content: I read "On Beauty" based on its favorable reviews and my fondness for "White Teeth." However, I was disappointed to find "On Beauty" a shallow and immature book with underdeveloped characters. Equally bothering to me is the cultural context, which does not ring true. I have lived in the Boston area most of my life and am an academic. Smith's knowledge of Boston is slight and removed, while her perception of academia is that of a student. In addition, she has a weak grasp of American English. These problems combined to destroy this reader's "willing suspension of disbelief."