I Remember

by Joe Brainard
I Remember cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Art, Design, and Photography
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Technical
  • ID: 2229
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3

'I Remember' by Joe Brainard is a pioneering work that blends prose, poetry, and visual art to create a vivid tapestry of memories. Each fragment offers a glimpse into Brainard's life, capturing moments both ordinary and extraordinary with a raw and honest perspective. The book's innovative format and collaborative editing by Ron Padgett make it a standout piece in the world of experimental literature. /n/nThis collection is not just a memoir but a celebration of the power of reminiscence and the beauty of everyday experiences. Brainard's use of collage and mixed media adds a layer of visual interest, making 'I Remember' a multi-sensory journey. It's a book that challenges traditional narratives and invites readers to reflect on their own memories and the stories they tell.

Reviews
The Telegraph · 2025-06-23
original 4.00

The book is a unique and engaging memoir, with each memory offering a glimpse into Brainard's life. The non-sequential structure adds to its charm and originality.

The Telegraph's reviewer praises the non-sequential structure of 'I Remember,' noting how each memory stands alone yet collectively paints a vivid picture of Brainard's life. They find the book to be a unique and engaging read, appreciating the way Brainard's memories are both specific and universally relatable. The reviewer also highlights the book's originality and the way it captures the essence of Brainard's experiences with simplicity and depth.

Quick quotes

    The book comprises a non-sequential list of distinct memories, each beginning with the words 'I remember'.

    These memories encompass things, places, and people that shaped Brainard's life in meaningful ways.

    The book's originality and the way it captures the essence of Brainard's experiences with simplicity and depth.

Public Books · 2019-10-03
charming 4.00

Brainard's writing is charming and introspective, with a casual yet insightful style. The simplicity of his sentences belies the depth of his observations.

The reviewer from Public Books is particularly taken with Brainard's ability to convey complex emotions and experiences through seemingly simple sentences. They note that his writing style is both innocent and insightful, with an easy-going attention to detail that makes his memories feel vivid and real. This reviewer appreciates the way Brainard's work captures moments of everyday life with a sense of wonder and reflection.

Quick quotes

    Much of what is most winning about Brainard's writing is in these two sentences: his innocence, his inwardness, his easy-going attention, his ...

    Brainard's writing style is both innocent and insightful, with an easy-going attention to detail.

    His work captures moments of everyday life with a sense of wonder and reflection.

The Guardian · 2013-04-07
engaging 4.50

The memoir is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it a timeless cult classic. Its unique structure and candid reflections offer a poignant glimpse into Brainard's life.

This reviewer highlights how Brainard's 'I Remember' strikes a perfect balance between personal introspection and universal themes. The book's structure, composed of short, episodic memories, creates an intimate and engaging narrative that resonates with readers. They appreciate the raw honesty and the way Brainard captures the essence of his experiences, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    At once intensely personal and strikingly universal, Brainard's I Remember has remained a cult classic ever since.

    The book's structure, composed of short, episodic memories, creates an intimate and engaging narrative.

    Its unique structure and candid reflections offer a poignant glimpse into Brainard's life.

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