Someone Who Will Love You In All Your Damaged Glory

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For my 30th birthday, Devin made an Alice in Wonderland-themed Little Library that now stands in front of our house and makes me super happy along with everyone else in our neighborhood. Lately, it’s been experiencing a bit of a dry spell, with a few lingering Danielle Steel romance novels and an outdated Intro to Programming manual. Until last week. Last week, on a gloriously sunny day, I sauntered over to my Little Library, whipped open the door, and saw a new addition: Someone Who Will Love You In All Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of Bojack Horseman.

I knew next to nothing about Raphael, but I immediately liked that he quoted both of his grandmothers for back-of-the-book reviews. When I cracked it open, I had no expectations. I soon discovered that it’s one of my favorite books of the past year.

This is a collection of short stories that are simultaneously absurdly experimental but also deeply relatable. He has the best imagination. There wasn’t a single story I didn’t love. They’re each a tragic, laugh-out-loud gut punch. He talks directly to the deep, dark recesses of your heart while also making you smile. Some of my favorites include: an engaged couple planning their wedding and having to deal with pressure from outsiders about how many ritual goat sacrifices they’ll have, a punk band that gains superhero powers only when they’re drunk, and the day-to-day first-[canine] perspective of a dog named Rufus. 

I can’t say enough positive things about this book. I recommend it to all! 5 out of 5 flames baby.