This is a collection of odes that celebrate the beauty, complexity, and resilience of the human experience. Parker guides readers on a journey of self-reflection, inviting them to embrace the fragility and wonder of each passing moment. From the simple pleasures of a shared meal to the profound depths of grief and loss, Parker's words resonate with a raw authenticity that is both comforting and challenging. This is a good read for anyone looking to rediscover the beauty and meaning in the everyday, or to find solace and strength in the face of life's inevitable ups and downs.

This book will get you thinking about what small things in your life would inspire you to write an ode. It is a curious but engaging collection. While few of the essays will speak to most people, many many people will find that at least one of the essays hits home with a striking observation about elements of daily life.

Thank you to NetGalley, W. W. Norton & Company, and James Parker for the advanced copy of Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes!

"Each brain fart is a nonsense-holiday, a mini-break in meaninglessness."

This book was fantastic! Topics ranged from an in-depth analysis of the band AC/DC to UFC fighter Conor McGregor to flip phones to constipation and much, much more. This was a great book to pick up and put down and pick up and put down. Easy to read one passage and take a break, but also easy to read several passages in one sitting. Parker gives fascinating and funny perspectives to things we may deem mundane.

Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes was a great essay collection. I appreciated the author's approach to gratitude and taking life a little easier.

This book is a collection of short essays each on a subject as an “Ode”. They are a positive reflection, a way of acknowledging something in a positive light in a light-hearted and quirky way. Most of these first appeared in the Atlantic magazine are collected here for publication as a book.

I had not read anything by James Parker before but the idea and the cover hit my funny-bone for a moment so I picked up the book. I read a few “Odes” a day which is a good way to get through this book.

As with other collections, some are better than others, some will appeal to one or other. I didn’t like the ones that delved deep into soccer and sports, but some fans will likely appreciate that more than myself.

These daily things one would not expect to appreciate held a wide range an example of some - an Ode to: Middle Age, Rushing, Sitting There, Not Meditating, and so on.

Enjoyable read. I read it all in one sitting, but it would be fun to just read one little ode/essay at a time and work through it slowly. Some of the odes really hit home, others not so much. All things considered, it was a good read and I'd recommend to others.

This didn't totally work for me, because it was more like a stream-of-consciousness essay than the poetry I expected. But it's current and it's relatable, and even if you don't agree with the ideas and emotions presented here, it's easy to identify with them. This is the kind of book you can read a little at a time when you want to relax. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes - Odes to Being Alive by James Parker is a great companion for these troubled times. When all around you is going to absolute *insert your chosen expletive here* this book will help you find just the right perspective to make it not seem so utterly awful

If you imagine, Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" in book form, with (if possible) a drier, darker, more satirical wit

A fantastic book and one I shall be carrying around with me, it is just that good

Thank you to Netgalley, W. W. Norton & Company and the excellent author James Parker for this brilliant ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

A reader's mileage may vary with this read. There are specific odes that I absolutely enjoyed including odes to: giving people money, BBQ chips, being dead, small talk and advice columns that all really resonated and others odes less so.

I think that's probably typical of any short book of essays like this. Hard to hit 100% of them out of the park for 100% of readers. Glad I read this!

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy.

Get Me Through the Next 5 Minutes by James Parker is a delightful collection of odes that celebrates the beauty and wonder of everyday life. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, Parker's odes serve as a reminder to appreciate the small moments and find joy in the mundane.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from the seemingly trivial to the unexpectedly profound. Whether he's writing about the simple pleasure of taking a nap or the significance of running scenes in movies, Parker's odes are infused with wit, humor, and a deep sense of gratitude.

What sets this collection apart is Parker's ability to find moments of divine light in the ordinary. Through his keen observations and lyrical prose, he elevates the seemingly mundane aspects of life into something truly extraordinary. Each ode is a testament to the richness and complexity of the human experience, celebrating both the highs and lows with equal fervor.

Parker's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book a joy to read from start to finish. His personal anecdotes and reflections add depth and authenticity to each ode, inviting readers to connect with his experiences on a deeper level.

Overall, Get Me Through the Next 5 Minutes is a heartwarming and uplifting read that reminds us to find beauty in the everyday chaos of life. It's a book that inspires gratitude, encourages self-reflection, and reminds us of the power of positivity in the face of adversity. Whether you're looking for a dose of inspiration or simply a reason to smile, this collection is sure to brighten your day.

Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes by James Parker has quite a similar vibe to Joel Golby's Four Stars in that it examines little ordinary moments of everyday life and how we appreciate or endure them. Relatable and fun to read.

I chose this book because I loved the title and the description sounded interesting. However, after about the first 30 pages, it just was not giving me anything. I waited awhile and went back to it, thinking I would find something other than just the title that I connected with. I did not. I went just past the halfway point and could go no further. My apologies to the author. I did love the title though. I thank NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for the advance read.