Review of Iliza Shlesinger’s ALL THINGS ASIDE

All Things Aside: Absolutely Correct Opinions by Iliza Shlesinger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ms. Shlesinger is a master of comedy – everyone knows that. But she’s also a deft hand at every other emotion in the box. And she mixes them together in such a way that you never end up dwelling too long in any one pool. It’s a refreshing, relaxing breather for your brain and feelings you didn’t realize you needed until you close each essay. And you leave the book feeling like you’ve taken a much-needed vacation. (Ironic, given the topic of a couple of her pieces)

Scanning the titles, I didn’t expect the themes and topics to fit together, yet they formed a cohesive message of LISTEN! And the depth of her thoughts – with the cheeky indentations – reach across until you’re positive you’re sitting down and having a conversation with a trusted friend over coffee. It’s sheer brilliance, and I didn’t even mind the loss of sleep as I sat up to savor her words.

Will the book offend people? Probably. But what published work doesn’t these days? The point of the essays isn’t to single out any one group. It’s an expression of the state of the world from the heart of one individual who cares – possibly too much. And I applaud her for standing up to say, “Hey, you idiots, I love you.”

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