There's a brilliant comic I remember seeing some years ago: two panels, the first showing a face torn by anguish and despair, the caption "Nothing matters"; the second panel, a beatific face radiating serenity, with the same caption. Miller begins with a childhood memory of her father — exhilaratedly a panel 2 person — filling her in on that secret. Sadly, the disclosure had the opposite effect to what her father intended: Miller ended up solidly in panel one. This fascinating book is her attempt to navigate the conundrum for herself.

I'd heard a lot about the book, but nothing could really prepare me for its twists and tangents. More melodramatic than I had expected, also much more engaging. Also sweet, educational, perhaps even enlightening to some. (I also suspect that there are people who will not get it at all.) Self-awareness and self-delusion: how do we balance their conflicting yet equally vital rôles in our lives? I've long juggled my answer; Miller is juggling hers, and gives us insights into that big question.

My favorite line, from an early chapter: Miller quotes her father as saying "While other people don't matter, either, treat them like they do." Yep, that's my mantra too.