RavePasteThe book is an obsessive exploration of what makes hearts flutter and break across the globe, but most importantly, it dissects those ideas through the lens of a right-and-left swiping society. And as a result, Ansari’s final product doesn’t only feel complete—it’s hilariously executed, even without his unmistakable high-register voice belting the punchlines. At 250 pages, Modern Romance is a lean, pithy read that’s perfect to reach the tech-obsessed generation it explores ... though the book doesn’t shove readers in any particular direction, and it doesn’t provide concrete solutions to the realm of modern dating, most millennials will walk out of Modern Romance with an increased appreciation for the beings that exist behind iPhone screens.
Ben Ratliff
PositivePasteRatliff’s encyclopedic references might overwhelm even well-listened fans, but one quickly adapts to his method of exploration within the book. Through 20 listening-focused essays, Ratliff rarely addresses genre, historical context or even the character of the musicians. Instead, he explores themes like speed, repetition, improvisation and closeness, allowing him to jump between decades of recorded history with quick-fire examples.