essays to save your soul by in 2020 | book review

TL;DR

R. Eric Thomas' essay collection explores identity, community, and humor in navigating life's absurdities.

Transcript

Hi I’m Deboki and this is okidokiboki, and today I’m going to be talking about the essay collection Here For It by R. Eric Thomas. Here For It was one of the last books I picked up from the library before everything went into quarantine, and I was super excited to read it. I’d recently started reading Thomas’ column on Elle.com. And his column and ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ R. Eric Thomas' essay collection "Here For It" intertwines humor, absurdity, and heartfelt storytelling in exploring themes of identity, community, and relationships.
• ❓ The essays in "Here For It" chronicle Thomas' journey from childhood to adulthood, delving into his interactions with his blackness, sexuality, and faith.
• 😒 Thomas uses humor to address deeper and sadder moments in his life, creating a nuanced and engaging narrative that reflects on the impact of community.
• 🤳 "Here For It" emphasizes the role of community in shaping identity and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of belonging and contributing to communities.
• 💭 Thomas' exploration of identity, community, and relationships in "Here For It" offers a reflective and thought-provoking journey through personal anecdotes and storytelling.
• 🤳 The essay collection prompts readers to consider their own positions relative to the communities they want to be a part of, encouraging self-reflection and accountability.
• 💍 Through humor and storytelling, Thomas challenges readers to rethink themselves and their connections to the communities they seek to engage with, fostering a deeper understanding of identity and belonging.

Questions & Answers

Q: What themes are explored in R. Eric Thomas' essay collection "Here For It"?

R. Eric Thomas' essays in "Here For It" delve into themes of identity, community, and relationships, showcasing humor, absurdity, and heartfelt storytelling in navigating these complex aspects of life.

Q: How does Thomas connect his personal anecdotes across essays in "Here For It"?

R. Eric Thomas intertwines his personal anecdotes across essays in "Here For It," showing the ramifications of one story on another, creating a cohesive narrative that explores his journey of self-discovery through interactions with others.

Q: How does Thomas use humor in "Here For It" to address deeper and sadder moments in his life?

R. Eric Thomas utilizes humor in "Here For It" to address deeper and sadder moments in his life, mixing light-heartedness with poignant reflections on identity, community, and relationships, creating a nuanced and engaging narrative.

Q: Why does community play a crucial role in Thomas' essays in "Here For It"?

Community plays a crucial role in R. Eric Thomas' essays in "Here For It" as he explores how interactions with others shape identity and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of belonging and contributing to communities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Here For It" by R. Eric Thomas is an essay collection with a memoir-like structure, exploring themes of identity, community, and relationships.

• The essays chronicle Thomas' experiences from childhood to adulthood, focusing on his interactions with his blackness, sexuality, and faith.

• Humor, absurdity, and heartfelt storytelling are interwoven in Thomas' exploration of self-discovery and the impact of community.