The “We’re Not Drinking the Kool-Aid” List of 2010 (Acclaimed Books—or Books by Acclaimed Authors—That Didn’t Live Up to Our Expectations) (page 2)

FICTION

Released: June 18, 2010

IMPERIAL BEDROOMS

by Bret Easton Ellis

"Don't hold your breath for act three."

A sequel to Less Than Zero (1985). Read full book review >

FICTION

Released: Aug. 31, 2010

FREEDOM

by Jonathan Franzen

"If "freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose" (as Kris Kristofferson wrote), this book uses too many words to convey too much of nothing."

The epic sprawl of this ambitious yet ultimately unsatisfying novel encompasses everything from indie rock to environmental radicalism to profiteering in the Middle East. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Sept. 7, 2010

BOB DYLAN IN AMERICA

by Sean Wilentz

"One for the practicing Dylanologist--general readers should approach with caution."

A noted historian tries to shed light on the less-traveled byways in Bob Dylan's epic journey. Read full book review >

NONFICTION

Released: Sept. 15, 2010

HALF A LIFE

by Darin Strauss

"Genuinely remorseful and heartfelt, yet strangely unremarkable."

Redress and atonement mar a boy's adolescence after the accidental death of a classmate. Read full book review >

FICTION

Released: Oct. 5, 2010

BY NIGHTFALL

by Michael Cunningham

""Does America get the art it deserves?" wonders Peter. Or the novel?"

A surfeit of literary and cultural references can't disguise a lightweight soap opera. Read full book review >

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS

The “We’re Not Drinking the Kool-Aid” List of 2010 (Acclaimed Books—or Books by Acclaimed Authors—That Didn’t Live Up to Our Expectations) (page 2)