Hondana
Nothing Good Can Come from This
By Kristi Coulter
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Description
"Kristi Coulter charts the raw, unvarnished, and quietly riveting terrain of new sobriety with wit and warmth. Nothing Good Can Come from This is a book about generative discomfort, surprising sources of beauty, and the odd, often hilarious, business of being human." —Leslie Jamison, author of The Empathy Exams and The Recovering
Kristi Coulter inspired and incensed the internet when she wrote about what happened when she stopped drinking. Nothing Good Can Come from This is her debut--a frank, funny, and feminist essay collection by a keen-eyed observer no longer numbed into complacency.
When Kristi stopped drinking, she started noticing things. Like when you give up a debilitating habit, it leaves a space, one that can’t easily be filled by mocktails or ice cream or sex or crafting. And when you cancel Rosé Season for yourself, you’re left with just Summer, and that’s when you notice that the women around you are tanked—that alcohol is the oil in the motors that keeps them purring when they could be making other kinds of noise.
In her sharp, incisive debut essay collection, Coulter reveals a portrait of a life in transition. By turns hilarious and heartrending, Nothing Good Can Come from This introduces a fierce new voice to fans of Sloane Crosley, David Sedaris, and Cheryl Strayed—perfect for anyone who has ever stood in the middle of a so-called perfect life and looked for an escape hatch.
Summary by AI
Author's Background
- Kristi Coulter is an American essayist and writer.
- She is known for her personal essays that often explore themes of sobriety, relationships, and self-discovery.
- "Nothing Good Can Come from This" is her debut essay collection.
Main Theme
- The book centers around Coulter's journey of self-discovery, particularly her decision to quit drinking and the subsequent changes in her life.
- It delves into themes of addiction, relationships, societal expectations, and the search for meaning and fulfillment.
Key Points
- Sobriety and Self-Reflection: The essays chronicle Coulter's experience of quitting alcohol and the challenges and rewards that followed.
- Relationships and Intimacy: The book explores the impact of her sobriety on her relationships, including romantic partnerships and friendships.
- Societal Pressures: Coulter examines the societal pressures and expectations surrounding alcohol consumption, particularly for women.
- Finding Meaning: The essays reflect on the search for purpose and fulfillment outside of traditional societal norms.
- Personal Growth: The collection highlights the process of self-discovery and the importance of embracing change.
Reputation
- Good: Praised for its honesty, vulnerability, and insightful observations on modern life. Critics often commend Coulter's writing style and her ability to connect with readers.
- Bad: Some readers may find the book's focus on personal experiences and introspection to be too niche or unrelatable.
Who Should Read It
- Readers interested in memoirs and personal essays.
- Individuals who are considering or have already embarked on a journey of sobriety.
- Anyone interested in exploring themes of self-discovery, relationships, and societal expectations.
- Those who enjoy reading about the experiences of women navigating modern life.
Similar Books
- "Dry" by Augusten Burroughs
- "Lit" by Mary Karr
- "Drinking: A Love Story" by Caroline Knapp
- "The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath" by Leslie Jamison
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