The First Bad Man by Miranda July

The First Bad Man by Miranda July is an emotional storm detailing Cheryl Glickman's experiences during a difficult and wonderful time in her life. Cheryl, never married and without children, is a baby-obsessed later-middle-aged woman and I absolutely loved her. Cheryl, in her forties, experiences internal lifetimes of love with Philip, a co-worker and board member at her workplace which aims to reduce domestic violence and teach women how to defend themselves. Cheryl harbors a fierce love of two things: babies (not any baby, but certain babies that seem to embody the soul of one in particular) and Phillip. But Phillip, in his sixties, harbors a fierce love not for Cheryl but for a teenage girl named Kirsten. This news shatters Cheryl, but she comes to believe Phillip is only texting her graphic tales of his endeavors as a sort of game - that, perhaps, Kirsten is imaginary.

Author, Miranda July

Phillip aside, Cheryl later meets Clee through an unexpected and unwelcome turn of events. Her bosses' daughter Clee is a beautiful blonde girl that has seemingly has no respect for herself or anyone or anything. Clee, more or less, invites herself to live with Cheryl and arrives with garbage bags of belongings. Her pepsi-guzzling, cheeto-crunching character is only accentuated by her sexual promiscuity and violent, threatening behavior. But Cheryl, after summoning the courage to stand up to Clee, begins to thirst for the violence and they begin to regularly act out self-defense scenarios which satisfies them both immensely. And then they fall in love.

When Cheryl finds out Clee is pregnant (from an unknown partner), she gets involved and loves the idea of sharing a baby. And where Clee was once a revolting character, I found myself cheering her on at times and wishing the both of them every happiness. But life isn't always so simple. And for this cast of characters it can be quite complex. Read the book and experience the birth of love and courage. Find out what happens to Cheryl and Phillip. But most of all, envelop yourself with the intricacies of the human spirit and mind.

This was the first book I experienced by Miranda July. Miranda writes with a unique voice and an important voice for youth and adults alike. If you're looking for something different, but something intimate and raw look no further. The First Bad Man will keep you turning pages, wishing fiercely, celebrating, sympathizing, laughing and fighting tears as you unwrap this tale of losing, gaining and loving.

Be sure to check out The First Bad Man by Miranda July from your local library or purchase it on Amazon.