16 Nov Book Review of Trying: A Memoir
Book Review: "Trying: A Memoir" by Chloe Caldwell
I stumbled upon "Trying: A Memoir" by Chloe Caldwell on NetGalley, and I can honestly say that it was an impulse I’m incredibly grateful for. From the very first page, I was drawn into Caldwell’s world—one that expertly weaves humor and heartbreak into a raw, nonlinear narrative that feels both deeply intimate and universally relatable. Set for release on August 5th, 2025, this precious little memoir had me hooked faster than I ever anticipated.
In "Trying," Caldwell bravely takes us through the tides of age, infertility, and identity. What begins as an exploration of societal expectations surrounding parenthood morphs into a broader discourse on queerness, grief, and consumerism. Caldwell doesn’t merely face the heavy burdens that come with the cultural pressures on those with uteruses; she interrogates the underlying assumptions and judgments. The critique on how those who choose not to have kids are perceived as failures, or how infertility is often met with unsolicited advice wrapped in wellness jargon, is so painfully true. I found myself nodding along, feeling every sharp observation Caldwell makes about the "fix-it culture" that surrounds us.
One thread woven throughout the memoir is a poignant metaphor about a boutique selling "life-changing pants." This concept illustrates the frustration with societal narratives that pitch a one-size-fits-all solution to life’s trials—it’s like life in a nutshell. We often believe that if we just find the right “pants,” everything will fit and feel perfect. But, as Caldwell shows so clearly, that’s a fallacy. The way the memoir engages with such metaphors added a layer of depth that resonated with me; it deftly captures the uneven terrain of trying, well—at everything.
Caldwell’s fragmented vignettes pulse with emotion, and her writing style is refreshingly sharp yet tender. The pacing feels organic—a reflective ebb and flow that mirrors the author’s journey from a hetero marriage to a newfound autonomy. The narrative interrupts itself with a rupture that featured an infidelity and subsequent divorce, marking a significant turning point steeped in raw authenticity. I couldn’t help but feel empathy for Caldwell as she navigates her grief while also trying to celebrate the happiness of others, an experience so many of us can relate to in different contexts.
Her references to contemporary pop culture—like MUNA and "Search Party"—add both levity and a grounding presence, making the heavy moments relatable and vivid. My heart ached as Caldwell illustrated the weight of feeling happy for others while grappling with one’s own struggles, and her ability to convey this emotion without moralizing struck a chord deep within me.
This memoir won’t resonate with everyone; its fragmented, vignette-based structure might be challenging for some. Yet, for those like me who have wrestled with the complexities of identity and life’s unpredictable narrative arcs, "Trying" feels like a warmly lit room where we can sit together in the mess of not knowing. It captured what it means to rewrite one’s life mid-sentence and provided a lens through which I felt seen.
I wholeheartedly recommend "Trying" to anyone seeking a poignant exploration of the human experience, particularly those navigating the complexities of identity, loss, and the immeasurable weight of trying. Chloe Caldwell’s ability to blend the raw and the humorous not only left me reflecting on my own experiences but also opened my eyes to the deeper meanings behind our struggles. This memoir isn’t just a book; it’s a heartfelt conversation between friends that lingers with you long after you turn the last page.
