This is a virtual event! Register for the Crowdcast here.

Fixations on topics from death to Disney land, intrusive violent thoughts, and looping phrases are some of the things that author and journalist Marianne Eloise experiences as a neurodivergent person. In her visionary collection of essays, Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking, she explores the nature of her obsessions—and how her life is made whole by them. On October 18 at 2 p.m. on Crowdcast, Eloise is joining the Raven to talk about her writings on neurodivergence, fixation, and disorder. This magical event will feature a conversation between Eloise and Raven co-owner Nikita Imafidon, followed by an audience Q&A.

Click here to register for the event through Crowdcast!

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About the Book

"Obsessive was, still is, my natural state, and I never wondered why. I didn't mind, didn't know that other people could feel at peace. I always felt like a raw nerve, but then, I thought that everyone did."

Writer and journalist Marianne Eloise was born obsessive. What that means changes day to day, depending on what her brain latches onto: fixations with certain topics, intrusive violent thoughts, looping phrases. Some obsessions have lasted a lifetime, while others will be intense but only last a week or two.

Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking is a culmination of a life spent obsessing, offering a glimpse into Marianne's brain, but also an insight into the lives of others like her. From death to Medusa, to Disneyland to fire, to LA to her dog, the essays explore the intersection of neurodivergence, fixation and disorder, telling the story of one life underpinned and ultimately made whole by obsession.

About the Author

Marianne Eloise is a writer and journalist. She covers topics like TV, film, digital culture, neurodiversity, wellness and alternative music, for outlets including The Cut, the New York Times, Courier, Vulture, i-D, Guardian and more.

About Eloise's Conversation Partner

Nikita Imafidon (she/her) is a co-owner and sidelines buyer for the Raven Book Store. She has been a bookseller for three years, and she is an avid reader of graphic novels, social science books, and strange fiction. Nikita has a passion for art, community building, and social justice.