This Might Be Too Personal by Alyssa Shelasky: Whilst a general plot was something a little 
challenging to hold onto until a third of the way through, this quasi biographical character-based narrative certainly punched within it’s weight. Initially, it was challenging to hold on to Alyssa, her New York chic life-style and all that it beheld, however, with each essay/narrative arc, friendship, lovers, loveless-wonders, fan-girl meet-ups, and life long heart breaks, there is something irresistibly loving about all she tromped around in.
Powerful in its narrative voice, there is no way you can’t mistake yourself in some of the adventure, and, in many ways, it is a tale of two cities or indeed two women – central protagonist and somehow, unlikely as it maybe, yourself. Sometimes in spite of the most bizarre, outrageous and over the top micro-tales, there is still a glimmer of something that can speak to everyone. And for that, I applaud her, particularly because the more outlandish it got, aka ‘CEO Nothing’ the more effort was put into trying to find a relatable thread. Somehow, on a very visceral level, loving and supporting Alyssa was never too far away.
In breaking review tradition, something about the unconventional narrative style and content compels me to review in a sort of five point list….
- Whilst I can’t relate to the Judaism, I can relate to personal otherness, and while I appreciate this won’t speak to all, it somehow does. And even if it doesn’t it somehow will – her inclusive narrative style just kind of works that way.
- I appreciate that not everyone has explored love in a kind of bare bones fashion, and so that massive element to the story won’t resonate. However, again, the thematic intent of 1 lover or 964 lovers rings true; experience is what it is, and means what it does for those involved. Perhaps no two hearts are the same despite the way they break?
- Institutional avoidance isn’t rare, at least where I am from, and I enjoyed her explanation of why marriage wasn’t right despite her faith, and despite her highly functioning awesome family, Alyssa just knew it wouldn’t fit her skin and fighting to understand that is sometimes costly.
Deviance doesn’t necessarily mean success, you have to fight for that tooth and nail, and your social circle will only carry you as far as they can; the rest is literally luck and happenstance – don’t give up though! - Love is ephemeral. It comes and goes. It’s strong and weak and sometimes family, life, harbours ill will on those who love. The function of daily life needs to be celebrated, similarly the smaller moments where contentment happens which is fleeting. In those moments, we really find ourselves.
Okay a 6th – sometimes self-reflection can easily slip into self-absorption and narcissism. Alyssa and her personal stories managed to remarkably avoid this. Much of the details were silenced and yet weren’t. I frankly enjoyed the style, but also acknowledge, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea….or stiff scotch. - Overall though, I loved this novel and will sing its praises to those who enjoy fringe text, novels that love and yet defy convention, and for those looking for southward sexual reference that boggles the mind. This is without doubt a top pick!
Book Info:
Publication: 17th June 2022 | St Martin’s |
Alyssa Shelasky has a lot to tell you.
In this hilarious and intimate essay collection, Alyssa navigates life as a wild-hearted woman and her thrilling career as a sex, relationship, and celebrity writer in New York City. From running away from the “perfect” future husband(s), to interviewing A-list stars while contemplating an abortion, to bypassing men entirely to have a baby with an anonymous sperm donor,to partnering up with a sexy enigma while extremely pregnant and eventually finding a soulmate whom she swears she’ll never marry, Alyssa’s essays paint a deeply genuine, romantic, and uproarious portrait of a woman who lives by her own paradigm of love and lust, and who refuses to settle or sacrifice her fierce inner-spirit, sometimes to her own regret and detriment. Through her stories, confessions, and columns, she shares all the beautiful, embarrassing, and emotional details of her bleeding heart and busy bedroom.
