In the Name of Ishmael

Rating:
Summary: Poorly Written, Utterly Gratuitous and Numbing
Review: "In the Name of Ishmael" is so full of mind-numbing descriptions of over-the top, stock descriptions of gore, sex, drugs, and cliche locations, that it becomes a nuisance to pick up and read all 442 pages in an attempt to find out what is the purpose of this ultimately superfluous story. Mr. Genna, in his own smarmy way, attempts to deliver a critique of globalization and of America. However, his book exists as a result of those things at which he pokes fun. Three page paragraphs that constantly disrupt the flow of the story will make you feel as if you are flipping the channels trying to watch several shows at once. You will become desensitized and over-stimulated quickly by the painful descriptions, artlessly delivered. Such a forced attempt is made to keep the attention of the reader, that you will find yourself numbed by the ridiculous flourish of it all. This book is a living, breathing example of the pot calling the kettle black, and not an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Exceptional, hard to put down
Review: I had no idea who this author was, but the book sounded intriguing. I was unable to put it down to eat or sleep.....I want more books like this from this author. I enjoy the European view of the U.S..... Americans need to know how we are viewed by the rest of the world. I did not find the book hard to follow after getting into it about 1/4 of the way. Unusual and exceptional writing. Wish I had written it....it is one I will re-read. Too many books written today are formulaic and easy to figure out early in the book. Never a dull moment with this book. One of the two best books I read last year, the other being The DaVinci Code.

Rating:
Summary: A Complex and Interesting Translation
Review: I thought this was one of the best fiction books I have read (actually I listened to it). I get the feeling that the reviewers who didn't like it, just didn't like the anti-US-ishness of the author's point of view and then took it out on the book. I write to add that the translation of the book is excellant!!! The descriptions are interesting and are not lost in the translation. I do think this book is probably better listened to, rather than read -- and the reader is one of the best.