Loved the essay, and your reflections on writing it. You capture the agonizing choicelessness of childhood so vividly and the claustrophobia that accompanies a kid living out their parents’ dreams, not their own.
Also as someone who has tried on a number of cities, it’s such a relief to discover the world is actually big enough for you to fit in it. Turns out we are not broken! Just misplaced. So glad London has given you the gift of building a life that allows you to bloom ❤️
New York always brings me back to GIRLS—one of my all-time favorite series. Thank you, Lena for bringing back those memories that made me laugh and dream 🌸
On my second break-up with the city (also for London no less...again!), the one where you realize you're never getting back together and the permanency of it all is paralyzing yet comforting. You captured every emotion perfectly. See you at Panzers for bagels & coffee!
I read your piece in the New Yorker and then found your post here (admittedly, I was looking for somewhere to write to you about the New Yorker Piece!).
I had an emotional connection with your New Yorker piece despite being a native Californian (currently living in San Francisco but from a small desert town).
My partner is Swiss, so I've been traveling back and forth to Europe--questioning who I am (how American I am when I didn't think I was) and where I want to live. It's uncomfortable thinking about leaving "home" (CA in this case), and it's uncomfortable thinking about why it's so uncomfortable thinking about leaving. Does that make any sense?
But I found comfort in this piece. In some ways, it simplified the question "Should I leave home?" It made me think about the opportunity of living somewhere else. Maybe I could fall in love with another city. Maybe I don't have to stay where I am.
I felt a sense of opportunity and excitement, and I guess I just wanted to say thank you :)
Welcome back. <3
Emma! Queen of the city kids!
Loved the essay, and your reflections on writing it. You capture the agonizing choicelessness of childhood so vividly and the claustrophobia that accompanies a kid living out their parents’ dreams, not their own.
Also as someone who has tried on a number of cities, it’s such a relief to discover the world is actually big enough for you to fit in it. Turns out we are not broken! Just misplaced. So glad London has given you the gift of building a life that allows you to bloom ❤️
Thank you for such a lovely and sensitive comment! Am so grateful for your vivid respond
The ‘choicelesness’ and claustrophobia’ of childhood is such an apt description and summation of this wonderful piece
New York always brings me back to GIRLS—one of my all-time favorite series. Thank you, Lena for bringing back those memories that made me laugh and dream 🌸
Thank you Crystal!!!
Oh! I love the New York essay so much, it’s WONDERFUL! So tender, evocative and generous. Really beautifully written. X
Loved.
On my second break-up with the city (also for London no less...again!), the one where you realize you're never getting back together and the permanency of it all is paralyzing yet comforting. You captured every emotion perfectly. See you at Panzers for bagels & coffee!
Omg Lena, my landlord just raised my rent, I can’t read this rn!!!!! (I will be reading it)
We love you Lena ❤️
so beautiful. i hope you write more about your summer back in the city.. !!
Thank you Raine!!!
It’s brilliant- as is this introduction. Always. Brilliant.
😍🥹
Loved this reflection and am excited for all the Good Things NY will bring you this summer!
I read your piece in the New Yorker and then found your post here (admittedly, I was looking for somewhere to write to you about the New Yorker Piece!).
I had an emotional connection with your New Yorker piece despite being a native Californian (currently living in San Francisco but from a small desert town).
My partner is Swiss, so I've been traveling back and forth to Europe--questioning who I am (how American I am when I didn't think I was) and where I want to live. It's uncomfortable thinking about leaving "home" (CA in this case), and it's uncomfortable thinking about why it's so uncomfortable thinking about leaving. Does that make any sense?
But I found comfort in this piece. In some ways, it simplified the question "Should I leave home?" It made me think about the opportunity of living somewhere else. Maybe I could fall in love with another city. Maybe I don't have to stay where I am.
I felt a sense of opportunity and excitement, and I guess I just wanted to say thank you :)
martha!!
Martha 4ever!
Lena, thank you for linking to my first NYC anthology, Goodbye to All That! Can I send you a copy of the updated edition, published in 2021? https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/sari-botton/goodbye-to-all-that-revised-edition/9781541675681/?lens=seal-press
🌹 can’t wait to read it xoxo
😍😍😍