John S. (Seajack) 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.
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.
Sandra D. (bookcrazychick) -
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.
Kathryn (Kmarie) -
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.
Pat R. (cats16) 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.
