What I Liked
The writing in Mao II is powerful, stunning, and lovely. Each sentence is structured with care and perfection. Descriptions of mass events and roaring crowds are immersing. I don't know if I've ever rated something so low that was written so well, but I could never get into this book. I did not enjoy this read. And I will not come away a changed person from reading it. The profound message that DeLillo labored to pound into the reader didn't wash over me.

What I Didn't Like
I hated the dialogue in this book. Every character's voice sounded the same, all extensions of DeLillo's own voice and opinions. There were almost no dialogue tags to the point where, when four or five people are talking at once, it's difficult and frustrating to gather who is saying what.

The novel was boring. The characters, dialogue, and storyline were all incredibly dull. The only thing enjoyable about the book was the pretty writing, which can only carry a book so far. I struggled painfully to make it through to the end. I would not have finished if the book was not a mandated read for my literature class.