by David Rakoff
First published 2010
David Rakoff makes his case for embracing life's disappointments in this collection of essays that skewer optimistic culture. The author argues that expecting the worst protects you from letdown, since dreams rarely materialize and adversity usually wins. Rakoff draws from his own experiences, recalling childhood moments when his charm wore thin and bullies emerged, or a magical Manhattan evening that turned sour when shimmering streets revealed themselves as rat infestations. He applies his trademark wit to cultural targets like the musical Rent, which he attacks for its sanitized portrayal of AIDS, and Hollywood's Walk of Fame. The book moves between personal stories from his reporting career and broader observations about contemporary society's relentless positivity. Rakoff demonstrates that accepting life's inherent unfairness and inevitable failures offers more honest wisdom than false hope. His sharp cultural criticism combines with deeply personal revelations to create a funny yet wise examination of why negativity deserves respect.
Genres: essays, american-fiction, humor, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, witty
Tropes: personal-reflections, social-commentary
Setting: Manhattan
Period: 21st-century
240 pages · Hardcover · Doubleday