Katie
I wanted to like this one. The author was so cool when he was on Anthony Bourdain's show. I liked Winters Bone. But.. this was just a collection of stories with the same feeling over and over. Too much emphasis on evil or wrong makes it seem diluted. Or, overwhelming, like when you pour too much hot sauce on your dinner and then it's no fun to eat. Great writing and creepy ideas, but just not something I looked forward to reading.
The story unfolded so nicely. It also affirmed that being single is awesome.. I can't break my own heart.
I had high hopes, but this book was really boring. I think my high school bio text was a better read!
Some pieces of the story line worked better than others. I found it compelling and interesting. I kind of wish the whole story had been about the first section.
This book would have gotten another star from me if Russo had omitted that Marguerite element at the the end.
Smart but Scattered Teens: The "Executive Skills" Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
This has great information and guidance but was clearly written for parents not teens
This book is corny beyond belief, but I had to like it because it's about the neighborhood where some of my family is from!
Stylistically, difficult to read. Great content, could have been covered in 50 pages though.
This book is too f'ing long. Seriously. I think I'm done trudging through it for now. The different voices don't meld, and I'm simply not compelled to turn the pages. Great premise.. poor execution
There are two racially and ethnically insensitive terms on the first page and a half. I didn't need to go any further. I'm disappointed that what could have been a lovely message from the author also contained language that communities have loudly and clearly asked us all not to use, and certainly not while making an income.
Didn't want to know where the student/teacher relationship was headed, tired of reading about that stuff. Realized I was skimming/not reading the interspersed science stuff (despite being an avid science type reader) and realized this book was not for me.
This book totally captivated me. And, like most others, made me cry. And not the kind of crying with quiet little tears.
I was wary that this would present the “good people on both sides” trope or whitewash history. It did neither.
I enjoyed the sections on health and nutrition, but could do without the autobiographical parts. They were uninspiring, despite the intent of ‘doctor now patient' irony and depth.
Some of its information is vital, but I don't read books about adoption trauma written by non-adoptees anymore, especially ones claiming to be ‘experts' about being an adoptee. She has a view as an adoptive woman that she can share. She goes on to shame people that need to use day care, and touts her belief in that as therapist to give that bias/classism some sort of psychological validity. As a therapist myself, I'm calling bullsh!t on that.
How many journalists have ever written a readable full-length book? I'm sure it can happen, right?
I just had to get that out- When I start to skim a book and sigh when I realize how many pages I have left.. never a good sign.
But! The topic is fascinating and the culture/history engaging. It just didn't satisfy that need for story.
I'm so confused why none of these reviews talk about the casual racism that turned me off after 60 pages of it. I've looked at synopses online and I guess it turns into some kind of a tale of ‘olden times' seen as they were, which, cool, I just couldn't stomach getting through ‘darkie' to get there.
Wow, there's a lot of hatred for this book in the comments. Which... kind of proves her point. I liked it a lot, despite the length and repetition.