Half Empty

by David Rakoff
Half Empty cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Essays / Essay Collections
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8946
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • ISBN: 9780767929059
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2011-09-06
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Half Empty,' bestselling author David Rakoff delivers a sharp and poignant collection of essays that cleverly advocate for the unexpected benefits of pessimism. With Oscar Wilde-worthy wit, Rakoff tackles pop culture phenomena and personal tragedies, revealing the untapped power of negativity. His sharp observations and humorist's flair for the absurd make this book a delightful read, filled with unexpected insights and laughter./n/nRakoff's essays are not just about embracing the worst-case scenario; they are about finding humor and strength in the face of adversity. Whether he's dissecting cultural trends or dealing with personal loss, his writing is both deeply personal and universally relatable. 'Half Empty' is a testament to the idea that sometimes, assuming the worst can lead to the most unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

Reviews
Lambda Literary · 2012-02-12
thought-provoking 4.25

The book is executed with wry humor and a high vocabulary, bringing new meaning to the concept of lowered expectations. The essays are long and winding, filled with lofty ideas that challenge the reader.

Lambda Literary reviews David Rakoff's 'Half Empty' as a book executed with wry humor and a high vocabulary. The essays are long and winding, filled with lofty ideas that challenge the reader. The reviewer appreciates Rakoff's ability to bring new meaning to the concept of lowered expectations, making the book a thought-provoking read. The essays are engaging and intellectually stimulating, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of life. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read for those who enjoy a blend of humor and intellectual challenge.

Quick quotes

    Executed with wry humor, a GRE vocab, and a MENSA meeting of lofty ideas.

    Rakoff brings new meaning to the Mad TV sketch 'Lowered Expectations.'

    The essays are long and winding, filled with lofty ideas that challenge the reader.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2011-07-22
clever 3.75

The book is a collection of slyly constructed essays that offer a cynical yet humorous take on various topics. The last line of one piece is described as close to the perfect putdown, making it worth the price of admission alone.

The Los Angeles Review of Books highlights David Rakoff's 'Half Empty' as a collection of slyly constructed essays that offer a cynical yet humorous take on various topics. The reviewer particularly appreciates the last line of one piece, describing it as close to the perfect putdown. This line alone is considered worth the price of admission, showcasing Rakoff's wit and sharp observational skills. The essays are engaging and thought-provoking, making the book a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a blend of humor and cynicism.

Quick quotes

    Close to the perfect putdown, it is, alone, worth the price of admission.

    The premise of which is both clever and insightful.

    Rakoff's wit and sharp observational skills are on full display.

The New York Times · Alison Scheff · 2010-09-26
engaging 4.00

The collection is a witty and poignant examination of contemporary culture, with a clear disclaimer that no inspirational life lessons will be found within its pages. The essays are sharp and insightful, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of modern life.

Alison Scheff from The New York Times highlights David Rakoff's third essay collection, which is both deeply funny and poignant. The collection is a witty and poignant examination of contemporary culture, with a clear disclaimer that no inspirational life lessons will be found within its pages. The essays are sharp and insightful, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of modern life. Scheff appreciates Rakoff's ability to blend humor with profound observations, making the book a compelling read. The collection is a testament to Rakoff's skill as a writer, providing a fresh and engaging look at the world around us.

Quick quotes

    No Inspirational Life Lessons Will Be Found in These Pages

    Rakoff's essays are sharp and insightful, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of modern life.

    The collection is a testament to Rakoff's skill as a writer, providing a fresh and engaging look at the world around us.

NPR · Lynn Neary · 2010-09-21
witty 4.00

The book is a follow-up to Rakoff's previous works, offering a worldview that is full of wit and humor. It is a collection of essays that are both funny and thought-provoking.

Lynn Neary discusses David Rakoff's latest collection of essays, noting that it is a fitting follow-up to his previous works. She highlights the book's witty and humorous take on contemporary culture, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Neary appreciates the way Rakoff's essays are both funny and insightful, offering a unique perspective on modern life. She finds the collection to be a refreshing departure from the typical self-help genre, offering instead a candid look at the realities of modern life.

Quick quotes

    Rakoff's essays are a fitting follow-up to his previous works.

    The book offers a witty and humorous take on contemporary culture.

    The collection is a refreshing departure from the typical self-help genre.

Appears in Lists