'A LITTLE LIFE" BY HANYA YANAGIHARA

A Little Life is a book that came to me at a time where I wanted to be reacquainted with reading for pleasure. Reading was a prime hobby of mine when I was younger and as an english educator - liberal arts is a huge part of my life. A goal of mine was to read as many books as I could this summer  from cover to cover. I researched for novels that make you “feel something” and keep you engaged. This book was suggested more than once and after watching a couple reviews - I ordered it. When it arrived, I realized it was eight hundred pages, but I was determined. It was important to me to finish the book to prove my level of concentration to myself. Strengthening my writing means that leisure reading should be a part of my life. How can you write if you don't read? Now that I’m done, I can honestly say that this novel came at a perfect time in my life. There were many warnings that came with the book stating that it was really sad and may make you cry. I didn’t cry when I was reading, but I did experience intense feelings at certain points. There are themes of abuse, suicide and mental health fluctuations all thoughtout the book, mixed with drug use, toxic relationships and secrets. On the other hand, there is gentle love, compassion, friendship and dedication. 

When I started the book, I decided to make a diagram of all the characters. The first chunk of the book is very introductory - giving you the ins and outs of all the personalities throughout the lengthy novel. The diagram helped me make distinctions between the characters without becoming confused. The book follows four main characters who are all friends, with a focus on one character named Jude. I fell in love with Jude’s character mainly because he was very smart and despite all of his limitations, he was still able to have a meaningful life. I loved him because the author, Hanya Yanagihara, builds an intimate relationship between the reader and Jude by confessing his innermost thoughts. The book is heavily centered by his internal monologue, giving you the opportunity to identify and relate to some of his thoughts about life - and death. 

The book is very mature and I feel that I may not have been able to grasp some concepts had I read the novel ten years ago. Something that this book triggered in me was my sensitivity to time. Hanya takes us through the happenings of decades within 800 pages. Understanding Jude’s choices and how they played out over thirty years made me reflect on my own decisions and how they may affect me over time. The biggest takeaway is that time goes on and that you should always choose what makes you happy in the end. It was a reminder not to spend so much time being sad or depressed.  It also opened my eyes to what love can look like beyond the prototypical characteristics I know it to have.

I would love to see this novel in film form. Jude was said to be really handsome - and I wonder if this is him on the front of the book? It has to be! This novel was brimming with perceptible moments. I would love to see Jude’s final home designed by Malcolm. All of the visual details about this space seemed sooo contemporary - much like the pages I follow and the apartment inspo that I admire. I would’ve loved to see their home they built together. I also think if you love New York and are inspired by that scenery - you would love this book. Hanya is very specific with street names and areas of New York in this novel, so I could imagine that being enjoyable for someone who loves gotham city and its boroughs. One of the reviews I watched said that there was a play based on A Little Life that showed in London - but hasn't been streamed.

This was an amazing summer read because it held onto me for dear life. A huge chunk of this book was read while I was on my way to and from London. I read this book in bed, at the pool, in the car between appointments. It feels urgent to get to the next section - the next happening. I’ll always think about Jude and his character. If I get another pet, I'm naming it Jude. If you read or have read the book - you understand. It’s sadly been a very long time since I’ve read a novel from cover to cover outside of teaching. I made the time and I’m really proud of myself for that. I look forward to figuring out my next read. Reading creates patience and exercises your brain. Every word I didn't know while I was reading - I underlined and circled back. My comprehension was strengthened by reading this book. My humility and understanding of love was stretched reading this book. The first 80 pages are a little dull - but once you make it past that - it's a true gem. I wish that the book was structured with more chapter pauses, so that the length doesn't seem as intimidating - but maybe it was intended for readers who aren't afraid of commitment. Overall, I give the novel a 4.5 out of 5. This is an amazing book club book because you will feel like you need a support group after reading it! 

C. <3