Lou

I recently had the privilege of reading this book, and I am convinced it has changed me and the way I view the world forever. Hanya Yanagihara’s way with words, her impeccable description of emotions and situations, made me fall in love with the English language all over again. I felt as if I was reading a monologue of a close friend, and the intimacy of the narrative had me invested in the characters' lives as if they were real people. I am heartbroken that I have developed such a close one-sided relationship with a fictional character, but I am convinced that I will forever think about this book every day for the rest of my life. This book has left an indelible impression on me, and I am grateful to Hanya for sharing such a beautiful and heart-wrenching story with the world. Hanya’s sheer talent, her gift with words, and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion so exquisitely will remain with me forever. If you are thinking about reading this book, here’s some things to consider: It is *painfully* descriptive. There were multiple times I had to place the book down, with every fiber of my being aching for Jude. Read the trigger warnings (whether you think you can handle it or not), and prepare to be left thinking about this book every day for the rest of your life. Stick with it — it is supposed to be a difficult read. Be prepared to have your heart ripped apart by words on a page, and immerse yourself in the story of A Little Life.