I got about 12% into this book and then DNF'd it. At 12% of the way in, a good story should
1. have a discernible plot and
2. should not feel like a chore to read.
This did not meet either of the criteria for me. Not my taste, I fear.

Thanks NetGalley, and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC.

Enjoyed this, and anyone who gravitates toward quirky, funny writing about complicated women will. Not often you learn about a woman’s inner thoughts and have a talking cat in the same storyline.

I wanted to live in this book. It was almost impossible to put down. It’s so real and raw, this author has surpassed every expectation I had for a good book.

I won't say I picked this up solely because I liked the title, but it may have been a contributing factor. But even better, the story itself was just as compelling. I don't demand an action-packed plot, and I often find myself gravitating towards novels like these that are 'quieter' with an emphasis on the characters. This book excelled at diving into the mind of our narrator and following her along life's adventures. Bonus - there was a talking cat.

I have mixed feelings about “If You Love It, Let It Kill You”. I really enjoyed the main characters relationship with the cat, who knows if that was some magical realism or mania but it was fun and I wish it lasted longer. The story reminded me a lot of The Royal Tenenbaum and similarly to the movie, there was a lot that, as a reader, you have to figure out yourself and imagine. I would have liked some more insight into the family dynamic, like why does the brother live in Colorado when everyone else is within walking distance in Kentucky?

I absolutely loved this book! It was weird and wacky, and it's all vibes/not much plot which I love. We follow Hana, and it's very much like we're just listening to her inner thoughts. I laughed out loud, but it's so much more than just a funny book. Hanna Pittard does an amazing job of delivering this chaotic, stream of consciousness story that also includes the mundaneness of everyday life. It feels light hearted, but really touches on some heavy topics. There are so many interesting characters - I especially loved Hana's dad and their relationship. I highly recommend this one, I really loved it so much. I am in quite a reading slump right now, but I couldn't stop reading this. Thank you so much, NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of If You Love It, Let It Kill You.

This book was a very refreshing read. I enjoyed the multitude of stories within the novel and how experimental it was at times. It was not off-putting at all, it made it even more engaging. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy experimental writing but would also recommend it to people that enjoy reading about everyday life and relationships.

Excellent writing!

"I am trembling, and now Bruce is holding me, and I am ice and slime and sulfur, and I am gone."

*If You Love It, Let It Kill You* by Hannah Pittard is a stunning and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of love, obsession, and the fine line between devotion and self-destruction. Pittard’s writing is sharp and introspective, creating a gripping narrative that pulls you in from the first page.

The story centers around a deeply flawed protagonist, whose relationship with a volatile and enigmatic partner becomes an all-consuming obsession. The novel’s title perfectly encapsulates the central theme—the idea that love, when it becomes a force of total surrender, can destroy as much as it heals. Pittard’s portrayal of this toxic dynamic is both haunting and honest, making for a reading experience that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally intense.

What makes *If You Love It, Let It Kill You* stand out is Pittard’s ability to delve into the psychological depths of her characters, particularly the protagonist’s inner turmoil and yearning. The tension in the story is palpable, and while the pacing can be slow at times, it feels deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrator's emotional journey.

Pittard’s writing is both beautiful and unsettling, and her exploration of obsession and emotional vulnerability will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the dark side of love. The novel's unpredictable twists and complex characters make it a compelling and unforgettable read.

If you're looking for a book that challenges your perceptions of love and relationships while keeping you on the edge of your seat, *If You Love It, Let It Kill You* is an excellent choice. It’s a book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

I wasn’t wild about this writing style of the pacing of the plot in this one. I think there was some really great, poetic prose, but mostly it just wasn’t my taste.

What a fun read this one is! It’s so poetic and frank. I’d recommend this to any girl and especially those over 35!

This book was such a wild, quirky ride! The writing is sharp, funny, and a little surreal in the best way. Hana is a messy, flawed protagonist, but I loved following her chaotic journey. Some parts felt a bit out there, but overall, it was an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Definitely recommend if you like witty, unconventional storytelling! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*If You Love It, Let It Kill You* by Hannah Pittard is a raw and beautifully crafted novel that delves into love, loss, and the complexities of self-destruction. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Pittard delivers a deeply affecting story that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

Hana`s ex husband is writing a book and she is going to be in it.... this kind of sends her on a tailspin. She is able to manage her life but not. This book is pretty much an internal monologue of her thoughts and life. I liked all the side characters and thought it was an interesting way to write a book.

I was not expecting to have this book feel more like an auto-fiction but I loved the inner monologue of the character which felt raw and vulnerable at times. There are some darker themes but overall I felt like this brought a lot of introspection as you navigate the main characters choices and thoughts. Hits points where the main character is going through a midlife crisis and you’re along with the ride. Pacing was a little off for me at the end but I enjoyed the story.

Thanks NetGalley, and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hannah, a writer and professor, has a loving boyfriend, a stepdaughter, kooky but present divorced parents, a sister who lives across the street, and, for a while, a cat.

I love the book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this, and anyone who gravitates toward whip-smart writing about complicated women will as well. Will definitely be recommending!

Not sure how I feel about this one. Ive really loved Pittard’s previous novels but this one just didn’t quite hit for me.

The novel presents an intriguing and humorous exploration of the life of a woman named Hana. Set against a backdrop of both mundane and extraordinary scenarios, the story unfolds with a comical irreverence that captures the reader's attention from the very first page. It deftly weaves together themes that are often considered serious and heavy, such as the quest for freedom, the complexities of desire, the weight of domestic expectations, and the profound issues surrounding family dynamics, monogamy, and even suicide.

Hana is portrayed with a strikingly relatable charm, navigating through life with a mix of wit and vulnerability. Her journey reflects the absurdities and contradictions of modern existence, often leaving readers in stitches while simultaneously provoking thought. The author cleverly juxtaposes Hana's everyday encounters with existential musings, allowing for a unique blend of comedy and introspection.

The humor is woven into the fabric of the narrative—whether it's through Hana's quirky interactions with friends and family or the absurd situations she finds herself in. Yet, despite the lightheartedness, the book never shies away from addressing the deeper, often painful truths that lie beneath the surface. It challenges societal norms and expectations, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and beliefs.

Through Hana’s eyes, we explore the delicate balance between personal desires and societal pressures. Strengthened by her unique perspective, the novel becomes a spirited commentary on the choices women face today, encouraging a dialogue about autonomy and the struggle to find one's voice amid the cacophony of external influences.

In essence, this novel is a thought-provoking tapestry of life that celebrates the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, humor and joy can coexist, illuminating the path toward self-discovery and acceptance. As Hana embarks on her journey, readers are invited to laugh, ponder, and perhaps even find solace in her story—a testament to the complexity of life itself.

I could not put this book down and I was bereft when it ended. I could listen to Hana, the character for days, and Hannah, the author, for many more pages. If you read the author's memoir, WE ARE TOO MANY, you will love this. If you haven't, you will love this. It is a beautiful, thoughtful, insightful, very funny, sad, fascinating look inside a woman's mind, who's painfully honest, as she struggles with her ex-husband's soon-to-be-published novel that is sure to paint her in a bad light. She lives in Kentucky with her loving long-term boyfriend and his young daughter, is surrounded by family (her father, I love his character), her darling best friend. This is the kind of book you’ll want to read again to catch the things you might’ve forgotten. What a treat to be inside Hana’s head.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt for this ARC.

Thanks to Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for this ARC of 'If You Love It, Let It Kill You' by Hannah Pittard.

A meta-autofiction novel where the central character, Hana - a college professor - spins the story of her life past, present, future (and possible futures) amid much hilarity and out-there characters within her family, friends, workmates, and students.

It's very writerly, knowing, and self-aware and I found it a little hard not to be aware of all of that artifice when I was reading it so it became a challenge to ignore the writerly art and the meta references and try to enjoy it as a work of humorous fiction.

Good fun, though, and well written, even if you could spot the writer on most pages.