It would be really easy to dismiss Sheila Heti’s “novel from life” How Should a Person Be? by claiming not to be the target audience. Or, I could say that I am unable to relate to this gaggle of apolitical artists and playwrights who seem to be affluent enough to not worry about finances and the world around them. But then I remember that when writing is good, you don’t have to be able to relate to the characters because the story will make you feel their situation. And perhaps, on that level, Heti has succeeded here if what she wanted me to feel in this situation was unending annoyance and total boredom about these people who spend all their time wanking on about art and what it means and friendship. Actually, that does sound like a pretty good book, but sadly this one is not pretty good.

Ugh. I don’t even know where to begin. read more.