I'm copying and pasting what I wrote.

*SPOILERS*

First Impressions

The humour stood out to me right away. I loved the mix of dad jokes, witty puns, and the faux-dramatic jokes he would crack. I also like the therapeutic environment of the book. Although Samora is a jackass and an embodiment of the kind of man I, overall, don’t want to be, I understand him. I understand his thought process. I understand why he would make the decisions that he did. Unconditional empathy on my end or whatever…

Reading Experience

Reading the boom was a breeze. Although I felt very rage-baited by Samora’s stupidity and decisions, I liked reading this book. At first I thought that, realistically, he couldn’t keep up with the lies for so long, but it’s possible. I loved it when he cooked. Does Jackson Biko cook? 

I, however, really struggled with the ending. I’m glad he just didn’t get everything back; that he was facing real consequences. However, why did a woman have to “save” him? Why didn’t he accept the job offer from his father-in-law? I guess the author was trying to highlight how deeply held beliefs about oneself that are codified in culture and society can fuck up someone. I’m glad I am free. 

Characters / Ideas That Lingered

Patris- I know what you are…

Samora is the embodiment of the type of man I never want to be; like I said before

Gipsy - I know you’re a stoner.

Favorite Lines

“That’s the kind of woman Ada is, one whose hips warm the whole bed.” (83)

“He (god) let them take my job and my car and give it to a freemason” (105)

Final Thoughts

This book was an indictment of toxic masculinity. It is unrelenting; there is no rock bottom. I’d probably reread it, but a few years from now.