Nothing Good Can Come From This

by Kristi Coulter
Nothing Good Can Come From This cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Essays / Essay Collections
Technical
  • ID: 1842
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780374717087
  • Publisher: MCD x FSG Originals
  • Published: 2018-08-07
  • Reviews: 3

Kristi Coulter's Nothing Good Can Come from This is a raw and unvarnished look at the terrain of new sobriety, filled with wit and warmth. Coulter's essays chart the generative discomfort and surprising sources of beauty that emerge when one gives up a debilitating habit, leaving a space that can't be easily filled. Her sharp observations and incisive writing introduce a fierce new voice that resonates with fans of Sloane Crosley and David Sedaris. /n/n Coulter's collection is not just about the personal journey of quitting alcohol but also about the broader cultural context. She notices the pervasive role of alcohol in women's lives and the ways it numbs them into complacency. By turns hilarious and heartrending, her essays offer a portrait of a life in transition, perfect for anyone who has ever sought an escape from the so-called perfect life.

Reviews
Adam Georgiou's Blog · 2021-04-03
disappointing 2.00

The collection is revealing but falls short of being heroic or enlightening, coming across as somewhat juvenile.

The reviewer finds that while Kristi Coulter's collection is revealing, it lacks the depth and enlightenment one might hope for. The writing is seen as juvenile and not particularly heroic or insightful. Despite the raw and honest approach, the reviewer feels that the collection does not fully deliver on its potential, making it a mixed bag for readers.

Quick quotes

    This is revealing in ways the author didn't mean. It's juvenile, not heroic or enlightening.

    The collection falls short of being a profound exploration of the human experience.

    While the writing is raw and honest, it lacks the depth and insight to make it a truly compelling read.

Los Angeles Review of Books · Sonya Lea · 2018-08-08
compelling 4.50

The collection is a mix of generative discomfort and surprising beauty, offering a raw and honest look at the human condition.

Sonya Lea highlights how Kristi Coulter's essay collection delves into the raw and often uncomfortable aspects of life with a sense of humor and warmth. The reviewer appreciates the way Coulter explores the oddities and beauty of being human, making the collection both relatable and engaging. Lea finds the essays to be a compelling read, filled with moments of insight and introspection that resonate deeply.

Quick quotes

    Nothing Good Can Come from This is a book about generative discomfort, surprising sources of beauty, and the odd, often hilarious, business of being human.

    Coulter's writing is raw and unvarnished, yet filled with wit and warmth.

    The collection offers a compelling exploration of the human condition, making it a standout read.

The Star Tribune · 2018-07-27
insightful 4.00

The essays in this collection offer a newfound appreciation for simplicity, though they may not resonate with everyone. The writing is insightful and thought-provoking.

The reviewer finds that most of the pieces in this collection end with a refreshing appreciation for simplicity. The essays are insightful and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the human experience. While the revelation of simplicity might not be groundbreaking for everyone, the writing itself is engaging and worth the read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and honesty in Coulter's exploration of her own experiences.

Quick quotes

    Most of the pieces here end with a newfound appreciation of simplicity, and while that is a revelation, it is perhaps not a revelation every reader will embrace.

    Coulter's essays are honest and introspective, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human nature.

    The writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in personal reflection and growth.

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