Holy god, this book is so good. All of the popular novels over the past 15 years or so pull tropes from this book.

November 27, 2020

There was nothing new here, but it was certainly well-written. I don't think I'd recommend it if you are familiar with the story at all unless you want a refresher.

August 26, 2022
May 26, 2021

Gets weirder and weirder. I did not see it going this way and I am INTO IT.

January 28, 2020

There were great anecdotes. However, the transitions in this book came out of left field, and I was often left wondering how, for example, we got from
Grandmaster Flash to the Talking Heads without even a subheading in between.

January 28, 2022
November 15, 2023

Easy reading, though nothing particularly ground-breaking.

September 10, 2019

Definitely overwrought and dramatic in some places, but he's going through chemo! I thought the convolutedness of it was appropriate–it was confusing and alienating when, likely, he was feeling confused and alienated.

May 11, 2017
May 12, 2018

Interesting information, but written in the least accessible way. So meandering and vast.

June 26, 2020

I loved this book. It was delightful, informative and brought back so many fond memories. I thought it struck the right balance of giving facts and history while still keeping it entertaining and engaging.

January 11, 2022

Oh my GOD THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING. It had mystery, intrigue, interpersonal drama, family dynamics, everything. From start to finish it was excellent and had so many plot twists that I absolutely never saw coming. Beautiful.

January 4, 2024
August 13, 2021

Loved this book as a kiddo, loved reading it with my kiddo. Can't wait to continue on in the series.

October 25, 2021
September 20, 2013

Everyone who cares or is interested in race relations in the history of the US must read this book.

June 2, 2016

Meh. The comics were cute, and this was a quick read, but there was nothing groundbreaking here.

June 3, 2016

Super interesting information presented terribly blandly.

December 17, 2016

This book was super interesting in that I felt that I learned a lot about traditional Japanese cuisine and cooking. That being said, I wish Booth had devoted just a bit more time to each chapter, as often times I was left wanting more.

December 3, 2016

Well-done

Sure, this was a little self-indulgent, but it really brought me in to what the author was feeling. The reeling was confusing and effective

May 8, 2017
June 7, 2017

Fun, but nothing special

Well-written and conversational, but nothing to write home about. The essays were good, but I wish there had been more tying them together. I didn't feel as though the organization of the individual essays was executed well, either.

May 15, 2017

Interesting premise. A quick, easy read, but nothing groundbreaking.

September 3, 2017

There's some good information here, but my god the author doesn't know how to kill his darlings. There is a ton that could be edited out and the only thing lost would be a little of the author smug, self-satisfaction.

October 21, 2017
March 29, 2021