Emma's Reviews > Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead

An instant favourite. I don’t know if it’s already been said, but as a massive Phoebe Bridgers fan, reading this felt eerily similar to listening to her discography. Common themes explored in her music such as death, atheism, depression, self-destruction, and complicated interpersonal relationships are what also drew me to this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m astounded by Emily Austin’s ability to capture how it feels to believe life is meaningless while simultaneously fascinated by the miraculousness of mundane realities.

I’m equally embarrassed and comforted by how much I relate to the protagonist. Gilda and I share so many of the same depressing, pathetic, self-loathing intrusive thought patterns, it’s uncanny. It’s a relief to realize I’m not the only person capable of these sometimes disturbing inner-workings. This book was a reminder that the same part of us responsible for experiencing negative thoughts so intensely is what allows us to feel deep empathy and compassion (and hone an incredible dry wit). Even if it’s not up your alley, I feel like this is one of those books everyone could manage to get something from.