Description: "An exploration of the intersection of neurodivergence, obsession and disorder. Obsessive was, still is, my natural state, and I never wondered why. I didn't mind, didn't know that other people could feel at peace. I always felt like a raw nerve, but then, I thought that everyone did. Writer and journalist Marianne Eloise was born obsessive. What that means changes day to day, depending on what her brain latches on to: fixations with certain topics, intrusive violent thoughts, looping phrases. Some obsessions have lasted a lifetime, while others will be intense but only last a week or two. Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking is a culmination of a life spend obsessing, offering a glimpse into Marianne's brain, but also an insight into the lives of others like her. From death to Medusa, to Disneyland to fire, to LA to her dog, the essays explore the intersection of neurodivergence, obsession and disorder, telling the story of one life underpinned and ultimately made whole by obsession"--Publisher's description.
Brief description: Marianne Eloise is a writer and journalist. She covers topics like TV, film, digital culture, neurodiversity, wellness and alternative music, for outlets including The Cut, the New York Times, Courier, Vulture, i-D, Guardian and more.
Review Quotes:
Obsessive Impulsive Magical Thinking is a collection of thoughts and experiences from someone with a lot of things going on in her brain. It's fantastic for anyone who wants to understand how being autistic or having ADHD and/or OCD can affect a person, from the big life stuff to little daily interactions.
I will always be grateful to Marianne Eloise for helping me figure out why I am unable to convince myself I didn't leave the coffee pot or oven on, even if I didn't use the stupid appliances that day. She writes with an honesty that is not ashamed of how her brain works; she doesn't demonize every aspect of her conditions, nor does she try to be pointlessly uplifting with what she goes through. There was a humor and frankness in her writing that made me feel seen and understood. I was deeply affected by her stories in a way that will help me be more gracious to myself. She also gave me a bunch of new fun facts about Walt Disney to pull out at get-togethers to either entertain or confuse everyone else, much to my delight.
Marianne Eloise joins Jenny Lawson as a writer who shows readers they can laugh and enjoy who they are while also doing the serious work of dealing with mental health issues. - Cat Neely, Schuler Books