I came across “Willful Disregard” at McNally Jackson bookstore, a novel centered on love and texting, two topics that intrigue me.
I devoured the book in a day, capturing passages that evoked laughter or discomfort. For example, Ester, the protagonist, experiences a scenario where her email goes unanswered by her crush:
As I read, I couldn’t help but think, “Oh Ester,” feeling a sense of vicarious embarrassment. I was also charmed by the portrayal of female friends as the “girlfriend chorus,” reminiscent of a comforting text from my friend Kate during my own romantic dilemma:
Upon recommending “Willful Disregard” to Kate, she suggested “Acts of Desperation,” a poignant portrayal of a brief, intense relationship and its painful end. Chloé Caldwell’s provocative novella, “Women,” also falls in this category, detailing a woman’s tumultuous first queer romance, recently reissued.
Occasionally, I crave a love story that doesn’t culminate in turmoil, resonating with Ayo Edebiri’s reaction to Sally Rooney’s work. It’s gratifying to witness characters make regrettable decisions via text and gradually rebuild after a turbulent breakup.
What book are you currently engrossed in? Any recommendations for compelling reads on relationships or heartbreaks? Joanna relished “The Husbands,” likening it to a witty, engaging TV series.
P.S. Discover Joanna’s top three books, a shocking short story, the most amusing marriage memoir, and Ashley Ford’s tribute to romantic novels.
(Top image from the comical Women Having a Terrible Time at Parties in Western Art History.)
