This is definitely an interesting take on Selfies and their place within our culture. Though it reads like a dissertation, and can seem overwhelming in parts, author Ilans Stavans’ skill as a writer comes through and seeks to illuminate what he sees as the role of selfies, not only in the present world but beyond that. I enjoyed the ability of someone in an educational field to not just simplify the selfie-drive as pure vanity or hubris. Too often media tells the public that to take a selfie is to proclaim yourself better than the world, instead of the view that I took from Stavans’ book, that we are simply capture what we would like our life to look like.

*This eBook was provided by NetGalley and Duke University Press Books in exchange for honest feedback*

A quick read, but endlessly interesting! I found the writing to be very thoughtful, and especially enjoyed how the author brought together a real variety of sources (Shakespeare to James Franco). I found myself thinking back on this book for days after reading it, especially every time I opened up my Instagram feed!

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This is essentially a book about the origin, nature and psychology of selfies. Ilan’s story telling skills kept me reading until the very end…only getting up once to make some lemon tea.

He explores why selfies are a thing, the narcissism and verisimilitude involved.

Favourite quote: “To a degree, all of us are Narcissus; seeing our image reflected comforts us, gives us a sense of weight, of authenticity.”