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"I Am Not Myself These Days" is a captivating and unconventional memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. The novel is a roller-coaster ride of emotions and experiences that leave the reader feeling both amused and saddened. The story is set in New York City in the early 1990s, and it tells the tale of Kilmer-Purcell's alter-ego, Jack.Jack is a drag queen who spends his nights performing in some of the most popular clubs in New York City. The story is both funny and heartbreaking as it delves into the highs and lows of Jack's life. Kilmer-Purcell's writing style is engaging and humorous, and he manages to capture the essence of the New York City club scene in the 90s.One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the contrast between Jack's glamorous nightlife and his day job as an advertising executive. Kilmer-Purcell manages to highlight the absurdity of this dichotomy, and the reader is left wondering how someone could balance two such vastly different lifestyles. This contrast is particularly poignant when Jack's personal life begins to unravel, and the reader is left feeling the full force of his despair.Another notable feature of the novel is Kilmer-Purcell's use of symbolism. Jack's alter-ego is a goldfish, and Kilmer-Purcell uses this symbol to great effect throughout the novel. The goldfish represents Jack's fragile and vulnerable nature, and it serves as a constant reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface. This symbolism is particularly effective when Jack's world begins to crumble around him, and he finds himself struggling to keep his head above water.The novel also explores themes of love and identity. Jack's relationship with his boyfriend, Tom, is a central focus of the novel, and Kilmer-Purcell manages to capture the intensity and complexity of their relationship. The reader is left feeling both heartbroken and hopeful as they follow the twists and turns of their love story.The theme of identity is also explored through Jack's drag persona. Kilmer-Purcell manages to capture the transformative power of drag, and the reader is left in awe of the way in which Jack uses his alter-ego to escape the limitations of his everyday life. However, Kilmer-Purcell also manages to highlight the dark side of this transformation, and the reader is left wondering whether Jack's alter-ego is ultimately helping or hindering him.Overall, "I Am Not Myself These Days" is a poignant and engaging novel that manages to capture the essence of a bygone era. Kilmer-Purcell's writing style is witty and engaging, and the novel is a testament to his ability to tell a compelling story. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the human condition, and it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good memoir.