another audiobook, another voice that completely engulfed me into its narrative. the intimate writing style through the second person perspective is honestly fascinating to read, especially when having it read, feeling as the the narrator is directly talking to you. i also found the idea of the protagonist as an unreliable narrator really interesting, as he places blame & authority on the reader who tho it seemingly revealing the entire story. i loved the exploration of black love & culture, especially surrounding the arts. this passion surrounding creativity & writing is evident in how much the book felt like reading recited poetry and felt like reminiscing with a close friend, its beautiful writing making me wonder if i’d enjoy more if i read it rather than listened, but i think both are unique experiences. 

my only gripe is that it often feeling like there was more emphasis on the showing part of storytelling rather than the telling. the words are lyrical but i often felt displaced & lost in the narrative. as much as i loved her, the female character feels like a manic pixie dream girl rather than the protagonist’s partner, coming across as a figment of the ideal woman instead of a real person, i wish knew more of her life. overall, despite the bittersweet ending, i took the message to be about knowing your experiences love is more important than how the journey ends, & that to me is all you need.