Elisa Gabbert's "Any Person is the Only Self" is both what I expected and not what I expected at the same time, but ultimately, it is not for me. The book feels reminiscent of sitting on an online forum, reading various perspectives and feedback, filled with quotes and inserts. While some may find this approach engaging, I felt like I was reading a collection of thoughts that had already been articulated by other authors, compiled by Gabbert.

Before reaching the halfway point, I found myself bored and questioning if this is what every essay would be like. However, I must acknowledge that some essays do spark interesting discussions and introduce potentially new information from classics, as well as obscure authors or films that many may not be familiar with. Despite this, I ultimately desired to see and hear more of Gabbert's own voice.

There's no doubt that this book will receive a variety of reviews. It is definitely meant for a specific audience. It appeals not just to those who love to read and enjoy literature, but more so to those who revel in continuously discussing it. As someone who enjoys reading and has a passion for classics, I value conversations about literature—what we learn from it and how it shapes our discourse. However, I did not enjoy the heavily quoted conversation style presented in this book.

There is no denying that these essays are interesting and explore topics related to writing, journaling, reading, and literature. Gabbert's passion for these subjects is evident, and other readers will undoubtedly connect with her love for literature. Nevertheless, I wanted to see more of her personal connection, which unfortunately was often overshadowed by the numerous references.

I would still recommend "Any Person is the Only Self" to some friends who I believe would appreciate it. These are friends who are less focused on hearing the author's voice and more interested in the diverse voices she brings to the forefront.