Approaching Eye Level

Rating:
Summary: Nice set of essays/musings
Review: I really enjoyed reading Vivian Gornick's Approaching Eye Level, and I don't even live alone. I didn't read too much into Ms. Gornick's essays; I pretty much took them at face value. Her writing style can be described as a bit rambling but also conversational. She probably write just like she thinks.

My favorite essay was the first one, which discussed her first jobs as a student. I just found them really entertaining, and I guess the one I could relate to the best. The other essays centered a bit around living alone, relationships (both friendships and marriage), and feminism. Overall, this book is a quick and interesting read. I certainly wanted to pick it up throughout the day to read - it wasn't a chore. I'll certainly read more from Ms. Gornick.

Rating:
Summary: Nice set of essays/musings
Review: I really enjoyed reading Vivian Gornick's Approaching Eye Level, and I don't even live alone. I didn't read too much into Ms. Gornick's essays; I pretty much took them at face value. Her writing style can be described as a bit rambling but also conversational. She probably write just like she thinks.

My favorite essay was the first one, which discussed her first jobs as a student. I just found them really entertaining, and I guess the one I could relate to the best. The other essays centered a bit around living alone, relationships (both friendships and marriage), and feminism. Overall, this book is a quick and interesting read. I certainly wanted to pick it up throughout the day to read - it wasn't a chore. I'll certainly read more from Ms. Gornick.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth the fast read if you live alone & are aware of it
Review: Like a sympathetic, merciful glance from your best friend, this book was a quick, potent, and important read. Gornick's intelligent essays are marked by the odd brand of effortlessness born only by writing that penetrates. And, as far as being a book about lonliness (among other themes), I found myself feeling particularly unlonely -- even connected (with lord knows what though...Gornick? myself?) -- after putting this down. If you're on the fence, buy it now.

Rating:
Summary: As an aspiring writer, this book was a turning point for me
Review: This book really connected with me. Gornick is a great storyteller and a thoughful observer. She has a fabulous style of writing. It is clear, but so deep. She writes the most amazing insights about ordinary life. It is eloquent, insightful, but not overly academic like I usually expect books of essays to be. I love reading memoirs that reveal a lot about the author's world. If you like the genre, don't pass up this book.