Becca Rothfeld's debut essay collection, "All Things Are Too Small," boldly challenges the prevailing trend of minimalism, advocating for a return to excess and abandon in all aspects of life. With biting wit and depth, Rothfeld critiques the cultural obsession with balance and restraint, arguing that it has led to spiritual impoverishment and creative stagnation.

Through essays covering topics from mindfulness to decluttering and David Cronenberg, Rothfeld explores how the pursuit of equality and democracy in aesthetics has flattened and sanitized our culture, stripping it of its richness and vitality.

With humor and insight, she calls for a reclaiming of imbalance, obsession, and gluttony, urging readers to embrace the unpredictable and the provocative. The book is a bold and captivating manifesto for the restoration of vitality and ravishment in every aspect of our lives.

The Author

Rothfeld, a prominent non-fiction book critic for The Washington Post and editor at "The Point" and "The Boston Review," debuts with "All Things Are Too Small." A PhD candidate in philosophy at Harvard, Rothfeld's essays have appeared in prestigious publications like The New Yorker and The Atlantic.

Her work challenges minimalist trends, advocating for an embrace of excess and abandon in life and literature. With a keen interest in aesthetics and German philosophy, Rothfeld's writings delve into the complexities of moral value and human beauty.

Despite her philosophical pursuits, Rothfeld is also an avid hiker, finding solace in nature amidst her intellectual endeavors.

Unveiling Modern Assumptions

According to The Guardian, as an American journalist and critic for esteemed publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times, Rothfeld challenges contemporary assumptions with wit and intellect. She critiques the glorification of minimalism, arguing for the virtues of excess and abundance. Through essays encompassing topics from literature to mindfulness, Rothfeld offers refreshing perspectives and unapologetically questions societal norms.

With a keen eye for detail, she dissects the pitfalls of meditation and laments the decluttering of contemporary literature. Rothfeld fearlessly delves into taboo subjects like sex and desire, exposing the stifling conservatism of certain writers. Despite her appetite for exploration, Rothfeld's writing occasionally veers into excess, yet her brilliance as an iconoclast remains undeniable.

The reviewer concluded that the book is an exciting and thought-provoking read that will make readers reevaluate their opinions on literature and current life.

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Celebration of Abundance

An article by The New York Times said that the book offers a vibrant critique of minimalist culture, celebrating maximalist prose and embracing abundance. With eloquence and depth, Rothfeld navigates diverse topics, from sexuality to literature, challenging prevailing norms with humor and rigor.

Rothfeld's essays blend high and low culture, inviting readers to reconsider the value of extravagance and aimlessness in the human experience. Through her nuanced exploration, she encourages a shift away from austerity toward a celebration of richness and complexity. With references ranging from Éric Rohmer to David Cronenberg, Rothfeld presents a compelling argument for the importance of abundance in art and life.

The reviewer noted that Rothfeld's work provokes thought and reflection, inviting readers to question societal norms and embrace the beauty of excess. Overall, the book is a captivating exploration of the power of maximalism in a world obsessed with minimalism.

Exploration of Desire and Fulfillment

Kirkus Reviews articulated that Rothfeld's collection of essays offers intellectual nourishment alongside a celebration of erotic transcendence. As a philosopher, essayist, and critic for the Washington Post, Rothfeld delves into the desirability of excess in life and art. She critiques societal norms that constrain desire, from decluttering to sexual consent, arguing that justice merely scratches the surface of true fulfillment.

With incisive analysis, Rothfeld challenges minimalist literature and the sanitized portrayals of romance, advocating for the richness of abundance and sensuality. Her exploration spans diverse topics, including the films of Rohmer and the symbolism of eating, all woven together with sharp observations and fertile ideas.

The reviewer stated that while Rothfeld's essays may occasionally lose focus amidst their richness, her writing reflects a curious mind and a yearning body, offering stimulating food for thought alongside the pursuit of erotic fulfillment.

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