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Sheila Heti is one of my favorite novelists. Each new book seems to be a step in a larger literary project, or an expansion of a Heti-ian way of thinking. They break aesthetic ground but are also a pleasure to read. How Should a Person Be is key reading for whatever “modern life” is at this point and Motherhood is a daring examination of choice — her use of I Ching coin tosses as a literary mechanism is breathtaking Her latest is Pure Colour, which moves from a fairy-tale-ish story of young city-dwelling adults into a more abstract mythology of grief, art, nature, and beauty. It can’t be described, which is high praise for writing, and yet it’s seamless and joyous. Almost more a painting than a novel.
Feb 22, 2022
Related Recs
This is my favorite book of all time.
Sheila plays with form in such exciting ways. This book is written almost like a screenplay, it follows the main character Shiela as she tries and fails to be a good friend, artist, lover, etc.
It’s the sort of book that feels conversational and close to home but sets a strange little fire in you that makes you want to do more and be better.
I read it three times last year and keep it by my bedside in case I need reassurance.
Feb 22, 2025
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Captures something essential about grief: the longing to cram your entire body into a small space and stay there until a lover pulls you out.
I tried reading it almost two years ago and had to stop because it made me so mad. Now I think it’s brilliant and the thing that made me mad the first time is the most important thing in the book.
Heti is best Canadian writer since Munro and will go down as the best ever if she keeps batting this high.
Sep 8, 2024
She was alone so she could hear herself thinking. She was alone so she could hear herself living.
About a quarter through this book and I love it so much so far 💚
Mar 1, 2025
Top Recs from @kyle-chayka
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Now that Blundstones are justifiably everywhere, worn for every purpose in every place, we all need a new hot Chelsea / desert / everyday boot to embrace all winter. I was tipped off by Emma Wiseman, a puppeteer and theater creator, whose family wears them — Ariat is an American outdoor gear company that makes an amazing (apparently English-style) “paddock boot,” that’s like a Chelsea boot with a zipper on the front. Made of super durable leather and rubber, they are both cool and useful like their Australian predecessors. Beware, they may run a little big.
Feb 22, 2022
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I just finished a short tour for my first book coming out in Spain, so that’s probably why I’m obsessed with the general Spanish lifestyle. Literally what could be better than sitting at one of these white-tiled little bars in late morning or late afternoon and having a little glass of vermouth and a toothpick with an olive, spicy pepper, and anchovy? The point isn’t to stay all day; no one is working on their laptop. It’s to spend the perfect half an hour, maybe adding a plate of patatas bravas and a cortado to help you stagger on with your day. (I also assume this is why everyone in Barcelona is always smoking: how else do you recalibrate your body chemistry after the various snacks, booze, and caffeine?)
Feb 22, 2022
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My girlfriend Jess and I got a puppy a little less than a year ago. Her name is Rhubarb and she’s great, and also opens up a whole world of dog lifestyle accessories. All the gear is fascinating, although not all appealing in terms of style. At the same time, I love Snow Peak, the Japanese mountaineering brand, but I don’t actually need to set up an entire outdoor kitchen or navigate an actual mountain, so few of their products apply to me. Their dog leash is perfect, however. It feels like climbing rope and it’s slightly reflective, which is always good for walking at night. It makes me feel like a hiker even though I mostly hate hiking.
Feb 22, 2022