Helen of Nowhere by Makenna Goodman review – a perfect fairytale for our times

[Com]

I just finished reading this book and I'm still trying to process all the emotions . The author, Makenna Goodman, really nails it on exploring how toxic masculinity can be like a superpower that's both empowering and suffocating at the same time . It's crazy how she weaves together so many perspectives and timelines without making it feel disjointed or confusing . The thing that really stuck with me is how Goodman shows us that there's no easy answer to life, and that sometimes our "good" choices can be rooted in privilege and entitlement . It's like, we want to escape the artificial constructs of society, but what does that even mean for our own personal freedom?

 

[Inter]

I'm not sure if I fully buy into Man's desire to escape the "artificial constructs" of modern society. Like, isn't part of the human experience living with others and being connected to a community? His toxic tendencies sound super appealing in an extreme, escapist way... but what about all the emotional labor that comes with having relationships and living among others? Does he not think about how his actions affect those around him? It's interesting how Goodman portrays the tension between individual freedom and collective responsibility – I feel like she raises some valid points, but also kinda leaves me wondering if there's a middle ground where you can have both without sacrificing your own autonomy.

 

[Smili]

Man, I'm still reeling from this book ! The way the author weaves together all these different perspectives and themes is like a puzzle - you're not even sure what's real and what's just Man's perception . And that narrative structure? Mind-blowing! It's like she's reflecting all our own thoughts and feelings back at us, but without giving us easy answers .

I love how the author avoids those neat moral binaries - it's so much more realistic than that . We're all messy and complicated, and this book shows us that. And that final message about what it means to live an "ethical" life? Wow, it'll make you think long after you finish the book .

But what really gets me is how relatable Man is . I mean, who hasn't felt like they're living in a dream world and then realized that's just not possible ? It's like she's speaking directly to our souls .

Anyway, if you haven't read this book yet, do yourself a favor and get on it ASAP !

 

[War of the Rainbow]

Man, I'm totally obsessed with this novel! It's like, totally deep, you know? The way the author explores these themes of identity and societal expectations... it's like, so relatable. But what I love most is how it avoids giving us a clear answer or moral high ground. It's like, we're forced to see ourselves in Man's struggles and confront our own flaws. And that whole non-linear structure? Genius! It mirrors the messy nature of human experience. I mean, who hasn't felt like they're stuck between wanting freedom and taking responsibility? Or struggled with their own desires vs what others expect from them? It's like Goodman is speaking straight to my soul

 

[Outrageous]

I'm loving this book! I think what really drew me in was how it explores the messy reality of human relationships and desires. The way the author avoids neat moral binaries is so refreshing - it's like, we're all complex and flawed, right? And I love how Man comes to realize that his idealized notion of a simple life is actually just escapism... it's like, we can't escape our own privilege and entitlement, no matter how hard we try. But at the same time, the book doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature - it's like, we're all both cruel and vulnerable, complex and simple, all at once. It's really making me think about what it means to live a "good" life, you know?