Emily Witt's new memoir, "Health and Safety," chronicles her journey from a spiritual mushroom trip in 2014 to her immersion in Brooklyn's rave culture. The book offers a unique perspective on drug use, relationships, and societal changes during the Trump era.
Witt's exploration of psychedelics began with a "heroic dose" of psilocybin mushrooms, which contain psychoactive compounds that can induce altered states of consciousness. This experience led her to replace her spiritually inclined partner with Andrew, a fixture in Brooklyn's burgeoning rave scene.
The author describes the rave culture as a world promising endless nights and "a sublime dissolution of the self." This scene, reminiscent of Berlin's famous techno clubs like Berghain, involved carefully calibrated combinations of stimulants, depressants, and psychedelics.
Witt's memoir is structured chronologically, covering Donald Trump's presidential term from 2016 to 2020. The book includes informative sections on dance music history and drug legislation, providing context for the author's personal experiences.
The author's writing style, influenced by the "alt lit" movement of the late 2000s and early 2010s, lends a unique momentum to her narrative. However, some critics argue that Witt's portrayal of the rave scene and drug use lacks depth and fails to fully address the potential dangers.
Witt's experiences with various substances, including ketamine and GHB, are described without much emphasis on the negative consequences. This approach has drawn criticism for potentially glamorizing drug use and downplaying its risks.
The book touches on broader themes, including the impact of social media on nightlife culture. Witt notes the arrival of "a younger crowd who needed to photograph themselves as much as they needed food," reflecting the influence of platforms like Instagram on the rave scene.
"Health and Safety" joins a growing body of literature about rave culture, including McKenzie Wark's "Raving" (2023) and Geoffrey Mak's "Mean Boys" (2024). These works collectively explore the resurgence of rave culture and its intersection with politics, technology, and personal identity.
Witt's memoir raises questions about the motivations behind her continued participation in the rave scene, even after experiencing trauma. She grapples with justifying her choices, citing a desire for "introspection" and a means to "psychically rearrange a world" she sees as corrupted by moral hypocrisy and capitalism.
The book's exploration of the author's personal journey, set against the backdrop of political upheaval and a evolving nightlife scene, offers readers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in recent history. However, some critics argue that Witt's approach may oversimplify complex issues surrounding drug use and mental health.
As the rave culture continues to evolve and intersect with broader societal trends, "Health and Safety" serves as a thought-provoking, if sometimes controversial, addition to the growing literature on this dynamic subculture.