I think I devoured this book in two sittings. Is it YA fiction? Yes. Do I care? No.

We were all 14 at one time in our lives, and the story of that time of unknowns, of being told to find yourself before you even know how to find yourself is baked into the history of every single person. This book is a sonnet of a tale telling us , not all love stories have the endings we expect, nor is the path that takes you there one you can plan.

Funny and insightful; this book is a dive into what is traditionally faux pas in more contemporary culture: sexuality and sex. Like in Stiff, Roach‘s use of citation and footnote are the exact interjection on heavy handed topic. More so than her previous works, Roach is not afraid to interject herself into the study of which she writes when no subject is available. This dedication shows through the novel, and interjects humor throughout.

As a scientist I WANTED to love this book. The story itself is less about the infamous Patient H.M., instead, it is a narrative of those that influenced, as well as benefited from his history. The most interesting narrative threads are ones not explored enough in my opinion, and are left to the reader to discover in the last fifth of the novel. Well written, engrossing and fascinating: I do feel that the work has a slightly biased slant.

As a native Chicagoan, any history that enhances my understanding of the city, and specifically the unique neighborhoods that create the puzzle that is The Second City, is a wonderful journey. Abbott weaves a historical account with the personal narrative of Chicagos most infamous madams making it both compelling, and informative. Nice to have such an engrossing account of Chicago outside of the prohibition/Capone narratives the city is known for.

At times this is an exceptionally fun mystery, at others, a dated series of poor stereotypes. “The Art Thief” was at its core, a mystery who-done-it that sets up an intricate plot, and slowly cluing the reader onto the mastermind of three “unrelated” art heists.

The “who” is the focus, and in reality, the “why” feels exceptionally rushed, and somewhat tacked on. An easy read, but one that makes you go “huh” instead of “wow” at the big reveal.

This was an eye opening read that go into excruciating detail of how law, specifically concerning the rights and ownership of property, have lead to systematic segregation in America.

Taking a critical look at government policy, even crowning achievements such as Roosevelt‘s New Deal, this book asks the reader to question what we have been told, and to look at the realities presented as is.

Uncomfortable and alarming, a great in depth read.