The Perpetual Motion Machine

This book was a very reflective experience for me. Ackerman has woven together, almost like a novel, events of her childhood and adolescence that urged me to confront my own experiences as a young man. I was able to relate to her story on a very deep level, even though I may not have gone through the exact same experiences. Her insight is something that today's world needs more of; self reflection, humor, and the reminder that we all carry pain with us. Our hardships are a part of our character, but we must rise above our pain so that we can find beauty, and meaning. Ackerman has created a memoir that will stay relatable and relevant through time.

Ackerman relates with raw, compelling beauty a series of vivid, poignant, and resonant early-life experiences that define her journey into adolescence and beyond. Her conversational and frank writing style neither elevates nor lessens the emotional impact of any of the memories she explores. Rather, it leaves the events to speak for themselves and allow the reader to relate in their own inevitable way. A quietly powerful, self-aware, and meditative exploration on growing up and the pursuit of identity. An absolute must-read.

I wasn't ready for how much this book was going to drum up from my own past. The way the author recalls and paints her childhood felt like it was gently opening the door for me to get in touch with the details of my own growing up. So easy to read and hard to put down.

The Perpetual Motion Machine is a beautiful, haunting memoir spanning Ackerman's childhood to college years. This book, delivered in essays, explores sibling relationships, drug addiction, and family love in subtle but moving language. I highly recommend this book!

This is not simply a memoir for young women with similar experiences. It transcends the tiresome identity politics currently plaguing art and culture and reaches greater heights. Honest and clear writing on the human condition. Highly relatable and cathartic.Looking forward to more from this author!

A wonderful and engaging read. One of our best new authors.