Of Human Bondage was the summer reading book for my AP Literature class. And to tell the truth, it was just lengthy, boring, and frustrating. 
 Of Human Bondage details the life of Philip Carey, an orphan raised by his relatives but born with a crippled foot. From the time he grows up to seek his fortune, he lives life miserably and self consciously - unaware of his true interests or desires. Over repeated failures, Philip surfs from career to career until finally settling on medicine. Yet the inexplicable attraction to a rude waitress shatters Philip's world and leads Philip to an awakening of sexual longing and true soul-searching. Philip's world, confusing, nebulous and stumbling is questioned and searched for until he can search his own path. 
 I didn't like this book. Philip was such an ambivalent hero, he never knew what he wanted! He was not confident, not ready, not passionate - which led him to seem dull. Plus his clubfoot added complication upon misery, making him seem undesirable and unlikable. What annoys me most is his interaction with Mildred (the rude waitress), and his ceaseless aggravating behavior with her. I simply don't understand a man like Philip. 
 The frustrating characters just made this book hard to read, and really muddled the plot. I would not recommend this book. Darn you school for making me read this.