Gingerbread

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Gingerbread by Helen Oyeymi

I decided to review this book, not because I loved it, but because it marked some personal growth as a reader. Does that happen to you? You read something and realize that it’s helping you evolve a bit? Well, “Gingerbread,” was that kind of book for me. I read a lot and some books have always been harder for me and I have not been able to really pinpoint why until I read this one. Turns out, the kinds of books I struggle with are surreal and abstract. My brain literally gets grumpy and is like, “no, no, no! We need to understand what we’re reading.” When I’m reading something surreal, I find that I run in circles trying to figure out what a book means. It’s SO important for me. It’s next to impossible for me to let go. With that backstory, it should make sense that this book was a challenge for me. Now, I should also note that I really wanted to read “Gingerbread.” I had heard about it for a while, had it on my tbr, and even went out and bought it! So, when I got about a third of the way in and was struggling, I started debating if I should put it down or muscle through. I reached out my bookstagram family and found that I wasn’t alone. I was also encouraged to enjoy the ride, so to speak, and enjoy the beauty of the writing (and let go of needing to “get” it). And this is where my evolution comes in. I decided that it was important to read and to try and learn a new way of reading . . . it was a beautiful opportunity to learn a different way of reading. I got excited and set aside some uninterrupted time to fall into the story and writing. The result? I’m glad that I did . . .seriously no regrets. The writing is exquisite. I honestly think that’s what got me through. For me, “Gingerbread” made absolutely no sense and I just couldn’t enjoy it.

Summing it up: I’m glad I read this book, but it was not for me! Are you someone who enjoyed surreal/abstract books? Or do you need to understand it? I’d love to hear your take and any tips you have for reading surreal books! I don’t want to permanently cross them off my reading list, even though I know I’ll likely never fully enjoy them.

Best, Abbey