Exploring Recent Reads: December 2024 Book Reviews

You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here by Dr. Benji Waterhouse

In You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here, Dr. Benji Waterhouse sheds light on the world of psychiatry, drawing parallels with Adam Kay’s This Is Going To Hurt. Waterhouse employs dark humor to portray the realities of working within NHS hospitals while addressing critical issues such as underfunding, inadequate resources, and staff burnout.

The book delves into the complexities of diagnosing severe psychiatric conditions, especially when patients are unable to articulate their symptoms, often leading to curious beliefs such as thinking they are werewolves or on the verge of marrying a celebrity. Waterhouse presents a compassionate view of his patients while also confronting his personal anxieties and family dilemmas. Juggling his role as an NHS psychiatrist and occasional stand-up comedian, he effectively uses humor to engage readers in this insightful exploration of the mental health crisis. A special thanks goes to Random House Vintage Books for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

Our Woman in Havana by Sarah Rainsford

In Our Woman in Havana, journalist Sarah Rainsford reflects on her time reporting in Cuba during the early 2010s, a period marked by shifting political landscapes and heightened engagement with the United States under President Barack Obama. Rainsford’s narrative offers insights into various facets of life in Cuba, from sports and limited internet accessibility to healthcare and tourism.

The book intertwines Rainsford’s observations with the historical context of Ruby Phillips, the first female correspondent for the New York Times in Havana, and draws connections to Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana. While Rainsford’s account is engaging, a deeper examination of Cuba’s recent history, particularly concerning the Special Period of the 1990s, would have enhanced the understanding of contemporary Cuban life.

Eurotrash by Christian Kracht

Eurotrash, an autofictional novel by Christian Kracht, follows a road trip between Kracht and his elderly, alcoholic mother shortly after her release from a psychiatric facility. The story navigates their troubled family history, particularly reflecting on Kracht’s grandfather’s affiliation with the Nazi party.

The narrative ventures through haunting memories and familial dysfunction, though it leans heavily on its surreal aspects rather than plot development. While readers may not need prior knowledge of Kracht’s earlier work, Faserland, understanding its context may enrich the reading experience of this standalone novel.

Box Office Poison by Tim Robey

In Box Office Poison, Tim Robey explores the phenomenon of cinematic flops, documenting notable failures from 1916’s silent epic Intolerance to the notorious 2019 adaptation of Cats. The book highlights numerous films that became infamous for their poor reception, particularly focusing on cinematic disasters from the 90s and 2000s such as Gigli and Speed 2: Cruise Control.

Robey examines the factors contributing to these failures, attributing many to overzealous expectations and considerable budgeting missteps. His commentary also includes films that have turned into cult classics, arguing that they fall into the “so bad it’s good” category. With his enthusiasm for the subject, Robey makes Box Office Poison both entertaining and enlightening for film enthusiasts.