Changing My Mind

More about the book

This sparkling collection features Zadie Smith's nonfiction from the past decade, showcasing her curiosity, intellectual rigor, and sharp humor. Divided into four sections—"Reading," "Being," "Seeing," and "Feeling"—the essays offer a unique perspective on both personal and cultural topics. Readers will find engaging pieces on literature, film, the Oscars, British comedy, family, feminism, and influential figures like Obama, Katharine Hepburn, and Anna Magnani, some appearing here for the first time. Smith's literary criticism reveals her experiences as a reader and the profound impact of diverse writers such as E. M. Forster and Zora Neale Hurston on her writing and self-understanding. She also addresses fellow writers, providing valuable insights into the craft and process. Throughout, Smith reflects on her wide-ranging experiences in novels, travel, philosophy, and politics, enriching her intellectual landscape. Her probing analysis encourages readers to confront often-ignored questions of identity, art, love, and vocation. This collection positions Smith as a vital contemporary essayist, capable of reshaping perceptions through her exploration of both fact and fiction. It serves as a gift to readers and writers alike, inviting a more expansive view of life.