The Internet’s Mixed Signals in Honor Levy’s Work

Honor Levy, a California writer, has made a name for herself with her edgy style that often feels like it’s been lifted from social media. Known for her podcast Wet Brain and her bold opinions, she recently released a book called My First Book, which features a collection of short stories designed to resonate with the digital age.

In My First Book, Levy’s writing is packed with internet slang and references, making it feel almost like a rapid-fire social media feed. The opening story, ‘Love Story,’ introduces us to a couple who communicate through a mix of memes and pop culture nods. It’s a wild ride through a story about a relationship that teeters on the edge of absurdity.

Some critics feel that while Levy’s style is energetic, it often lacks depth. Many of her stories bounce between themes so quickly that readers might get whiplash. For example, in a piece called ‘Do It Coward,’ the narrator dives into a famous amusement center in Chinatown, New York, and the prose quickly spirals into a frenzy of memes and cultural commentary.

However, not all is chaotic. In the story ‘Hall of Mirrors’, Levy offers a more heartfelt moment as she explores a narrator’s desire to care for a child in need. This blending of genuine emotion with her characteristic internet-savvy style shows what she can achieve when she focuses on deeper themes.

One of the longest segments in the book is Levy’s take on a Gen Z dictionary, where she explains how the younger generation has changed the meanings of words. While it has some interesting phrases, it can feel overwhelming and lacks a focused narrative.

Ultimately, Levy’s writing reflects the current experience of young people, from scrolling through TikTok to dealing with the anxieties of modern life. Critics argue that her approach embodies the frenetic energy of the internet, but also misses the mark by not fully capturing the nuances of living in a digital world.