This book is described as a "novel-from-life". While I think as a straight memoir this would have worked, as a novel it falls a bit short. Kaysen's writing is gorgeous and filled with punch-to-the-gut observations that double you over in their meaningfulness and accuracy, but just not enough happens in this short book. We're told the main character has revelations about adulthood but I'm not sure it really follows through. I would recommend this based on the strength of the prose alone-it's short enough that even with a lack of development in the plot it won't unduly waste your time.

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