In 'Something That May Shock and Discredit You', Daniel Mallory Ortberg delves into the complexities of faith, identity, and the human experience with humor and insight. Through a series of essays that intertwine personal anecdotes and cultural commentary, he navigates the challenging terrain of self-acceptance and spirituality. Ortberg's candid reflections are both poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, inviting readers to reconsider their own beliefs and biases. This book promises to astonish, amuse, and provoke thought, pushing the boundaries of conventional narratives on belief. Prepare to be both entertained and enlightened as Ortberg reveals the unexpected truths that lie within us all.
By Daniel Mallory Ortberg
Published: 2020
"We all walk around with fragments of ourselves, pieces lost and found in the chaos of life, searching for the narrative that ties us together."
Named one of the most anticipated books of the year by Entertainment Weekly, O, The Oprah Magazine, BuzzFeed, Electric Literature, Yahoo Lifestyle, and Bitch Media “A delightful hybrid of a book… You’ll laugh, you'll cry, often both at once. Everyone should read this extraordinary book.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) From the New York Times bestselling author of Texts From Jane Eyre and Merry Spinster, writer of Slate’s “Dear Prudence” column, and cofounder of The Toast comes a hilarious and stirring collection of essays and cultural observations spanning pop culture—from the endearingly popular to the staggeringly obscure. Daniel Mallory Ortberg is known for blending genres, forms, and sources to develop fascinating new hybrids—from lyric rants to horror recipes to pornographic scripture. In his most personal work to date, he turns his attention to the essay, offering vigorous and laugh-out-loud funny accounts of both popular and highbrow culture while mixing in meditations on gender transition, family dynamics, and the many meanings of faith. From a thoughtful analysis of the beauty of William Shatner to a sinister reimagining of HGTV’s House Hunters, and featuring figures as varied as Anne of Green Gables, Columbo, Nora Ephron, Apollo, and the cast of Mean Girls, Something That May Shock and Discredit You is a hilarious and emotionally exhilarating compendium that combines personal history with cultural history to make you see yourself and those around you entirely anew. It further establishes Ortberg as one of the most innovative and engaging voices of his generation—and it may just change the way you think about Lord Byron forever.
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“We all walk around with fragments of ourselves, pieces lost and found in the chaos of life, searching for the narrative that ties us together.”
Something That May Shock and Discredit You
By Daniel Mallory Ortberg
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Daniel Mallory Ortberg is a widely acclaimed author and essayist known for his sharp wit and keen observations on modern life and culture. He is the author of the bestselling book 'Something That May Shock and Discredit You,' which showcases his signature blend of humor and heartfelt exploration of personal identity and social issues. Additionally, he has written 'The Topeka School,' a novel that delves into the complexities of language and politics in contemporary America. Ortberg is recognized for his distinctive writing style, characterized by its engaging narrative voice and thoughtful reflection, often drawing on his own experiences as a queer writer in today's society. His work has been featured in various prominent publications and he is celebrated for his contributions to discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ themes in literature.
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