RT @scalzi: In which I explain why "Straight White Male" is the lowest difficulty setting in the game of life: http://t.co/0kniHApL

author: Amy Waldman
name: Emily
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2011
rating: 2
read at: 2012/05/14
date added: 2012/05/14
shelves: 2012
review:
This book disappointed me for two reasons. The first isn't the author's fault: it's that her story almost came true last summer. The novel is about a contest to design a Ground Zero memorial that is won by a Muslim architect, with a predictable backlash. I didn't feel I need to read about fictional horrible events; there's plenty going on real life to angry up the blood.

The second problem is that the characters are not just unlikeable but actively boring, especially the rich widow who is probably meant to stand in for the reader. That's why I'm giving this book two stars, my rating for something that's competent but consistently makes me check the page count to see how much is left. I kept reading until the end, expecting a clever resolution, but instead it seemed to peter out. I think that was intentional, meant to fit the theme, but it didn't make this a satisfying read.

Deeply embittered to discover that Season 1: Disc 3 of "Game of Thrones" only has one episode on it. It's the middle disc! Why?

.@MorganLibrary I am a bit bummed that you guys repurposed her office. It gave me something to dream of!