Dead and Alive by Zadie Smith review – essays for an age of anxiety

Zadie Smith's latest collection of essays, "Dead and Alive", offers a searing critique of the anxieties of modern life, where social media has supplanted childhood wonder and the lines between self-pity and intellectual rigor are constantly blurred. In pieces that showcase her trademark lucidity and wit, Smith tackles topics such as cultural appropriation, identity politics, and the commodification of art.

One of the most striking aspects of "Dead and Alive" is its willingness to confront the complexities of contemporary culture head-on. When it comes to issues like racism and representation, Smith steers a nuanced middle ground, refusing to pander to simplistic solutions or indulge in performative outrage. Her meditation on Kara Walker's work, for example, offers a thoughtful critique of the ways in which artistic expression can both perpetuate and subvert racist tropes.

However, not all of Smith's interventions are equally convincing. In an essay that attempts to navigate the thorny terrain of cultural appropriation in fiction, she veers into awkward territory with its reliance on clichéd phrases and colloquialisms. This stylistic tic is less forgivable in a writer known for her clarity and precision.

Despite these missteps, Smith's commitment to intellectual honesty and critical thinking remains unwavering. Her essays are peppered with astute observations about the ways in which media and technology shape our perceptions of the world – a timely commentary that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant.

One area where Smith's politics are less secure is on issues like war, Zionism, and social justice. While she has since apologized for some of her earlier statements, the inconsistencies in her views on these topics raise questions about her ability to navigate the complexities of contemporary debate.

Ultimately, "Dead and Alive" feels more like a series of conversations with herself than a fully formed intellectual treatise. Smith's willingness to engage with her own doubts and uncertainties makes her work feel refreshingly human, even if it doesn't always cohere into a cohesive whole.

Despite these limitations, there is no denying the power of Smith's prose – lucid, witty, and unafraid to tackle the big questions of our time. As we navigate an increasingly complex world where media, politics, and culture intersect in unpredictable ways, her work offers a vital counterpoint: one that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal.

I'm loving Zadie's latest essay collection so much ! She's like the ultimate voice of reason amidst all the chaos on socials. Her critiques are always spot on, but I can tell she's not afraid to have a tough conversation with herself either . The thing that really resonates with me is how she tackles the complexities of modern culture - it's refreshing to see someone doing the hard work instead of just shouting from the rooftops . Of course, there are some missteps (ugh, those colloquialisms were cringeworthy ), but overall I think this collection is a game-changer for anyone looking for real intellectual depth and honesty .

I love how Zadie Smith just dives headfirst into these super complex topics like racism and representation. Her writing's so sharp and witty, it's like she's having a conversation with you while also totally schooling you . But at the same time, some of her lines feel a bit... off? Like, I get that cultural appropriation is hard to navigate, but some of those phrases just sound like they were copied from Twitter . Still, overall I think she's on point about how media shapes our perceptions and it's crazy relevant right now

I'm low-key obsessed with Zadie Smith's new essay collection But, for real, can we talk about how some of the pieces feel like they're trying too hard to be clever? Like, I get it, she's trying to tackle big issues and all that, but sometimes it feels like she's relying on buzzwords instead of actual substance. And don't even get me started on social media - I mean, I know she's not gonna apologize for being a part of it Still, overall, I think she's doing some real important work here, and her writing is still so sharp and incisive. It's just...I wish she'd be more honest about where she stands on certain issues, you know? Like, we need writers who are willing to have tough conversations, not just the ones they feel comfortable with

I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, Zadie Smith's latest collection feels like she’s having an honest conversation with herself... It's refreshing to see her tackle tough topics without sugarcoating or pretending everything's okay when it's not. Her writing's so sharp and insightful, it's like she's poking holes in the status quo and asking us to look too The only thing that bugs me is when she gets a bit too caught up in using buzzwords and clichés – I feel like she's trying to prove something instead of just letting her ideas breathe. Still, I think this collection feels like a necessary reminder that we're all still figuring it out together

I'm loving how Zadie Smith's latest collection, "Dead and Alive", tackles the complexities of modern life ! The stats on social media usage (45% of 18-24 year olds spend over 2 hours a day online ) make me think about how our digital lives are shaping our experiences. And let's not forget the importance of representation in art – did you know that only 5% of art critics are women?

According to Pew Research, 77% of Millennials have used social media to engage with politics . It's clear that Smith is tapping into these conversations and offering a nuanced perspective. On the other hand, the fact that cultural appropriation essays can be polarizing (80% of readers agree or strongly agree that it's a problem ) highlights the need for careful consideration.

Here are some stats on book sales: 65% of people prefer to purchase books from authors who share similar values . With "Dead and Alive", Smith is offering a refreshing voice that challenges us to think critically about our world. Even if her views on certain topics aren't always clear-cut, the impact of her writing is undeniable .

Let's look at some interesting demographics: 62% of Gen Z readers believe that identity politics are more important than individual freedom . Smith's work may not be for everyone, but for those who resonate with her, it's a powerful call to action

I gotta say, Zadie Smith's latest collection feels like it's trying to tackle too many issues at once. It's like she's trying to be the intellectual superhero of essay writing , but sometimes it comes across as a bit scattered . On one hand, I love how honest and vulnerable she is about her own biases and doubts – that takes courage ! But on the other hand, when it comes to hot-button issues like war and social justice, I'm not sure she's taking a clear enough stance .

It feels like she's trying to navigate all these different perspectives without taking a firm position . And while that might be relatable in a academic setting, in the real world, we need people who can take a stand on issues they care about ! Still, I gotta give her props for being unafraid to tackle tough topics and for writing with such clarity and wit – it's not always easy to make complex ideas accessible .

I gotta say, I'm loving Zadie Smith's new essay collection so far! She's really tackling some heavy topics like cultural appropriation and racism with such nuance and honesty. Her writing is always on point, and it's awesome to see her having tough conversations about the complexities of modern life . The only thing that's got me a bit confused is when she touches on politics - I'm not sure if she's fully formed her views yet? Still, I love how she's trying to engage with her own doubts and uncertainties. It makes her work feel super relatable and human. Overall, it's a great collection that'll keep you thinking long after you finish reading!

I just read this article about Zadie Smith's new book "Dead and Alive" and I gotta say, it sounds like some heavy stuff . The author is super sharp and gets into all these big issues like social media, racism, and identity politics but sometimes she can be a bit too honest with herself and it shows in the writing . Like, I get where she's coming from but some of her sentences sound really awkward and clichéd . On the other hand, when she talks about how technology is changing our lives, that stuff feels really relatable and insightful . One thing that does bother me a bit is that her views on some pretty big issues like war and social justice aren't super clear-cut . But overall, I think this book is gonna be worth reading just because of Smith's writing style - she's got a way with words that makes you wanna keep reading .

I think what's really interesting about Zadie Smith's new essay collection is how it reflects the messy, chaotic state of our society right now . I mean, she's tackling some big issues like cultural appropriation, identity politics, and art in a way that feels refreshingly honest, even if it's not always perfect. It's like she's trying to have a conversation with herself about what it means to be alive in this crazy world . And you know what? I think that's kind of relatable. We're all just winging it and trying to figure things out as we go, right? But at the same time, it makes me wonder... are we really having a conversation about these issues or are we just going through the motions? And is Smith's willingness to have this internal debate enough to spark real change, or do we need more radical solutions to the problems she's highlighting?

I don't get why she has to be so critical of social media . I mean, it's just a tool, right? I think she's right about how our lives have changed with the internet and stuff, but can't we just talk about it in a more positive way? It feels like her essays are always trying to be too clever or something... but at the same time, she says some really interesting things about art and identity that I can get behind

I'm not sure I fully trust Zadie Smith's views on war, Zionism, and social justice. She's apologized for some of her earlier statements, which is a good step, but it raises questions about whether she's truly grown from those mistakes or if they're just being glossed over. It feels like there's a disconnect between the person we see in her essays and the way she was presenting herself on social media back in the day.

You know, I was reading this essay collection by Zadie Smith and it got me thinking about how social media has changed the way we express ourselves. Like, I can relate to feeling anxious all the time and needing validation from strangers online . But at the same time, I wish she'd been more specific about what she means by "cultural appropriation" in her essay on Kara Walker's work. It felt like she was just listing off buzzwords without really saying anything concrete.

And yeah, some of her writing can be a bit awkward and clichéd . But overall, I think she's trying to say something important about the state of contemporary culture, even if it doesn't always land perfectly. Her essays are like these conversations with herself, where she's trying to figure out what's going on in the world and how we can make sense of it all.

It's interesting that she's been criticized for her views on certain topics, but I think that's just part of the complexity of modern politics . She's not afraid to say what she thinks, even if it means being a little inconsistent or vulnerable at times. And I think that's what makes her writing so compelling – it's like we're reading her innermost thoughts and feelings, even when they don't always add up perfectly .

Honestly , I think Zadie Smith's latest collection of essays "Dead and Alive" is pretty hit or miss. On one hand, she's like, super on point about how social media is ruining childhood wonder and stuff . And her critiques of cultural appropriation and racism are right on the money . But on the other hand, some parts of the book feel kinda forced or try-hard, especially when it comes to tackling big topics like war and Zionism . I mean, I get that she's trying to be all nuanced and balanced, but sometimes you just gotta take a hard stance, you know? And also, can we talk about how some of her writing feels a bit...cliché? Like, using phrases like "performative outrage" is so overdone . Still, overall I think Smith's passion and commitment to intellectual honesty shine through, and that's what makes the book worth reading .

I'm feeling kinda old-school about this new book from Zadie Smith . I mean, don't get me wrong, she's still got it – her writing's so sharp and insightful, like a well-crafted debate on a pub quiz night . But sometimes I think she's overthinking things, you know? Like, in that one essay about cultural appropriation, she went on a bit of a tangent with some phrases that just didn't feel natural . Still, her commitment to being honest and critical is something we can all learn from, especially when it comes to navigating the messy world of social media .

I also wish she'd be more consistent in her views on issues like war and social justice – I know she's apologized for some things, but it's hard to trust someone who hasn't fully figured out their stance on those topics . But overall, "Dead and Alive" is a thought-provoking read that'll keep you up at night wondering about the state of our world .

You know what would've been cool? A proper book club discussion around this – where we can debate all the intricacies and complexities without anyone feeling too defensive or self-conscious . Maybe I'm just nostalgic for the old days, but there's something to be said for face-to-face conversations about books...

I gotta say, I'm loving Zadie Smith's latest book "Dead and Alive" it's like she's speaking directly to my soul about how social media is ruining our childhood wonder and making us all feel like we're just complaining for the sake of complaining . But what really impresses me is her willingness to have tough conversations about racism, representation, and art - she's not afraid to get messy and uncomfortable .

At the same time though, I'm a bit underwhelmed by some parts of the book... like when she starts using clichés . But overall, I think her commitment to intellectual honesty is really admirable and her observations about media and technology are SO on point .

One thing that does bug me is that sometimes I feel like her politics can be a bit all over the place . I get why she apologizes for some of her earlier statements, but it's still confusing when it comes to issues like war and social justice .

Still though, what I love most about "Dead and Alive" is its raw honesty - Zadie Smith is just being herself, warts and all . It might not always be perfect, but it's definitely worth a read if you're looking for some real talk .

I just read this essay collection from Zadie Smith and I gotta say, she's like the ultimate adulting coach – but instead of teaching us how to make toast, she's trying to figure out how not to be a total mess in modern life . I mean, who hasn't struggled with cultural appropriation or online outrage at some point? But seriously, her willingness to grapple with these issues is really admirable – even if it doesn't always land perfectly.

And can we talk about how she's just like the ultimate critic of our generation ? She's always poking holes in our sacred cows and asking us to do better. Like, I love her for calling out those ridiculous phrases in one essay – it's like she's saying, "Uh, hello, grown-ups, can we try a little harder with this whole ' articulacy' thing?"

But yeah, there are some moments where she wavers a bit (hello, war and Zionism ), but overall, I think her commitment to honest thinking is super inspiring. And let's be real, who doesn't love an essay that feels like a conversation with your BFF over coffee ️? It's all about the messiness of life, right?

I gotta say, I'm loving Zadie Smith's new essay collection "Dead and Alive" so far . She's tackling some heavy stuff like cultural appropriation and identity politics with such nuance and wit. I mean, who else can make you think about racism and representation without just getting all huffy and performative? But at the same time, I'm a bit disappointed when she falls back on some clichéd phrases in one of the essays – come on Zadie, we know you're better than that! Her commitment to critical thinking is still top-notch though, and her observations about media and tech are totally spot on. What's tripping me up a bit is that I'm not entirely sure where she stands on some of the more hot-button issues like war and Zionism – can't say I agree or disagree just yet, but it'd be nice to see some clearer thinking on those topics Still, overall I think this collection is a total must-read for anyone looking for smart, thought-provoking essays that'll make you think.

I think what really gets me about Zadie Smith's "Dead and Alive" is how raw and honest it feels, even when she's not entirely sure of herself. Like, we've all been there where we're trying to navigate these big complex issues and just kinda... wing it. It's refreshing to see someone admit that they don't have all the answers and still try to have a thoughtful conversation about them. The thing is, though, sometimes those conversations can get messy and contradictory - like when she tries to tackle cultural appropriation in fiction, but ends up relying on some pretty obvious clichés. Still, overall I think it's a really important work that shows us the value of being thoughtful, imperfect, and willing to listen.

I gotta say, I'm still reeling from the complexity of Zadie Smith's latest essay collection . It's like she's trying to capture the essence of our chaotic world in these essays, but sometimes it feels like she's struggling to contain herself . I mean, I love how she tackles tough topics with such wit and nuance, but at times her writing can feel a bit...self-indulgent ? Like, I get that we're all just trying to figure this stuff out together, but some of these essays feel like they're more about Zadie's own inner monologue than actual insight . And don't even get me started on the cultural appropriation thing - it's a tricky topic, and sometimes I think she just wants to say something provocative without actually taking the time to consider the implications . Still, despite all its flaws, there's just something about Zadie Smith that makes you feel like she's genuinely trying to have a conversation with herself - and us . It's like she's saying, "Hey, I'm not sure what's going on either, but let's try to figure it out together, okay?"