Is 'How To Be Both' Worth Reading?

2026-03-10 09:47:38
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5 Answers

Peyton
Peyton
Contributor Librarian
What I love about 'How to Be Both' is how it defies expectations. It’s not just a novel; it’s an experience. The structure alone is a thrill—choosing which half to read first feels like a personal decision that shapes your journey. Smith’s writing is playful yet profound, and the themes of duality and connection hit hard. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys books that make them think and feel in equal measure. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, revealing new depths each time you revisit it.
2026-03-11 06:05:43
12
David
David
Sharp Observer Firefighter
Ali Smith's 'How to Be Both' is one of those rare books that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. The novel’s experimental structure—split into two halves that can be read in either order—creates a uniquely immersive experience. I loved how it plays with perspective, weaving together the lives of a Renaissance painter and a modern-day teenager in ways that feel both surprising and deeply connected. The prose is lyrical but never pretentious, and Smith’s ability to capture the fluidity of time and identity is downright magical.

What really stuck with me, though, was how the book explores grief and art without ever feeling heavy-handed. The characters’ voices are so distinct, and their stories resonate on a visceral level. If you’re into books that challenge conventional storytelling while still delivering emotional depth, this is absolutely worth your time. It’s the kind of novel that rewards rereading, too—I noticed new layers and connections the second time around.
2026-03-11 20:23:03
16
Tessa
Tessa
Careful Explainer Firefighter
'How to Be Both' blew me away with its audacity. Smith doesn’t just tell a story; she reinvents how a story can be told. The dual narratives—one set in 15th-century Italy, the other in contemporary England—feel like two halves of a conversation, each enriching the other. I adored the painter’s section for its vivid sensory details and the way it captures the chaos of creativity. The modern storyline, with its sharp, witty dialogue, balances it perfectly.

What makes this book special is how it refuses to be pinned down. It’s about art, love, loss, and the fluidity of identity, but it never feels like it’s 'about' anything in a didactic way. It’s more like slipping into a dream where past and present collide. If you’re open to something unconventional and beautifully crafted, don’t miss this.
2026-03-11 20:57:58
19
Eleanor
Eleanor
Spoiler Watcher Chef
Smith’s 'How to Be Both' is a masterpiece of flexibility—both in form and theme. The dual narratives intertwine so seamlessly that you start seeing echoes of one in the other, no matter which order you read them in. I was especially moved by the exploration of how art transcends time and how grief can shape creativity. It’s a book that invites you to participate, to piece together the connections, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
2026-03-15 04:45:15
9
Quentin
Quentin
Library Roamer Veterinarian
I picked up 'How to Be Both' after hearing so much hype, and it totally lived up to it. The way Smith juggles two seemingly unrelated narratives and makes them feel inseparable is genius. The historical section is lush and immersive, while the modern one crackles with energy and humor. It’s a book that demands your attention—you can’t skim it—but the payoff is huge. By the end, I felt like I’d lived two lives alongside the characters.
2026-03-15 12:57:20
2
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