Directions to Myself

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Directions to Myself is a captivating memoir by Heidi Julavits that delves into the complexities of life and parenting. The book opens with Julavits reflecting on a moment when she sees her son silhouetted by the sun, realizing that he is at a pivotal point in his childhood. She questions who he is becoming and what qualifications she possesses to be his guide.
Over the next four years, Julavits embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the uncharted waters of rape allegations rocking the university campus where she teaches. These allegations raise profound questions about justice, accountability, education, and prevention. Julavits begins to ponder how to prepare her son for the world he is about to enter and what she must learn about herself to steer him responsibly.
Directions to Myself employs a unique approach, using the past and present as points of orientation to examine the minutiae of family life alongside more complex issues of politics and gender. Through her writing, Julavits explores the beauty and peril of telling stories as a means of locating oneself and helping others find their way.
Directions to Myself is a testament to Julavits' awe-inspiring mind and her exceptional writing skills. The book is a masterpiece of precision and spirit, showcasing Julavits' darkly funny and relatable narrative style. She weaves together personal anecdotes, social commentary, and philosophical insights to create a deeply personal and thought-provoking essay about everything.
One of the remarkable aspects of Directions to Myself is its ability to focus intently on the basic human need of giving care to other people. Julavits shares her experiences as a mother, a teacher, and a writer, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of nurturing relationships and supporting others. Her writing is filled with honesty, bravery, and generosity, making it an engaging and relatable read for readers of all ages.
Directions to Myself has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. Catherine Lacey, author of Biography of X, praised the book as an "essay about everything" that manages to be incredibly intimate and expansive. Lacey commended Julavits' ability to "focus intently on the basic human need of giving care to other people" and described the writing as "a miracle of precision and spirit."
Rachel Kushner, author of The Mars Room, also praised Directions to Myself for its honesty, blazing, and generous nature. Kushner noted that Julavits manages to be an essay about everything by focusing intently on the basic human need of giving care to other people.
In conclusion, Directions to Myself is a must-read memoir that offers a profound and insightful perspective on life, parenting, and the human experience. Heidi Julavits' writing is a miracle of precision and spirit, and her ability to connect with readers on a deep emotional level is truly remarkable. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of giving care to others.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408883495