I’m so torn by how much I enjoyed this discussion but I fear that the actual reading of this book would be unfulfilling. It sounds like reading it would be like having coffee with a friend that you are beginning to realise you have nothing in common with other than proximity
I read it, and I can totally see this concern--but I think the book's short length, and the humor sprinkled throughout, do make it a good read. I laughed and felt occasionally uncomfortable. I also found it a kind of hypnotic read--I'm not quite sure how to put it, but the tone is both flat and trancelike? But it's definitely a quick read, and worth it, I think!
I bought this a few weeks ago and now I can't wait to read it! Me and some friends recently needed to decide between option A or B, and when one of them suggested we flip a coin I immediately asked Google to flip a coin for me. I had physical coins in my bag but that option didn't even occur to me. So now I feel like I will probably feel a bit called out when I read it haha
I enjoyed this conversation SO much! Thank you for sharing. My favorite line: “I think satisfaction is hard to achieve because the bar is always shifting”
I think this might be the best edition of 2 girls 1 book yet! Loved this convo. I requested an ARC of Perfection back in Jan and they'd run out(!!!!) of copies, and I can never work out if thats a sign or not about whether I should read it. I do love a no dialogue book sometimes tho - I like the challenge of trying to work out how people communicate.
I haven’t read this one yet but something of the way you two discuss it reminds me of Cooking in the Wrong Century by Teresa Präauer which is actually set in Germany
Bought the book, and even though it's heavily inspired by Perec, which the author admits to, I still enjoyed it. It's a kind of scary book and a funny one at the same time, because I saw myself and people I know, and I also saw history unfolding. It questions what we dream of. Do I dream of living this life, or do I think I should aspire to it? Relevant reading.
Just finished this novel on the plane so I had to check out this discussion — I had it saved. I loved it, the discussion and the book! Normally, I side-eye fiction with long bouts of exposition (I think it’s lazy and tedious not to give the readers things in scene) but this worked because I viewed it as part of the project of the novel, Perfection being more of a “project” than a traditional book. I liked what the author was doing and felt the lack of dialogue added to the hallow tone. I also loved the subtle humor throughout, my favourite being the mention of their hotel opening in May 2019… right before the global pandemic.
I really loved this discussion, it felt convicting of my own thoughts and outlook on socials and life and now I am going to purchase that book and then discuss with pals / husband... thank you both!!
I think it's also interesting to think about how much recommendation culture plays into this too. This feeling that you need to know exactly the best restaurant/shoe/holiday destination and how scary it feels risking not getting it right? I was talking to a friend of a friend about how he has Google Maps pins for places he's never even been, because he values people knowing he has 'good taste'. Taste becomes elevated to a talent because we are sharing so much of what we buy and do online.
It’s definitely something I feel conflicted about, as someone who has—across various categories—recommended things for my entire career. I think it can be so helpful to have someone cut through the overwhelm (and know *why* something appeals; it might make you consider it in a new light) but at the same time, that elevation means that it can become rareified just by dint of being chosen, and then become detached from the authenticity of its origins (something someone loved and wanted to share)…. I don’t know where I end up exactly, but it’s not enough to put me off recommending things for now! Also—great piece on Athens. Loved reading it.
Yes, I don’t want to give up sharing my recommendations or reading other’s! Just going forward with more intent in both instances. Thanks so much for reading 💫
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
I’m so torn by how much I enjoyed this discussion but I fear that the actual reading of this book would be unfulfilling. It sounds like reading it would be like having coffee with a friend that you are beginning to realise you have nothing in common with other than proximity
Honestly, you just might be right here. its a great discourse book and super insightful, but not exactly fun to read
I read it, and I can totally see this concern--but I think the book's short length, and the humor sprinkled throughout, do make it a good read. I laughed and felt occasionally uncomfortable. I also found it a kind of hypnotic read--I'm not quite sure how to put it, but the tone is both flat and trancelike? But it's definitely a quick read, and worth it, I think!
I absolutely loved this book, I thought it was hilarious and it obv made me want to throw up too. Great discussion!
I think we all felt that way which proves how effective the author was. definitely mad eye look at my berber rug differently
Ha mine was Radiohead's In Rainbows on vinyl 👀
I bought this a few weeks ago and now I can't wait to read it! Me and some friends recently needed to decide between option A or B, and when one of them suggested we flip a coin I immediately asked Google to flip a coin for me. I had physical coins in my bag but that option didn't even occur to me. So now I feel like I will probably feel a bit called out when I read it haha
Obsessed with this
omg a sign of the times haha.
Great conversation and insights. I’m finally breaking into The Mirror and the Light, so a 110 page novel sounds very appealing as a palate cleanser
good luck with this one!
why did I enjoy this conversation more than the actual book though? 💀
What a brilliant insightful discussion between you two. My favourite 2 girls 1 book chat yet.
thank you Ellie. This one took the least time ironically haha
Often the way Ochuko 😅 It was great.
I enjoyed this conversation SO much! Thank you for sharing. My favorite line: “I think satisfaction is hard to achieve because the bar is always shifting”
so glad you did. it was a fun one, so ripe for discourse and and Pandora said, so timely!
I think this might be the best edition of 2 girls 1 book yet! Loved this convo. I requested an ARC of Perfection back in Jan and they'd run out(!!!!) of copies, and I can never work out if thats a sign or not about whether I should read it. I do love a no dialogue book sometimes tho - I like the challenge of trying to work out how people communicate.
I know you love a no dialogue book lol. queen on the weird and obscure!
I haven’t read this one yet but something of the way you two discuss it reminds me of Cooking in the Wrong Century by Teresa Präauer which is actually set in Germany
I’ve never heard of this book—thank you for the tip!
we love a book set in germany. checking this one out :)
Out of the IBP long list, this one was got me interested the most. I haven’t read this yet but curious how it will play out.
It's a solid read. I think the longest this year is great. I got six books but this is the first one I've read
Bought the book, and even though it's heavily inspired by Perec, which the author admits to, I still enjoyed it. It's a kind of scary book and a funny one at the same time, because I saw myself and people I know, and I also saw history unfolding. It questions what we dream of. Do I dream of living this life, or do I think I should aspire to it? Relevant reading.
Just finished this novel on the plane so I had to check out this discussion — I had it saved. I loved it, the discussion and the book! Normally, I side-eye fiction with long bouts of exposition (I think it’s lazy and tedious not to give the readers things in scene) but this worked because I viewed it as part of the project of the novel, Perfection being more of a “project” than a traditional book. I liked what the author was doing and felt the lack of dialogue added to the hallow tone. I also loved the subtle humor throughout, my favourite being the mention of their hotel opening in May 2019… right before the global pandemic.
I really loved this discussion, it felt convicting of my own thoughts and outlook on socials and life and now I am going to purchase that book and then discuss with pals / husband... thank you both!!
Loved this chat! Ended up writing a bit about it in my latest Substack -https://feyiadegbite.substack.com/p/seeking-perfection
I think it's also interesting to think about how much recommendation culture plays into this too. This feeling that you need to know exactly the best restaurant/shoe/holiday destination and how scary it feels risking not getting it right? I was talking to a friend of a friend about how he has Google Maps pins for places he's never even been, because he values people knowing he has 'good taste'. Taste becomes elevated to a talent because we are sharing so much of what we buy and do online.
It’s definitely something I feel conflicted about, as someone who has—across various categories—recommended things for my entire career. I think it can be so helpful to have someone cut through the overwhelm (and know *why* something appeals; it might make you consider it in a new light) but at the same time, that elevation means that it can become rareified just by dint of being chosen, and then become detached from the authenticity of its origins (something someone loved and wanted to share)…. I don’t know where I end up exactly, but it’s not enough to put me off recommending things for now! Also—great piece on Athens. Loved reading it.
Yes, I don’t want to give up sharing my recommendations or reading other’s! Just going forward with more intent in both instances. Thanks so much for reading 💫
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com