the author for just doing that and I genuinely did not want to finish it because I was so angry. But I finished it. And it really broke me. I loved certain parts of it but it was really hard. And you have to be very much mentally prepared to take on this story. I’ve had many friends ask if they should read it or they want to borrow my copy and I have told them no. I feel like a lot of people are not clear enough about how hard this book is. I will probably reread it because I miss the characters and beautiful writing. But yeah this book is one of the hardest I’ve gotten through.
Yes! Finished it a couple days ago and the ache I feel from just missing the characters, Jude Andy Willem Harold even JB......has not dulled 😣
Literally lol'd when you compared house of leaves to this. House of Leaves is creepy for sure but A Little Life is outright sadistic towards the reader. I think the trigger warnings are way more intense for this book simply because it's not JUST that a character is suicidal, it's that the author designed the book the inspire hopelessness in the reader. She designed it around the concept that some people are so abused and traumatized that their life will only get worse. I had to put it down because I have PTSD and it was WAYYYY too much. I got to like page 400something.
So i bought this book at the end of last summer but then school started and I got depressed and now I just don't have time BUT this summer. i feel it. it's coming. :)
Obviously I'm not watching the video because spoilers but I'm sure it was a great one :P
HA i love you lol i hope you read it! but also i hope you don't bc it's very upsetting but also it's great.....
@@jennaclarek oh i need to read it lol i usually love sad stuff tho so hopefully it'll be fine....
i’ve needed such a long time to read this book and i think i’m gonna have to dnf it. i try to refrain from using the term torture porn at all bc many terrible things happen to people and calling books written about said tragedies as such feels reductive to me. however, this book is just too much for me. i felt like jude was never allowed to catch a break or have one moment of peace. i think it’s beautifully written but as a queer poc, i just can’t do it bestie. i was really curious to see if people felt the same conflicted way about this book as i do and i’m kinda glad that i share my opinions with some people bc i’ve seen many roaring reviews that i just don’t agree with. i certainly don’t love this book but i don’t hate it either. awesome video!!
I so appreciate you making this video.
I was planning on reading this book but based on your review, I’m going to make the decision to wait until a later time or maybe never.
It was just very helpful to know what I would be getting my headspace into while reading this book.
Your time is appreciated. :)
(Also, I just really like your channel and you seem really cool)
glad i could help!! it really is a fantastic novel but i definitely don’t think it’s the best for the mental hell we’ve all been in during this pandemic 😅
I agree a lot with what you said on the aroace aspect. I actually felt a bit guilty for relating so much to Jude in that aspect because my sex repulsion doesn’t stem from any trauma at all and I didn’t want to compare myself to someone who had such horrifying reasons to not like sex (and also because I didn’t like the rest of the book much), but seeing his and Willem’s relationship play out was very comforting. Especially when Willem essentially describes a QPR as their own way of having a relationship that works well for both of them. I wish the book would’ve gone more into this direction: Jude implementing and getting used to tiny changes to what’s expected of a “normal life” so he can survive more or less comfortably.
This was a great review! Even though I didn't like the book beyond its beautiful narration, your points really resonated with me.
I'll be sharing this with people who're pondering whether to read it given the triggering content in future!
Why do people keep saying 700 pages? Mine was 812.
Hardcover edition is closer to 700!
Mine was 830 💀
Mine was 814
A part of the book that absolutely devastated me was the explanation regarding Jacob. I sobbed then, taking in the descriptions of his sickness. My god.
also I've always wanted to read this book, thank you for your insight!
Alright Jenna. So since I read the book I obviously had to come back and watch your review! So much of what you said hit the nail perfectly on the head for how I felt. I think it was interesting to see Yanagihara's take on friendship and how one's past and mental health affects those relationships. ALSO the ace thing! I found myself relating to those parts too and feeling bad because I have never been abused the way Jude had. It felt good to know someone else saw themselves in that aspect too. It's interesting to me that you could understand Jude's choice by the end. As someone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts, I am constantly gripping to the good parts of life to keep going. Because of this I almost felt the opposite. I almost felt by the end of the book he had made some progress with talking to a therapist and with Harold's help that maybe he would be ok. I feel like I could write a million words on this book, but I will shut up lmao. Thanks for the great review!
I have heard so much about how triggering this book is, but never in this much depth and... wow it sounds even more difficult than I imagined.
A little life is one of the best books that ever been written. It's so deep and with a beautiful and disturbing sadness.
It teaches you a lot about love, friendship, sadness, anger, fear, kindness and hope.
I love it and everyone should read it. When you rated a book by his page numbers, then you aren't a real reader.
It's long, but it have to be that long!
I agree, its a masterpiece. One of my all time favorite books.
I read it twice. HY is brilliant!
Not gonna lie, I’m really curious about this book and am checking out positive, negative, and neutral reviews alike, before I settle on whether or not I should check it out - it sounds like there *are* things I would like about it, e.x. so many people stress that they really like the characters from the start, and it explores complex ranges of emotions when it comes to dealing with trauma, interpersonal relationships, and the like, all in a strong style - and also things that I *wouldn’t* like, e.x. the whole thing where the writer admitted that she didn’t really research some of the subjects she brings into it despite their weight and so trying to write a serious book using them can feel kind of exploitative and irritating - but while I’ve heard criticisms of the “romance” and how it’s handled, as well, I’m… honestly kinda interested by hearing someone vouch for how it ends up, as a sex-repulsed person who isn’t ace, but is… aro, at least, and appreciates the idea of a popular story that still separates components of a relationship such that “I love my partner, but I don’t want to have sex with them; they still have a sex drive, though, and so I trust them if they want to have sex with other people.” That was kind of… one of the things that interested me about hearing the spoilers of the book in the first place - “oh, cool, this story toes the line between friendship and how traditional elements of a relationship are often thought to be and it’s happy when sex-repulsed Jude and his best friend more-sex-favorable Willem learn to maintain a relationship that isn’t ‘just friendship’”.
I’m interested in this book, mostly for exploring the concept of male kinship and intrasexual conflict, regardless of hetero or homo (Maybe it doesn’t matter in the case of this book, would they make their decisions regardless of sexuality?). From the perspective of a female writer trying to understand, and get under the skin of how males interact seems fascinating, and of course is something that other books have explored before all the time. It brings to mind shounen ai/yaoi fiction you usually find in Japanese manga; more than just fanservice I think there is a legitimate underlying examination from a female perspective to try to understand male dominance hierarchies that exist in society (almost like an unspoken code), and male to male interactions, whether good or bad.
I haven’t read it so maybe that’s not what is important in the book, just going off of other video blogs and comments. It does seem kind of over the top but I’ll give it a chance.
Thank you for this video! I’ve been fascinated by this book and wondered if I could and want to read it. It was really helpful to hear you explain more thoroughly what reading this book makes us go through. These topics, such as what to make of your life as you grow old and loved ones dying are things that I worry about a lot, so I think this book would get me into a very bad headspace I don’t currently want to be in. So I’m glad I saw your video and know that I should probably avoid this book.
Most books have triggering aspects. Truth.
Is truth the triggering aspect or are you agreeing that this book has triggering topics? This is why grammar is important.
JENNA SO NICE TO SEE YOU IN MY SUBSCRIPTION BOX!!!!!!
WELL THANK YOU! i'm doing what i can in this trying time haha
Just found your channel.
SUBSCRIBER GAINED!
woo! 💕🤓🎉
I’ve had this book on my tbr, and been meaning to read it this year. Thanks for sharing your deeper insights on this book and giving us a heads up re: the triggers in this story. I think I’ll still give it a try but it’s helpful and good to keep some of these things in mind before going in. 🙂
I had to DNF this book. It doesn't sit right with me that this story is so over-the-top with shoving tragedy after tragedy upon LGBT characters. To me it just feels like tragedy porn, especially because it was written by a straight person. She's definitely a great writer, but I don't think the world needed another extreme LGBT tragedy.
Exactly how I felt. Like for me the most disturbing part is that someone could willingly write this book. Like no judgement to people that enjoyed it, but I genuinely think that the author is a little twisted to write so much tragedy and trauma in such graphic detail.
I disagree completely, as an LGBT person who has gone through trauma. I felt heard and understood, and yes, it's "too much" and overwhelming, but that's what trauma is.
It doesn't read like an "lgbt tragedy" to me at all, but a study in how trauma shapes people and their loved ones. It felt extremely true in its portrayal of how all-consuming, endless and relentless pain and trauma is, which is why its so exhausting and upsetting to read. I feel like calling it "over the top" comes from a place of privilege, because this is true and real for a lot of people, and excluding it from fiction or wanting to pretty it up just because it's ugly and uncomfortable to read sits even less right with me.
The point of the book is precisely that Jude is convinced that his trauma is too much for people to cope with, and that they will eventually abandon him - and people proving him wrong by being willing to take on his trauma because they love him. And so we the readers assume the same position of his loved ones, who can either stick with Jude despite how "much" it is, or put the book down because it's "tragedy porn" and thus confirm the idea that Jude's trauma is, in fact, "too much"
@@em8842 I was sharing my personal feelings on the subject and it’s fine that we don’t agree, but there’s no need to come at me with such aggression. You know nothing about my experiences or traumas as an LGBTQ+ person. We all handle things in different ways and some of us don’t want to read about traumas we have experienced in real life. The main point of my comment was that a story about LGBT+ suffering might not be told best by a cishet individual. Thanks for your input.
@@therainbowlibrary1879 I didn't mean to be aggressive, I apologise. I stand by my opinion, but I could have phrased it in a less confrontational way - I'm sorry.
@@em8842 No worries, I could have been less confrontational as well.