A Heartbreaking Work of Not Enough Genius

I recently finished Dave Eggars, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius," - I was disappointed. I'd heard a great deal about the book and knew it was popular but had my expectations mitigated by the friend who lent it to me. Various things that precede the 'actual' book (writing in the 'front matter,' notes about the author, tips on the book) made the experience seem a promising one. Sadly, it was satisfactory at best. I did laugh out loud at several parts, but that is not enough for over 400 pages. As I am usually empathetic, I'm not entirely sure why I didn't connect to his story, but I did not find it as enjoyable or wonderful as others obviously have (see reviews from the link above). One of the best parts of the book is in the appendix, in very small print, when Eggars rants about the use of the word irony. Addtionally, the 'Staggering Genius" part was meant to be facetious, but instead I found that it inadvertently raised my expectations, only to be unfulfilled.
Either I am unrealistic, GEB 'ruined' me, and/or other people should read smarter books so they have a better frame of reference.
Worth it as an experience I guess, but maybe I'm just trying to rationalize the usage of my existence.