Scan barcode
mcoleman1250's review against another edition
2.0
"...generations grow to envy the ingenuity and courage of the maverick while glossing over the maverick's genetic kookiness. On such shoulders, a country rises." Read while packing for our trip last week. Fun to read a travel memoir while getting ready to go myself!
Speedy summary: Harvey, the man who performed Einstein's autopsy, has had Einstein's brain for many years. The writer of the novel drives him cross country with the brain to visit Einstein's granddaughter.
Thoughts: It seemed ironic to me that Paterniti almost judges Harvey because he became famous just by being at the right place at the right time. It seems to me that that's exactly how he was able to write this book. I was intrigued by the history presented about Einstein and Harvey, but felt the rest of the book was unfocused.
Speedy summary: Harvey, the man who performed Einstein's autopsy, has had Einstein's brain for many years. The writer of the novel drives him cross country with the brain to visit Einstein's granddaughter.
Thoughts: It seemed ironic to me that Paterniti almost judges Harvey because he became famous just by being at the right place at the right time. It seems to me that that's exactly how he was able to write this book. I was intrigued by the history presented about Einstein and Harvey, but felt the rest of the book was unfocused.
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting but somehow not fascinating. I found the constant fanciful use of adjectives a little off-putting, although I got used to it. I enjoyed learning more about Einstein and the road trip was its main appeal for me because of my own impending road trip. I found myself, like the author, appreciating the burden and blessing of Einstein's brain.
josher71's review against another edition
2.0
This guy is a pretty good writer for Esquire. That being said I really enjoy his shorter work and got bored with this book.
hyzenthlay76's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly poignant, for a book about a brain in a tupperware container.
krisz's review against another edition
2.0
The book started off as a promise it would be interesting. I enjoyed to learn more about Einstein and Harvey: I never knew the brain was taken! But the trip itself was too long, and I didn't see the point of some episodes, like the Japan description or that of the concrete (cement) park. When I finished it, I told my husband I found a book for him: this is something he'd really enjoy, with not many things happening and easy puns and some information for entertainment. Yes, he said, he's read it already and loved it. So, guys, this book has its target audience. I'm sure there are many men who don't read much and when they do they prefer simple. (My husband usually reads heavily professional books, like on leadership or WWII.)
cgcpoems's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. I can't pinpoint what exactly made this novel a drag. I think perhaps the writing, while nice, got off topic and was paved too slowly for enjoyment. Either way, this wasn't as remarkable a read as I was hoping, even though all of the raw material was there.
gutentagteresa's review against another edition
2.0
I gave this book 3 stars, then changed to 2, then 3 again and back to two. I give it 2.5. I love the author’s writing style. He had a descriptive, sometimes flowery way of writing that sucks you in. I absolutely loved this aspect of the book.
The reason for my rating is based on the characters. Since this book is non-fiction, I’m burdened with knowing these people are out there, breathing the same air as me. A doctor, who stole a brain and wrapped up his entire identity in it, and has convinced himself he was something more than a common thief. An author, who waxes poetic about said stolen brain. He inserts meaning where there is none - particularly at the end, as it seems he is looking to conclude the book by making his misadventure deep and evocative, and even metaphorical. The result was cringy.
The reason for my rating is based on the characters. Since this book is non-fiction, I’m burdened with knowing these people are out there, breathing the same air as me. A doctor, who stole a brain and wrapped up his entire identity in it, and has convinced himself he was something more than a common thief. An author, who waxes poetic about said stolen brain. He inserts meaning where there is none - particularly at the end, as it seems he is looking to conclude the book by making his misadventure deep and evocative, and even metaphorical. The result was cringy.
wilsonthomasjoseph's review against another edition
Writing is good. Subject is good. But I think I lost some of Harvey along the way. I feel like there needs to be more of him. I don't think I felt what the author wanted me to feel at the end.
Still, interesting narrative about obsessive people and how their lives run its course. Also, I never knew such dastardly stuff was going on beyond Einstein's death. Would have given Einstein a laugh for a moment before he directed his attention to more pressing matters.
Still, interesting narrative about obsessive people and how their lives run its course. Also, I never knew such dastardly stuff was going on beyond Einstein's death. Would have given Einstein a laugh for a moment before he directed his attention to more pressing matters.
jessferg's review against another edition
2.0
I'm willing to bet this was better as a magazine article. In my opinion, the author just isn't skilled at getting the reader into the scene and if there's anything more dull than driving across the country, it's reading about driving across the country with what appears to be a nearly mute man and a lovesick author.
There is very little by way of actual information about Einstein's brain and only about half a dozen vignettes of interesting facts or anecdotes that tie in well. Paternitti manages to make what should be the main character of the book feel like a sidekick, and an idiot sidekick at that, but successfully inserts his romantic life to the point that you just hope they break up so you don't have to deal with it anymore.
There are only about four pages of the climax of meeting the granddaughter of Einstein that promoted the trip, and the book, in the first place, and it involves having dinner where the entire conversation apparently consists of Evelyn Einstein's frustration that as a young adult she never knew if boys liked her for her or her last name.
My best guess is that by the time everyone wanted this to be a book Paternitti didn't remember enough to flesh it out and didn't have the interest in fleshing it out with more Einstein vignettes. Sorry folks - skip this one.
There is very little by way of actual information about Einstein's brain and only about half a dozen vignettes of interesting facts or anecdotes that tie in well. Paternitti manages to make what should be the main character of the book feel like a sidekick, and an idiot sidekick at that, but successfully inserts his romantic life to the point that you just hope they break up so you don't have to deal with it anymore.
There are only about four pages of the climax of meeting the granddaughter of Einstein that promoted the trip, and the book, in the first place, and it involves having dinner where the entire conversation apparently consists of Evelyn Einstein's frustration that as a young adult she never knew if boys liked her for her or her last name.
My best guess is that by the time everyone wanted this to be a book Paternitti didn't remember enough to flesh it out and didn't have the interest in fleshing it out with more Einstein vignettes. Sorry folks - skip this one.