Dept. of Speculation
Unique, choppy, straight-from-the-hip, honest: these are the words that come to mind when I think about Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill. Made up of 46 chapters this book covers the inner workings of a married wife and mother. Sometimes just random thoughts cover the pages and I had to laugh as I think about the times when I myself, think about such things and my mouth sprouts these random thoughts out loud and individuals within range, look at me quizzical as if I have just landed on the planet. So why should I be surprised at the thoughts that end up inside this book. Some of her topics are funny and no subject is off-limit as she tells you everything that she is thinking about. Those random thoughts are impulsive and leap across a variety of subjects. These ramblings include topics such as her childhood, things that she has read, individuals she has talked to, her current life, and her family. While some of these things I find humorous and entertaining, some of them, I also found quirky. I came upon some that I felt were flat and unfinished. I kept waiting for them to be completed, to be picked up at another time or on another page as I wanted more. I wanted to see if I was on the right page as the writer. I really had a hard time with these ramblings that were not completed. That being said, I think after reading this book, I just might start writing down my own ramblings instead of opening my mouth every time something “unique” comes into my head, I just might have the workings of a book myself.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for me to review.
