I gave it one extra star for making me feel sentimental about Pittsburgh.

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

Quirky and weird. At times, too much for my taste, but when I was in the mood for such things it hit the spot.

I may have given this more stars if I had been a reader when it was first published.. The remembered sex abuse theme is too played out by now. Parts were compelling, and the writing was enjoyable.

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.

It took a while for me to get into, and I do kind of feel bad saying it, but the Yiddish was an obstacle.. I just didn't feel at home. But a stretch is good, right? Once I got the characters voices established in my head, I really enjoyed the story and think it's one of the most creative books I've read in a long time.

This gave me lots to think about, and was a pretty good read too.

Attention people who love to babble about how much you love bacon: It may be trendy to like bacon, but check back in with me after you've read the pig chapter.

Creepy, with poor personal boundaries.

I'm really glad I that I forgot how Hamlet unfolded..

I'm really not glad that it's got the label of ‘modern classic'

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.

Despite giving me scary dreams at night, I enjoyed reading this book. It was creepy. Everyone said “you'll never guess the ending!” and, well, I did. Mysteries don't usually appeal to me, but this one had a great level of character interest.

The goodreads synopsis was better than the actual book. Read it instead!

I overcame my inability to read and look at pictures at the same time! And, enjoyed this book a great deal. #2 is on my bedside table..

The story unfolded so nicely. It also affirmed that being single is awesome.. I can't break my own heart.

I made the mistake of glancing at the subject headings when placing a hold, which ruined the surprise :( but it still managed to be a great book.

I like any book that has trivia about pabst! I enjoyed this book a great deal, it could only have been improved by including more social history.

This was okay, but just okay. The story is interesting, but the author is a little heavy handed with how amazing the story's ‘coincidences' are. In fact, the only really compelling coincidence is the part about the horse race in the end notes...

I had high hopes, but this book was really boring. I think my high school bio text was a better read!

In first grade I was set on being a nun one day. I think it's a Catholic kid thing. This book reminded me how amazing it is that in our greedy, self-centered world people still dedicate themselves to living their faith.

This book is simple, maybe too simple for most people these days.. but it manages to find me just when I need its message.

I was so sad when this book was over.. and I don't feel that way very often. A great combo of sly humor and history.

I started reading it and didn't like it at all.. per my Grandmother's advice, I found that the book on tape was way more enjoyable.

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!

This was an excellent book! I only wish that he had made a better effort with the vegetarian chapter..

I can still hear his little voice in my head..