The Space Between - Book Review
Genre: Nonfiction
Authors: Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald
Year: 2020
Pages: 288
Content warning: one chapter discusses sexual assault
Now, nonfiction is generally not my cup of tea but this fiction lover wants to branch out and add a wide variety of books to her little bookshelf. After being recommended The Space Between by a friend for its illuminating chapter on toxic workplace culture in the media industry, I thought I would purchase the book and give it a go.
“Because from the scars and the pain and the hindsight comes the best possible understanding of yourself – of the space between who you were, who you are and who you intend to be.”
Authors of The Space Between, Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald, are the co-founders of the highly successful podcast, Shameless. I haven’t previously listened to the pop culture podcast but I’ve heard great things about it.
The Space Between is divided into four sections; love, ambition, mind and body, and voice. Each chapter changes perspective from author to author with deeply reflective, personal essays interspersed with humorous checklists and numbered lists. The essays discuss a wide range of topics tailored to millennials; from friendships, relationships and mental health to ghosting out of a friend’s party and going on a Euro gap year (if only).
I think my difficultly to read nonfiction hindered my ability to immerse myself in this book. At times, I would struggle to read on, mostly because certain topics weren’t relevant to me. Despite being in the same age bracket, the authors are at different points in their lives than myself. However, the chapters are just long enough to keep my interest (for the most part), even if I don’t find a topic that relatable.
As Andrews and McDonald mention at the beginning of the book, not everyone will able to identify with their reflections. For example, the ambition essays might not appeal to those who don’t have a career in journalism. That being said, The Space Between does offer some interesting discussions. I seemed to enjoy the more profound, evocative and deeper themes than the light-hearted content. In these instances, Andrews and McDonald often turn to experts or industry elite to reinforce their contention, giving weight to their argument.
I don’t know if it’s a book I would read again but it’s a good point of reference for any twenty-something-year-old who is struggling to grapple with adulthood and all the things that come with it.
Rating: ★ ★