The New Me

By: Halle Butler

Narrated by: Halle Butler

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

I'm still trying to make the dream possible: still might finish my cleaning project, still might sign up for that yoga class, still might, still might. I step into the shower and almost faint, an image of taking the day by the throat and bashing its head against the wall floating in my mind.   

Thirty-year-old Millie just can't pull it together. Misanthropic and morose, she spends her days killing time at a thankless temp job until she can return home to her empty apartment, where she oscillates wildly between self-recrimination and mild delusion, fixating on all the little ways she might change her life. Then she watches TV until she drops off to sleep, and the cycle begins again.   

When the possibility of a full-time job offer arises, it seems to bring the better life she's envisioning - one that involves nicer clothes, fresh produce, maybe even financial independence - within reach. But with it also comes the paralysing realisation, lurking just beneath the surface, of just how hollow that vision has become.    

Darkly hilarious and devastating, The New Me is a dizzying descent into the mind of a young woman trapped in the fun house of American consumer culture.

©2019 Halle Butler (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group

Irritating voice

I could not listen to this book. The narrator speaks in a way that I just want to say shut up.

Disappointing

I listened to it all although it isn't that long so that wasn't difficult. I was expecting more - perhaps got a Miranda July vibe at first - but wasn't gripped by anything or amused by the story. It's well written but quite dull. Kept expecting something to happen but it never did. Overall quite disappointing.

Brilliant

This book had me crying with recognition as well as snorting with laughter. Very accomplished writing and extremely well observed. The narration was perfect!

Well written but found it unbearably depressing. I know that’s the point but didn’t enjoy the process of reading.

Well written but found it unbearably depressing. I know that’s the point but didn’t enjoy the process of reading.

Piece of art

Really relatable internal monologue for anyone who at any time in life felt on the cusp of things.

interesting take on a young women's working

I score the story low because it wasn't an uplifting story but it was probably realistic. A cautionary tale about ingratitude and self centredness. but worth listening to I'd you are moving into the career market as a woman.

Really good if you like this sort of thing

Luckily I really do. A fine description of how things don't always get better, how we go through life ticking one thing off after another and it's all pretty pointless. I find the release from trying to find meaning in life to be a relief so this book spoke to me. But it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Gave me the same feeling as did L'Etranger when I first read it a million years ago.

most relatable story ever

This book was like a four hour retrospective on life in my twenties. Back then I would have totally related to Millie's experience and it was almost therapeutic to look back on that time through Butler's narrative and recognise that lots of people feel isolated, depressed, other, weird, judged, and incapable of progress or personal growth. The author was absolutely the right choice for narrator as well. And it was hilarious which is what really matters.

Such a good listen!

Listened to this whole book in one day! It had me loling and tearing up, great insightful read for our generation. Very relatable story that plays on your mind for days after.

Funny and unique

Cleverly written. Strangely moving and yet also funny. Really enjoyed it. Made me think. Will stay with me.

beautiful and profound

Loved the narration and story line, found it easy to feel for the character even when i thought i couldnt, enjoyed every minute.