Reviews

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Oh, man, did I need this book. I had no memory of what about the publisher’s blurb inspired me to pre-order this audiobook but am sure glad I did. Although I was a little disappointed to find out that this is the third book to feature the professor, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.

Jay Fitger, head of the English department at a university, is in charge of taking 11 students not previously met abroad to England. The submissions to be included in the trip are hilarious, as are the papers the students must submit once they arrive in England and are tasked with homework. I could never imagine turning in papers like the ones submitted when I was at university. I’d have been kicked out! But they make for an interesting book, nonetheless.

Humorous, poignant, satirical, this short book was well-written and a joy to listen to. I’ll have to go back and visit Fitger in his other two books; I’m sure I’ll be just as delighted with the prose and dry sense of humor. Recommended!

matildahasopinions's review against another edition

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challenging funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

timna_wyckoff's review against another edition

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4.0

So fun!

carlynclark's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

booksrockcal's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was an antidote to the heaviness of There There. It is a light hearted and funny novel about an aging English professor at a small mid western college who is the only available faculty member to accompany a group of students on a three week study abroad mid term trip to England. Based in London, the group explores the city and southern England with their reluctant professor, who attempts to impose rules of grammar and diction on their daily writing assignments while also trying to understand and connect with 19 years olds. Meanwhile this motley group of students, including undifferentiated twins, a young man who thought he was going to the Caribbean, a love struck basketball player trying to persuade his ex girlfriend to return to him, and a young woman who has never been away from her cat, complete writing assignments that are at once hilarious and disturbing, giving the professor and the reader a view of England unseen before.

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