So, Ariel Levy is an incredible writer. This is undebatable, and former knowledge, thanks to her New Yorker pieces, which are what led me to read this book.

She is also, as community reviews I should've heeded explain, a highly unlikable person. She mentions that her newborn son’s death was “the only thing that went wrong” in her life, and it’s clear. The whole premise of Levy's book is staked on her experience as a modern-day white feminist who almost "has it all," and then, surprise—experiences hardship like the rest of us!

While detailing her own struggles, she simultaneously bears no sympathy for: her ex-wife’s alcoholism, her ex-partner’s transition, the experiences of other Al-Anon participants, and any problems she can't directly relate to her own. Many times, she comes across as elitist and ignorant of her own privilege, especially in the foreign countries she visits—but hey, that's all okay because her best friend's great-aunt was a white South African who "supported" the end of apartheid (sadly, this is NOT an exaggeration, but an actual description of page 195.)

I'm giving this book two stars mostly because there were very few moments where I felt Levy established herself as anything except an insufferable narrator. This doesn't mean less subjective readers won't enjoy this memoir. For what it's worth, I found myself wishing that I had stuck to her journalism, but also completely incapable of quitting this book.

If you're a fan of Lena Dunham or Alison Bechdel, maybe give it a try! If you aren't, read their advance praise on the back of the book—it gives you as much of The Rules Do Not Apply as you'll be able to stomach.