PositiveNew York Journal of BooksPaterson\'s wizardry with language and description, and long, winding sentences make for sumptuous evocative passages that are often hilarious and a pure pleasure to read ... The book lacks the compelling forward thrust of many contemporary memoirs that focus around a conflict or struggle to overcome. But the captivating immersion into Paterson\'s 1970s and 1980s childhood in Scotland, filtered through his wise and witty commentary as he peers back in time, and the poetic marvel of his language makes every chapter richly textured and a joy to read.
Beth Nguyen
PositiveThe New York Journal of Books\"...a quietly affecting memoir about family connection and disconnection. From the haunting opening line, the memoir is tinged with yearning and sorrow: \'Over the course of my life I have known less than twenty-four hours with my mother\' ... The book is filled with honest and sometimes painful insights that Nguyen discovers in her search for truths about the past.\
Elissa Bassist
RaveNew York Journal of BooksPart memoir, part cultural critique, part manifesto, Hysterical is a tour de force, a powerful response and critique of the subjugation of girls and women across all aspects of our culture ... Bassist\'s inclusion of research tied to her personal experience and commentary makes for an engaging narrative, but it is also a savvy rhetorical move; the research bolsters her credibility, which she might not automatically earn because, as many women know, and as Bassist amply proves throughout the book, the conventional world doesn\'t listen to women or confer credibility, respect, and credit to their statements as it does men ... Bassist brings to this mix of memoir and research her humorous voice—often screamingly funny—that will help readers contend with the disheartening information on women\'s continued inequality ... In this powerful, beautifully written, and utterly important book, Bassist\'s voice rings clear and true.