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.

I really didn't know what to expect going in here, but I think I can safely say it wasn't what I found. This was all over the place. I am not a big fan of the stream of consciousness/nontraditional narrative and that is definitely what is on display here. It felt very disjointed and all over the place to me. I was confused from the opening pages, and not in a good way that inspired me to want to figure out what was going on... This one wasn't at all for me.

Everyone’s comparing Hannah Pittard’s If You Love it Let it Kill You to All Fours by Miranda July. And I get it, really, having now read both of these novels. But if you are inclined to dive into the neuroses of woman’s life crisis, Pittard’s is the better bet. I found this book fascinating and wild, kind of like driving by a car accident: you just can’t look away no matter how uncomfortable it might make you feel. It’s depressing at times for sure, and it’s also peppered with lots of triggering situations. But Pittard isn’t as heavy handed as July, and when it came to the end, I was left with a sense of hope. Isn’t that what we all need right now?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

This book felt so honest, and relatable, I did not put it down until I was done with the whole thing. Hana is by all means happy until she finds out that her ex-husband is going to write a book and she is going to be in it! This kind of leads her to spiral, but she continues to work, show up for her students and boyfriend, and his 11-yr old daughter.
This book will engage you from beginning to end, because you want to know what is going to happen with the book, what is she going to do about it, how is she going move forward?
The timeline goes from her first marriage to present time and explores her feelings, her worries, and her strength. Her journey from beginning to end is very entertaining. If you love a strong FMC set in her ways, you will love Hana.

This was an interesting book about bodies, shame, and the medical industrial complex. I appreciated its use of humor which is entwined with the narrative and its strong voice. It's a fascinating take on gender and bodies as well.

I did not know what to expect going into this and was surprised by the stream of consciousness writing mixed with old memories from Hana’s life. Because of this it kind of felt all over the place yet still flowed and made sense. The conversations with the cat were a little too much for me but the writing was good. It was definitely a little monotonous but the inner dialogue was fun and made for an interesting read.

Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the ARC!

"If You Love It, Let It Kill You" by Hannah Pittard is a thought-provoking and at times hilariously chaotic exploration of midlife crisis, relationships, and identity. The protagonist, Hana, a Kentucky professor and author, is grappling with her past marriage, current life choices, and unexpected family dynamics. Pittard's unique writing style blends humor with deep introspection, taking the reader on an unpredictable ride through Hana's messy, existential musings. While the surreal moments—like conversations with a talking cat—add intrigue, it’s the raw, unfiltered portrayal of her emotional turmoil that makes this book so compelling. It's a fascinating, if occasionally frustrating, journey.

Wow. This book was incredibly well done. I read it in a single day. The book focuses on Hana’s life in Kentucky and thoughtfully explores her friendships and relationships, past and present. Her decision to remain childless (and yet have a partner with a child) is discussed often. Her ex husband’s portrayal of her in his book is also reflected on continuously. I think I was surprised by how quickly her story pulled me in and how playfully and uniquely it was told.

One of the parts that sticks with me the most is when her father Bruce is giving her advice and says; “Nobody in this world is as important as you are. Never allow yourself to get brought into a relationship that’s all-important or means the world to you. The world is what matters.” Beautiful.

If You Love It, Let It Kill You by Hannah Pittard is an engaging work of autofiction. For readers who have read Pittard's prior work (or who know of her prior relationship, which was much discussed in literary circles), this book feels like a response to all of those conversations from the literary zeitgeist.

It's brutally self aware and allows the reader to act as a voyeur with a wink. It's the written equivalent of analyzing all of your flaws and all of your assets and all of your relationships and then posting them for public consumption. Is there an air of self indulgence in that act? Yes. But, is it compelling? Also yes.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.