Alyssa

It's incredible how much Clarke does with so little in this book. It largely takes place in a single setting, following only one character, but it's completely gripping. It's masterfully written, especially in the way that Clarke simultaneously shows you things from Piranesi's perspective and objectively. The labyrinth is beautifully realized, a setting that will stick with me for a long time, and Piranesi's voice is just as unforgettable.

This is my comfort book, my favorite book of all time. I return to it often. I don't know what it is about Mitchell's writing exactly, but it feels like listening to an old friend. It's not for everyone, as it's very much rooted in the past, but I do feel that Mitchell was ahead of his time in his thinking and the way he approached his subjects. While his colleagues at The New Yorker were profiling actors and politicians, Mitchell focused on the extraordinarily ordinary people of New York City. It's fascinating to experience life as it was in the city during the 30s-60s, and that's why I love it so much. It truly takes you back in time, and Mitchell has a great sense of grace and care when writing about the various people he chose to profile. Yes, some of it is embellished, but not in a harmful way. I think, above all, Mitchell wanted to give a voice to the often voiceless, and that comes through in his writing, even if it's embellished at times or stuck in the ways of the past at others.

Joseph Mitchell is my favorite writer, and this biography does him justice ten times over. It's a thorough account of his life, sourced from his family and closest friends, as well as his own journals. Mitchell was known for shining a light on people who others often overlooked. He portrayed New York City in the 1930s-1950s as a vibrant and diverse place through the eyes of its most interesting inhabitants, and there is always a welcome undercurrent of his own thoughts running through his stories as well. This balance is what made him the world's finest literary journalist. Kunkel's book kept me completely invested in his life and is a great tribute to a man who deserves to be venerated.

After reading Joseph Mitchell's piece on Mazie for The New Yorker, I was dying to get to know her better. This is, of course, a fictional account of her life and likely quite far from her reality, but I enjoyed it as a tribute nonetheless. Jami Attenberg's version of Mazie sparkles with life. As she struggles to find her place in this world, she is always thinking of those around her. I wanted the world for her. I especially loved the way her deep relationship with Sister Tee was written. It felt shockingly real and was so affecting. The way this book is structured makes it an easy page-turner. Mazie's diary entries are interspersed with the thoughts of people who knew her or knew of her in some capacity. It's a fast-paced but thoughtful read, and I loved it.