Candi’s review of All Fours > Likes and Comments

I can see how this would strike a sympathetic chord, Candi. With a title like that, and knowing what I know about Miranda July, I would hardly think this was Donny and Marie. Glad you enjoyed it.

Great review and glad you enjoyed it, Candi. Miranda and I don't click on the page, though I like her film work. I respect her honesty though, always. Your review, and Robin's referral to one if her short stories in the New Yorker which I loved, made me consider giving this a try. You guys are good!

This is the second GR recommendation I’ve seen this past week for M. July. I must see what it’s all about!

I have gone back and forth on reading this one, and now I know it is absolutely for me, Candi. I could not be going through more life transitions at the moment, and at 47, I’m grateful for a main character I can certainly relate to. Thanks so much for this convincing review.

Awesome review, Candi! Adding!

Lovely review, Candi, and I had to smile at much you were with the narrator and invested in her outcomes. That’s how you know when a book grabs you!

Awesome review, Candi, I'm thrilled you loved this so much too! I also loved how spontaneous she was, I cannot imagine being like that, I have to plan for everything and follow routine and even reading about such spontaneity can make me insane--- except when it's in written in the capable hands of Miranda July! She is so entertaining and still delivers a good message.

Left Coast Justin wrote: "I can see how this would strike a sympathetic chord, Candi. With a title like that, and knowing what I know about Miranda July, I would hardly think this was Donny and Marie. Glad you enjoyed it."

Yeah, the essence of this book is so relatable, even if the narrator herself is far from being a duplicate of little ole' me :D I believe this one is a bit more cohesive than The First Bad Man - there's no confusing fantasy with reality here either. Donny and Marie would need life-saving measures after reading this one, I'm afraid ;) Thanks, Justin!

Bonnie G. wrote: "Great review and glad you enjoyed it, Candi. Miranda and I don't click on the page, though I like her film work. I respect her honesty though, always. Your review, and Robin's referral to one if he..."

Thanks so much, Bonnie! I couldn't wait to get back to this one whenever I had to set it aside. It's very addictive reading for me! I have yet to enjoy her film work, but have solid plans to watch Kajillionaire with my daughter in the near future. I'm going to look for that short story now that you've mentioned it! If you decide to read this one, I'll be very interested to hear what you think :)

Judith wrote: "This is the second GR recommendation I’ve seen this past week for M. July. I must see what it’s all about!"

There are some recommendations for this work, and then there are some Beware signs around here as well, Judith! So take all of that into consideration and if you're still curious, then perhaps it's meant to be :)

Fantastic review as always, Candi! I haven't read this, but I feel like you've really given me a full and tempting sense of what it's all about. "Refreshingly honest" with a dash of cringe definitely appeals to me as a reader as well. But I'll probably check out one or two of Miranda July's films before committing to one of her books, just to see if I'm on the same wavelength.

Your enthusiasm for this one shines through, Candi! Glad it hit all the right notes for you. Not sure she’s a me kind of author though. Terrific review!!

Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader wrote: "I have gone back and forth on reading this one, and now I know it is absolutely for me, Candi. I could not be going through more life transitions at the moment, and at 47, I’m grateful for a main c..."

I hope this is indeed for you, Jennifer! You will be taken on a wild ride, but July has a destination in mind. Just hold on tight and get ready to wince a few times! :D Thanks for stopping by, and I'll be eager to read your thoughts on this someday :)

Karen wrote: "Awesome review, Candi! Adding!"

Thanks so much, Karen!

Cheryl wrote: "Lovely review, Candi, and I had to smile at much you were with the narrator and invested in her outcomes. That’s how you know when a book grabs you!"

Thanks a bunch, Cheryl. Sometimes this book was so completely bonkers that I couldn't do anything but laugh! But there's definitely a serious, important topic that July handles with her very unique style. I love the freshness of it all :)

Candi wrote: "...Sometimes this book was so completely bonkers that I couldn't do anything but laugh! But there's definitely a serious, important topic that July handles with her very unique style. I love the freshness of it all..."

That was exactly my reaction to her First Bad Man book, Candi, so when I feel the moment is right for a serious bonkers book, I'll download this!

Love this review! I had seen it pop up before in my feed, but hadn’t ever heard of the author so I wasn’t sure I’d like it. The cover is what caught my eye initially, and now I can’t wait to read it! 📚❤️

Great review.

Another fantastic review, Candi. I'm not sure this author is for me, but I love that you found so much meaning and relatable lines in the book. Funny - another trusted GR friend DNF'ed, mostly for the reason you cite at the beginning: "Just as in real life, a person that refuses to hold back a single damn thing can get on my nerves. It feels too forced."

Maybe when my TBR isn't 50 feet tall, I'll consider. Ha ha ha.

Great review - I'm not quite ready for another Miranda July novel but I'm sure I will be eventually!

Candi, this sounds like a wild and exhilarating story on a phase of transition in life. Fab review.

This definitely looks like a case of the right book at the right time! I can see how this novel, via the quotes and thoughts you shared, resonates with where you are in life right now.

I don't think this one is for me at this time, and I am thrilled that you pounced on it and loved it!

Jenna wrote: "Awesome review, Candi, I'm thrilled you loved this so much too! I also loved how spontaneous she was, I cannot imagine being like that, I have to plan for everything and follow routine and even rea..."

Thanks a bunch, Jenna! I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I learned she was publishing another, but your smashing review made me get to it ASAP! I like to be spontaneous at times, but there's no way I could be this impulsive! :D Miranda July is going to be a go-to author for me. She writes some wild stuff, but there's a goal which she successfully attains by the end of that ride :)

James wrote: "Fantastic review as always, Candi! I haven't read this, but I feel like you've really given me a full and tempting sense of what it's all about. "Refreshingly honest" with a dash of cringe definite..."

Thanks so much, James! In the wrong hands, I would say this sort of story is "overdoing it". Now so with Miranda July. I just let myself go with the flow and it totally works. Fair enough on watching a couple of films first. I'll want to know how those turn out for you!

Antoinette wrote: "Your enthusiasm for this one shines through, Candi! Glad it hit all the right notes for you. Not sure she’s a me kind of author though. Terrific review!!"

July is not someone I could recommend unreservedly, that's for sure, Antoinette! :D Not being sure is probably reason enough to bypass her work ;) And thank you for your kind comment!

Fionnuala wrote: "Candi wrote: "...Sometimes this book was so completely bonkers that I couldn't do anything but laugh! But there's definitely a serious, important topic that July handles with her very unique style...."

Yes, you will know exactly what I mean, Fionnuala! One of the main differences between this and The First Bad Man is that the line between fantasy and reality is less blurred - at least that's how I felt while reading this. Oh, and I have to say that in both books it's evident that she takes childrearing, with all its joys and sorrows and challenges, quite seriously :)

Rhonda wrote: "Love this review! I had seen it pop up before in my feed, but hadn’t ever heard of the author so I wasn’t sure I’d like it. The cover is what caught my eye initially, and now I can’t wait to read i..."

Thanks very much, Rhonda! I had heard the name Miranda July before, but until last summer I didn't know she had written any novels. It was a wondrous discovery and I hope you end up in agreement with that statement! :)

Chris wrote: "Great review."

Thank you, Chris :)

Melissa wrote: "Another fantastic review, Candi. I'm not sure this author is for me, but I love that you found so much meaning and relatable lines in the book. Funny - another trusted GR friend DNF'ed, mostly for ..."

Thanks again, my friend! You definitely need to read more than one review to get a feel for whether July would appeal to you or not! I'd also read some unfavorable reviews but having experienced her writing before, I knew I had to give it a try :) And yes, that teetering stack of books is another thing to take into consideration :D

Fantastic review, Candi. You really show what makes this a breath of fresh air! I've been meaning to get to The First Bad Man, and will definitely speed that up now.

This sounds great, Candi! This will definitely be the one I read when you read I Love Dick, 😅. Her prose is better than I expected, it moves me. I thought she’d be pretentious. I think I’m always going through transitions, always living by the seat of my pants, so I may relate. What’s the cringe? Is it sexual? Is it like the show Girls, or Tiny Furniture? It’s not violence and vomit, is it? Excellent review, loved it :D

Lisa (NY) wrote: "Great review - I'm not quite ready for another Miranda July novel but I'm sure I will be eventually!"

Thank you, Lisa! I think she demands to be read at just the right time! :D

Laysee wrote: "Candi, this sounds like a wild and exhilarating story on a phase of transition in life. Fab review."

Yes, Laysee! I was nearly out of breath by the end! Actually, the ending really was something else :) Thanks very much!

Lisa wrote: "This definitely looks like a case of the right book at the right time! I can see how this novel, via the quotes and thoughts you shared, resonates with where you are in life right now.

I don't thi..."

It sure was the right book, Lisa. To use Laysee's perfect word choice, it was exhilarating! I really feel like I'm on a track to put up with zero nonsense these days, and this book inspired me even further :)

Kathleen wrote: "Fantastic review, Candi. You really show what makes this a breath of fresh air! I've been meaning to get to The First Bad Man, and will definitely speed that up now."

Thank you, Kathleen! The First Bad Man is such a smart and funny book. It's so far out there at first, but then it all comes together if you can make it that far ;)

Jennifer wrote: "This sounds great, Candi! This will definitely be the one I read when you read I Love Dick, 😅. Her prose is better than I expected, it moves me. I thought she’d be pretentious. I think I’m always g..."

Jennifer, I'd love for you to read this or The First Bad Man! I should see about that copy of I Love Dick then ;) I believe you will find this one very relatable. The other one, not so much, maybe. But still - I can't recommend both highly enough! The cringe is sexual - I'm thinking one scene in particular and that's all I'll say! :D I don't know Girls or Tiny Furniture so I can't speak to any comparison there. Thanks a bunch!

You have such an eclectic taste in books, Candi ;-) Thanks for exposing me to so many new authors and books. I love the quotes you’ve included here. Miranda July is now on my radar.

Wyndy wrote: "You have such an eclectic taste in books, Candi ;-) Thanks for exposing me to so many new authors and books. I love the quotes you’ve included here. Miranda July is now on my radar."

I'm all over the place, Wyndy! :D Right now, I'm reading a non-fiction book about a hermit. And Rumer Godden is on-deck next(ish)! Miranda July has a very unique style. Thanks for your kind words :)

Outstanding review! This novel gets mixed reviews on my feed, but your thoughts on it definitely make me want to read it. You steered me in the right direction regarding Martyr!, so I have to add this one now!

K wrote: "Outstanding review! This novel gets mixed reviews on my feed, but your thoughts on it definitely make me want to read it. You steered me in the right direction regarding Martyr!, s..."

Thank you very much, K! If you're in the mood for one helluva ride, then Miranda July is your woman :D This is a bold and smart book, and I hope you love it if you read it :)

Candi, I love that your admiration for her grit and determination shines through. It is wonderful when an author appears in one’s reading!

Love your enthusiasm and since the audiobook has just arrived in my queue, I'll return to your review later.

Lorna wrote: "Candi, I love that your admiration for her grit and determination shines through. It is wonderful when an author appears in one’s reading!"

I appreciate your kind words, Lorna! I think it was a stroke of luck that one of Miranda July's older films passed through my hands at the library today. She's definitely at the forefront of my mind now :)

Bianca (back, catching up) wrote: "Love your enthusiasm and since the audiobook has just arrived in my queue, I'll return to your review later."

Thanks a bunch, Bianca! Ooh, I await eagerly to hear your thoughts on this!!

Excellent review, Candi. It seems like a great tale of grit and perseverance :)

Gaurav wrote: "Excellent review, Candi. It seems like a great tale of grit and perseverance :)"

Thanks very much, Gaurav. It's that and a whole lot more - including hilarious at times!

Candi, I never thought I would be wanting to read Miranda July, but your ab fab review makes this sound so wild & exhilarating & rock-'n-roll there is nothing I can do but give in to the temptation sooner or later :). That Pinocchio quote had me in stitches.

Candi, your love for this really jumps off the page. You’ve given us some really thoughtful quotes to ponder. This author has captured you and it’s evident you’ll be going back for more.

Ilse wrote: "Candi, I never thought I would be wanting to read Miranda July, but your ab fab review makes this sound so wild & exhilarating & rock-'n-roll there is nothing I can do but give in to the temptation..."

Ilse, I don’t believe July’s writing will suit everyone or even if it does, the timing is key. She’s so much fun to read and beneath all of the weirdness one can find some truly insightful stuff. Some of it perhaps more relevant to some readers than others. Having said that, I’d be so curious to learn of your own perceptions after reading her work! Thanks a bunch for your comment ☺️

Lori wrote: "Candi, your love for this really jumps off the page. You’ve given us some really thoughtful quotes to ponder. This author has captured you and it’s evident you’ll be going back for more."

I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is, but July’s books make me a bit giddy, Lori! 😁 I find myself talking about her for days after, if I can manage to grab an unsuspecting, captive audience! 😉