This morning I've been reading book reviews and wondering why everyone (Salon, Guardian) seems to like it so much, when I was left a bit blasé. I will grant them the claims that its well written - it is - but, for me, this can never be enough. I need either to care deeply for, and feel that I understand, the characters, or to be moved by the underlying message or larger observation of the book. Otherwise, I might as well be reading a well-written recap of an NBA match.