The New Me

By: Halle Butler

Narrated by: Halle Butler

"[A] definitive work of millennial literature . . . wretchedly riveting." —Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker

“Girls + Office Space + My Year of Rest and Relaxation + anxious sweating = The New Me.” —Entertainment Weekly

I'm still trying to make the dream possible: still might finish my cleaning project, still might sign up for that yoga class, still might, still might. I step into the shower and almost faint, an image of taking the day by the throat and bashing its head against the wall floating in my mind.

Thirty-year-old Millie just can't pull it together. She spends her days working a thankless temp job and her nights alone in her apartment, fixating on all the ways she might change her situation--her job, her attitude, her appearance, her life. Then she watches TV until she falls asleep, and the cycle begins again.

When the possibility of a full-time job offer arises, it seems to bring the better life she's envisioning within reach. But with it also comes the paralyzing realization, lurking just beneath the surface, of how hollow that vision has become.

"Wretchedly riveting" (The New Yorker) and "masterfully cringe-inducing" (Chicago Tribune), The New Me is the must-read new novel by National Book Foundation "5 Under 35" honoree and Granta Best Young American novelist Halle Butler.

Named a Best Book of the Decade by Vox, and a Best Book of 2019 by Vanity Fair, Vulture, Chicago Tribune, Mashable, Bustle, and NPR

Great writing, short story

This book is full of opportune quips, providing the main character with a lot of sharp personality. The story is relatively short in scope, but it's a (dark) funny journey with one girl's temp jobs. I'm sure many listeners would wonder what the point is if they don't enjoy snarky analysis of office politics. I just wish the story was a little longer and had a little more plot to it, but I don't think that was the author's aim. Well written.

Wonderfully depressing

As soon as I heard the narrator authors’s voice, I wanted to return this book. After giving it 5 minutes, I thought she was perfect. I already am listening to her other book.

About nothing really but still addictive somehow!

First of all, the narration by the author may annoy some people as it is quite monotone, but persevere if you can. It gives a perfect insight into the character and I read in an interview that Butler actually started this book for voice performing. I couldn't get past the first little while of her other book Jillian, but there is something simultaneously revolting and engaging about the character who leads this story. She's desperate, lonely and bored but realistically aren't we all sometimes? There is a brutal honesty in the writing that is refreshing and I couldn't stop listening. Will be well suited to young women listeners I think. Lots there to connect with.

Skillfully written

Great book. Not perfect but a solid work of millennial office fiction. The reader is excellent. I wanted more of a climax when Mille discovers she won’t be getting the job but, the well-written characters and themes make up for minor let-downs in the plot. Would definitely recommend to almost everyone.

The best the worst

I loved this book and it made me laugh out loud but man I would hate Millie but man I have BEEN Millie. I want more.