I Came All This Way to Meet You: Writing Myself Home

Jami Attenberg's memoir, "I Came All This Way to Meet You," is a captivating journey of self-discovery and creative pursuit. It explores themes of friendship, independence, class, and drive, and reveals the defining moments that pushed her to create a life and voice she could claim for herself. The book is an inspiring and singular story of living a creative life and finding one's way home.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

I Came All This Way to Meet You: A Memoir of Travel, Friendship, and the Creative Life

In her captivating memoir, "I Came All This Way to Meet You," Roxane Gay takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. As the bookish daughter of a traveling salesman, Jami Attenberg was drawn to the road, embarking on solo adventures across America and eventually traversing the globe. Through her travels, she crafted a living and career, grappling with a deep longing for independence while seeking community and a sense of belonging.

The memoir delves into themes of friendship, independence, class, and drive, offering an inspiring and singular story of living a creative life and finding one's way home. Gay's writing is sharp and engrossing, drawing readers into her experiences and emotions with vivid detail. Her journey is filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of self-reflection, as she navigates the complexities of life on the road and in search of her true identity.

One of the defining moments of the memoir occurs when Jami embarks on a road trip with her friend, Beth. The two women travel across the country, encountering a range of people and experiences that challenge their perspectives and beliefs. Through their friendship, Jami learns to embrace her individuality and find strength in her differences, while Beth helps her confront her past and embrace the future.

Another significant theme in the memoir is the search for community and belonging. Jami yearns for a sense of stability and connection, often feeling like an outsider in the places she visits. However, through her travels, she meets a diverse range of people who become her friends and mentors, teaching her about the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Throughout her journey, Jami also grapples with her own identity and the pressures of societal expectations. She questions her place in the world and her role as a woman and a writer, struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure. However, through her creative pursuits and her willingness to take risks, she finds her voice and her place in the world.

"I Came All This Way to Meet You" is a testament to the power of travel, friendship, and the creative life. It inspires readers to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and to seek out new experiences and perspectives. Gay's writing is honest, vulnerable, and filled with wisdom, offering a glimpse into the complexities of life and the importance of finding one's way home.

In conclusion, "I Came All This Way to Meet You" is a remarkable memoir that offers readers a glimpse into the life and creative journey of Roxane Gay. Through her travels, friendships, and self-reflection, Gay explores themes of friendship, independence, class, and drive, offering an inspiring and singular story of living a creative life and finding one's way home. Her writing is sharp and engrossing, drawing readers into her experiences and emotions with vivid detail. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who seeks inspiration, self-discovery, or a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788169837
Edition number: Main