An overview of
No One Is Talking About This
by Patricia Lockwood
2.Riverhead Booksa
a.2021
No One Is Talking About This summarized (in two sentences or less)
A social media influencer navigates the surreal, meme-filled landscape of "the portal" (aka the internet) until her life is upended by a family crisis involving her sister's high-risk pregnancy. The stark contrast between online absurdity and real-world tragedy forces her to reevaluate what truly matters.
No One Is Talking About This Trivia and/or (Un)fun Facts
Patricia Lockwood was primarily known as a poet before this novel, making her leap into fiction a bit of a genre plot twist.
Lockwood has said that she drafted the book on her phone.
It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, which is sort of like the Oscars for books you don't read at the beach.
It's a New York Times bestseller, which is sort of like the Oscars for books you do read at the beach.
Why No One Is Talking About This Is Challenging
The book is a blend of fragmented thoughts, tweets, and deep emotional arcs.
It's unique because it starts off feeling like a meme-filled romp through social media and then BAM! It hits you with this emotional gut-punch in the second half.
It's like scrolling through X (formerly known as Twitter) and stumbling upon a core memory. A weird, yet captivating mix of the shallow and the deep.
Why No One Is Talking About This Is Worth Reading
It's the literary embodiment of our digital age. It takes the fleeting, fragmented chaos of social media and turns it into something deeply human and emotionally resonant. It's as if Twitter and Tolstoy had a book baby.
Who No One Is Talking About This Is For
Disenchanted millenials who are tired of the internet and want to feel something real, but who still want to laugh at memes.
How to Read No One Is Talking About This
Embrace the Chaos: Don't try to find a linear narrative right away; the book is more like a Twitter feed than a traditional novel.
Take Emotional Pit Stops: The tone shifts dramatically, so give yourself a moment to switch gears from laughing at memes to grappling with heavy themes.
Keep Your Phone Handy: You might want to Google some of the internet culture references, unless you're already a meme lord.
Don't Skim: The fragmented style might tempt you to skim, but you'll miss the wit and depth hidden in those bite-sized chunks.
Reflect Between Scrolls: Take time to ponder the contrast between online life and IRL emotions; it's where the book really shines.
Discussion Questions about No One Is Talking About This
No One Is Talking About This Research Prompts for Postdocs:
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How does Patricia Lockwood's fragmented narrative style challenge traditional notions of storytelling, and what does this say about the evolving landscape of literature in the digital age?
The book juxtaposes the superficiality of internet culture with profound human experiences. How does this duality serve as a commentary on the complexities of modern identity?
"No One Is Talking About This" blurs the lines between public and private spheres. How does the novel explore the ethical implications of living a life increasingly mediated by algorithms and public opinion?
No One Is Talking About This Conversation Starters for Normal People:
- How does the book's style, which feels like scrolling through social media, affect your experience as a reader? Does it make the story more relatable or disjointed?
What do you think the book is trying to say about the difference between our online lives and our "real" lives? Is one more valid than the other?
The book takes a sudden emotional turn. How does this shift impact your understanding of the characters and the overall message?
Questions about No One Is Talking About This that you can ask your dog:
- How did you feel when the main character went from talking about funny internet stuff to dealing with her sister's baby? Was it like going from playing with blocks to having to eat your veggies?
Remember when the main character sees a meme and then later faces a real problem? How is that like watching a funny cartoon and then having to share your toys?
In the book, the main character learns that not everything online is important. Can you think of a time when something seemed really fun, like a shiny new toy, but then you realized it wasn't as important as being with your family?
The Most Amusing No One Is Talking About This Review I Can Find
I’m feeling very confused. What did I just read? And why is no one talking about this?
★★☆☆☆
—Toni via Goodreads
—Toni via Goodreads