I have a background in writing creative nonfiction that makes it hard for me to be kind or objective about books or essays based on the writer’s own life, so I don’t usually seek them out. But this trend of marketing CNF as “autofiction” has made it harder to avoid, and I didn’t realize this was autofiction until I’d already committed to reviewing it. So please take this review with a huge grain of salt, because when it comes to autofiction, I am salty AF.

With all that out of the way: respectfully, and with all the love in my heart, this book is extremely up its own ass.

CNF is unlike any other genre. When you make yourself the main character, you force your audience to see your point of view. You become the protagonist, even in situations where you may not have been, which sets up an inherent “untruth” in the narrative. In other words, narrators of memoirs or works of autofiction are unreliable narrators, 100% of the time. This can be okay if the writer is self aware. In my experience, though, that self awareness is very rare. The most common trap I see autofiction writers fall into is putting all of their effort into making themselves a sympathetic, compelling character rather than focusing on what would make the most sense narratively, which tends to come across as defensive. Unfortunately, IF YOU LOVE IT, LET IT KILL YOU is no exception. You can feel the writer’s intent coming through in every word she writes—look how clever I am, look how put upon, look how misunderstood—and it becomes a distraction. Her story has the legs to stand on its own, but she doesn’t let it.

I don’t want to be THAT GUY and talk about Hannah Pittard’s life (although please Google the lore behind this release if you haven’t; you’re in for a treat). And it’s tough to criticize IYLILIKY without feeling like I’m picking on someone’s actual feelings, family, and life (which, PS, is another big reason why someone might choose this genre… ask me how I know 😙). But if you do know Hannah’s background, you know that IYLILIKY is basically a diss track in book form. And it was clear to me that at the time she wrote this, she hadn’t fully processed all the events and emotions she was trying to capture. She was not ready to write this book yet, and it shows.

I keep seeing IYLILIKY compared to ALL FOURS by Miranda July. You will be disappointed if you seek out this book based on that comparison. ALL FOURS has a story to tell, and it prioritizes that story above all else. Miranda July may have made herself the protagonist of ALL FOURS, but making herself the protagonist does not come through on the page as her primary reason for writing it—you feel me?

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a bit off the rails for my usual reading tastes, but I appreciated the leap that it took. Hana's life is going well. She has a job she enjoys, a boyfriend she loves, and is making the blended family work. When she discovers that her ex-husband is releasing a book featuring an unflattering portrayal of her, she initially thinks nothing of it. But it seems to have set off a series of midlife crisis events, and this is where things went off the rails! i was invested in our main character, but it felt a little too zany for me.

Midlife crash out a la All Fours but I really like this better. The narrator was just as pretentious but I liked the writing style better.

This book is an emotional read that is well written and relatable. This book was also fun and very entertaining.

Okay, so I was not privy to the authors background. I was scrolling on tiktok and saw a creator talking about her background. I was currently reading it and once I started reading it and could see the parallels I was honestly less interested in this book. I did however, go and read her "memoir" and I liked that much better than this. This unfortunately just fell a little flat for me. I understand what it was trying to do but I feel that the execution was not the best.

I got about 12% into this book and then DNF'd it. At 12% of the way in, a good story should
1. have a discernible plot and
2. should not feel like a chore to read.
This did not meet either of the criteria for me. Not my taste, I fear.

Thanks NetGalley, and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC.

Enjoyed this, and anyone who gravitates toward quirky, funny writing about complicated women will. Not often you learn about a woman’s inner thoughts and have a talking cat in the same storyline.

I wanted to live in this book. It was almost impossible to put down. It’s so real and raw, this author has surpassed every expectation I had for a good book.

I won't say I picked this up solely because I liked the title, but it may have been a contributing factor. But even better, the story itself was just as compelling. I don't demand an action-packed plot, and I often find myself gravitating towards novels like these that are 'quieter' with an emphasis on the characters. This book excelled at diving into the mind of our narrator and following her along life's adventures. Bonus - there was a talking cat.

I have mixed feelings about “If You Love It, Let It Kill You”. I really enjoyed the main characters relationship with the cat, who knows if that was some magical realism or mania but it was fun and I wish it lasted longer. The story reminded me a lot of The Royal Tenenbaum and similarly to the movie, there was a lot that, as a reader, you have to figure out yourself and imagine. I would have liked some more insight into the family dynamic, like why does the brother live in Colorado when everyone else is within walking distance in Kentucky?

I absolutely loved this book! It was weird and wacky, and it's all vibes/not much plot which I love. We follow Hana, and it's very much like we're just listening to her inner thoughts. I laughed out loud, but it's so much more than just a funny book. Hanna Pittard does an amazing job of delivering this chaotic, stream of consciousness story that also includes the mundaneness of everyday life. It feels light hearted, but really touches on some heavy topics. There are so many interesting characters - I especially loved Hana's dad and their relationship. I highly recommend this one, I really loved it so much. I am in quite a reading slump right now, but I couldn't stop reading this. Thank you so much, NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of If You Love It, Let It Kill You.

This book was a very refreshing read. I enjoyed the multitude of stories within the novel and how experimental it was at times. It was not off-putting at all, it made it even more engaging. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy experimental writing but would also recommend it to people that enjoy reading about everyday life and relationships.

Excellent writing!

"I am trembling, and now Bruce is holding me, and I am ice and slime and sulfur, and I am gone."

*If You Love It, Let It Kill You* by Hannah Pittard is a stunning and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of love, obsession, and the fine line between devotion and self-destruction. Pittard’s writing is sharp and introspective, creating a gripping narrative that pulls you in from the first page.

The story centers around a deeply flawed protagonist, whose relationship with a volatile and enigmatic partner becomes an all-consuming obsession. The novel’s title perfectly encapsulates the central theme—the idea that love, when it becomes a force of total surrender, can destroy as much as it heals. Pittard’s portrayal of this toxic dynamic is both haunting and honest, making for a reading experience that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally intense.

What makes *If You Love It, Let It Kill You* stand out is Pittard’s ability to delve into the psychological depths of her characters, particularly the protagonist’s inner turmoil and yearning. The tension in the story is palpable, and while the pacing can be slow at times, it feels deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrator's emotional journey.

Pittard’s writing is both beautiful and unsettling, and her exploration of obsession and emotional vulnerability will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the dark side of love. The novel's unpredictable twists and complex characters make it a compelling and unforgettable read.

If you're looking for a book that challenges your perceptions of love and relationships while keeping you on the edge of your seat, *If You Love It, Let It Kill You* is an excellent choice. It’s a book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

I wasn’t wild about this writing style of the pacing of the plot in this one. I think there was some really great, poetic prose, but mostly it just wasn’t my taste.

What a fun read this one is! It’s so poetic and frank. I’d recommend this to any girl and especially those over 35!

This book was such a wild, quirky ride! The writing is sharp, funny, and a little surreal in the best way. Hana is a messy, flawed protagonist, but I loved following her chaotic journey. Some parts felt a bit out there, but overall, it was an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Definitely recommend if you like witty, unconventional storytelling! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*If You Love It, Let It Kill You* by Hannah Pittard is a raw and beautifully crafted novel that delves into love, loss, and the complexities of self-destruction. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Pittard delivers a deeply affecting story that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

Hana`s ex husband is writing a book and she is going to be in it.... this kind of sends her on a tailspin. She is able to manage her life but not. This book is pretty much an internal monologue of her thoughts and life. I liked all the side characters and thought it was an interesting way to write a book.

I was not expecting to have this book feel more like an auto-fiction but I loved the inner monologue of the character which felt raw and vulnerable at times. There are some darker themes but overall I felt like this brought a lot of introspection as you navigate the main characters choices and thoughts. Hits points where the main character is going through a midlife crisis and you’re along with the ride. Pacing was a little off for me at the end but I enjoyed the story.

Thanks NetGalley, and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hannah, a writer and professor, has a loving boyfriend, a stepdaughter, kooky but present divorced parents, a sister who lives across the street, and, for a while, a cat.

I love the book.