I found this collection of essays to be difficult for me. I have two likes about this collection and two dislikes about this collection. 

My first like regarding this collection is the essay entitled “Always Be Optimizing.” This essay is about how women should always be improving themselves and their bodies. I feel that though this is a topic that may seem mundane, or talked about too much, Tolentino wrote about it in a new way with a new perspective about exercise and women’s understanding of themselves and the “forces” around them, for lack of a better term. This essay was endlessly fascinating; I would read a whole book about this topic if Tolentino wrote it. This was, by far, the best essay in the collection. 

My second like regarding this collection is the variety of topics presented. Though it is easy to see how all of these essays connect to one another, I thought that the topics were varied enough that it didn’t feel repetitive or boring. Tolentino chose relevant, modern topics that spark thought and discussion. I think Tolentino wrote about ideas that make themselves known in our culture without repeating what has already been said about those topics. She is smart, quick, and knows how to craft an argument. 

However, I do have two dislikes about this collection. My first dislike was the aura of self-importance Tolentino seemed to have throughout the essays. In fact, one essay was solely about her--I didn’t see why it needed to be included in the collection at all. It was funny to me that she seemed to have this air of self-importance because the book is entitled “Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion.” To me, at least, Tolentino thought herself more important that she actually is, which is not to say she doesn’t have important things to say or isn’t intelligent. 

My second dislike was the accessibility of language, which was practically non-existent. This collection of essays was smart, well-thought out, but a little bit tricky to read. Tolentino uses big words and complex, long sentences. I have no problem with this, but I think that if Tolentino wants people to read, understand, and apply her ideas to their lives, she could have used easier language that is more accessible to the average person.