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Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood
Devil in the Details Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood
Author: Jennifer Traig
In the bestselling tradition of Running with Scissors and A Girl Named Zippy, Jennifer Traig tells an unforgettable story of youthful obsession. — When her father found the washing machine crammed with everything from her sneakers to her barrettes, 12-year-old Jennifer Traig had a simple explanation: theyd been tainted by the pork fumes emanating...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780316010740
ISBN-10: 031601074X
Publication Date: 2/9/2006
Pages: 272
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 90

3.3 stars, based on 90 ratings
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 347 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
Hilarious! Author spent her teen years trying to observe Jewish ritual in a non-observant mixed-faith family (her mother is Catholic). Since she had no actual religious instruction, as such, she sort of "improvised" as she went along based upon a sketchy reading of biblical injunctions, resulting in compulsive behavior, tenuously related to the Torah - at best! Her tolerant parents just assumed she was nuts.
L avatar reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on
Helpful Score: 8
Man this book was boring! I just couldn't stomach through dozens of pages of religious obsession and self-hatred. Writing style is mediocre, and not all that entertaining. I totally failed to see any humor in it. File it under "overhyped", skip it, and spend your credit on a Haven Kimmel or a Julia Scheers.
bookcrazychick avatar reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 76 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
OMG, this book was hilarious. This poor girl suffered from OCD from the age of 4. And for years nobody even knew what that was. Thankfully, her family was great. They dealt with her with humor which I'm sure was her salvation. Well, that and eventually meds....She is a great writer and I hope to see more from her.
Kmarie avatar reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 529 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This is a very unusual memoir, filled with memories (not in chronological order) of a child who had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Very honest, humorous, and sad at times. Good read! Got a little tedious toward the end.
reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 222 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
While OCD is a very sad and disturbing thing to have and to live with, I know, my sons have it, this book was highly entertaining. she talked about her obsessions and compulsions in a way that made me laugh at loud even tho I am sure at the time of them, she and her family were not amused. its great she could be so candid about this terrible disease. She too had it in the 70's and 80's before we knew what the heck was wrong with our son. We knew he did some very odd things, but couldnt make him stop so just got frustrated. I think anyone with a family member, friend or even themselves with this condition should definately read this.
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electricbluebird avatar reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 2 more book reviews
Really hilarious. Think Jewish OCD Sedaris, but funnier.
bookaddict avatar reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on
One of the funniest books I have EVER read! Like a female David Sedaris in that laugh-out-loud, snort-soda-through-your-nose way.

Don't miss this one!
reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 6 more book reviews
This book is about 250 pages too long. The writing style simply can't sustain the entirety of the novel. It feels more like a transcript of stories told to friends over coffee. Calling this a "memoir" is a loose interpretation of the word. It's more so a selection of self-centered, repetitive stories. And to make matters worse, the stories aren't even really in chronological order. In between chapters, there are these little inserts that I assume are supposed to be funny on various topics, such as how to wash your hands. They get quite obnoxious after the twelfth one, which says that you must wash your hands. If you must get this book, read the first chapter and enjoy it; I did. But know that after the first chapter, it's all just a rehash of the same thing...for 250 more pages.
schwip avatar reviewed Devil in the Details : Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood on + 49 more book reviews
Even though this book covers a serious topic it is written light-heartedly. It is an easy and enjoyable read.


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