The Most Disappointing Nonfiction of 2010

by Bill Barich

A journey that loses its way on the road to significance. Full review >

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by Mike Birbiglia

Average comedian-writes-a-book career padding. This same material is more enjoyable in Birbiglia’s stage act. Full review >

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by Tom Bissell

More a collection of profiles and game reviews than a focused thesis, this little book never answers the question implicit... Full review >

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by Avis Cardella

One woman’s quest for the meaning of living beyond her means—a middling memoir. Full review >

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by Emmanuel Carrère & translated by Linda Coverdale

Intelligent, well-written and scrupulously honest, but off-puttingly self-involved. Full review >

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by Ron Christie

Heartfelt but disappointingly disengaged from broader social realities, except as perceived by the author's party-mates. Full review >

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by Tom Clavin

There’s no magic, black or otherwise, in this cut-and-paste bio. Full review >

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by Nadine Cohodas

A timid, uncontroversial look at one of the most controversial, outspoken female musicians in history. Full review >

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by Nora Ephron

Only occasionally reaches emotional depth—seems like a tardy attempt to capitalize on the success of I Feel Bad About My... Full review >

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by Pam Grier with Andrea Cagan

Grier’s iconic force fails to translate to the page—a disappointment for fans of her unforgettable performances and reign as... Full review >

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by Ariel Leve

A dour and narcissistic Seinfeldian exercise. Full review >

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by Condoleezza Rice

Provides some interesting tidbits but no great revelations, except on why she became a Republican: “I would rather be... Full review >

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by Clara Rojas

A disappointingly superficial, unrevealing adventure memoir. Full review >

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by Seth Stevenson

A limitless world squeezed through a limited scope. Disappointing. Full review >

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