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)

by Michael Cunningham

“Does America get the art it deserves?” wonders Peter. Or the novel? Full review >

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by John D’Agata

Well-meaning but off the mark. Full review >

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by Bret Easton Ellis

Don’t hold your breath for act three. Full review >

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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... Full review >

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by James S. Hirsch

Well-researched and fluid, but tendentious and tunnel-visioned. Full review >

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by David Kirkpatrick

Comprehensive but one-sided and surprisingly bland. Full review >

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by Jaron Lanier

A well-intended and insightful but messy treatise. Full review >

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by David Lipsky

Still, a nicely gossipy inside view of a writer’s world and a beautiful yet anguished mind. Full review >

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by Beth Raymer

Uninspiring but sure to receive media attention. Full review >

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by Darin Strauss

Genuinely remorseful and heartfelt, yet strangely unremarkable. Full review >

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by Sean Wilentz

One for the practicing Dylanologist—general readers should approach with caution. Full review >

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