Jonathan

In this book Mark Manson continues with his mostly juvenile approach to self-help. I find bits of it valuable, but much of it it's rehashed from his other famous book.

It's funny how this book is probably the most repetitive book that has ever become popular. I think that speaks volumes about how necessary and timeless all Stoic philosophy, wisdom and ethics are, even if we discard its logic and physics.

I like the first 20 chapters over the last 10, however, I really liked the ending. That ending is a gut punch.
Now I understand why Lady Bird and mom were crying in that film.
I also understand why other people despise this book, as Steinbeck wrote in a very messy way.

DNF. Cannot take more of Ian and Emma, and Emma and Dexter, I was beginning to dread reading not just this book, but anything.

This is one of those novels for young adults where the main girl character is awkward, bullied at school, and her family is abusive, and she falls for the main guy character, and he's handsome and athletic, but also mysterious and introspective, and yet it subverts expectations, it even subverts its own clichés.

Normal People is filled with beautiful sentences, and Sally Rooney has a tremendous capacity for writing complex and neurotic teenagers who become equally complex and neurotic adults.
I also find it admirable how she explores capitalism and the effect it has on our relationships and our mental well-being, and how the place and people you grow up with can dictate your future.