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This is a debut novel by a hugely talented Irish writer about a teenage girl in 1960s New York who ends up working in Warhol’s Factory, transcribing taped conversations destined to be collated into an experimental novel. It’s weird and wild and extremely funny and sad, perfect for anyone used to wandering around a glamorous city feeling like a lumpen freak.
Jul 25, 2023
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This was the second book I’ve ever read that’s written in the 2nd person. Previously, I found it hard to get used to, and honestly a little clunky. Somehow McInerney achieves to make this flow as easily as anything. It truly feels like you are the subject of the story. BL.BC follows you, a fact checker wanna-be-fiction-author at a big publication in Manhattan, as you waste away to late nights of coke binges and crowded parties. Praised often as one of the first great anti-quests, BL.BC achieves the great feat of making you care about, and enjoy, the miserable journey of such a win-less character. This is one of those reads that just feels iconic.
Aug 3, 2021
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stories over time of a cast of characters loosely linked through the music industry
In a post-modern style like not too dissimilar to vonnegut
each chapter can be seen almost as a stand alone vignette
edit: after re-reading your ask, I’ll admit not the weirdest book, but it’s also definitely not run of the mill narrative fiction.
If you want weird, read Naked Lunch by William Burroughs. One of the most banned books of all time for a reason, grotesque, obscene, challenging, but imo definitely worth the read and I’ll be rereading it sometime. Helps to read along with a study guide to make sure you’re following what’s going on.
Mar 6, 2025
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I hadn't read a novel in about 45 years (I only care about stuff that is true) but I absolutely fell in love with this book and truly could not put it down. Nolan's novel is about obsession, sex, love and booze and boy addiction-- all the hits. I've never brought a book (or myself) onto the elliptical, but cut to me last month at Equinox absolutely devouring this book while taking little slidey steps to and fro. By the way, last week I saw a girl on the treadmill with her hair down?????? Someone send an ambulance!
Jul 29, 2021
Top Recs from @megan-nolan
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A once- favoured first date spot which I overused and now only go to alone, either to smoke furiously in the yard if in a mood about something, or to watch Jeopardy at the bar with the bartender and other strays
Jul 25, 2023
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I’m a huge advocate of crossing a bridge every day by foot. When I’m depressed I can’t do anything much, can’t do a proper work out or cook a meal or read or write, but I can always manage to cross a bridge. In London this means walking from my place in South East into town across Waterloo Bridge to go to therapy or the library, and in New York I like going from Clinton Hill across the Manhattan Bridge, usually just to go into Lovely Day thai cafe and eat something and turn right back around. Better than nothing!!
Jul 25, 2023
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I’m sensitive in every way and get mysterious allergic reactions to lots of stuff which bums me out cause I look all red and raw and ugly for weeks. The only things I can rely on are Avene products, once recommended to me by a Greek pharmacist in Athens who appraised me and said “This will make her less sad,” the “her” being my wretched face.
Jul 25, 2023