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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I liked this a lot more than Vacationland, mainly because more of the stories were new to me. (That isn't to say that I didn't like Hodgman's previous book; it was just that I was familiar with so much of it from his podcast that it didn't have the same impact).
The joke about Haley Joel Osment is worth the price of the book, too.
The joke about Haley Joel Osment is worth the price of the book, too.
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
John Hodgman, I didn't even want to read this book. I knew I'd like it, but there's so much else out there. Unfortunately you were to hand when I couldn't find the other book I was reading. I couldn't stop.
What did I think? It was brilliant, as always, and while 'Medallion Status' was less internally consistent than 'Vacationland' this offered more laugh-out-loud pleasures.
The book is a series of memories and essays that span over almost a ten year period, as far as I could tell. The common theme is that it was during the years that Hodgman was more actively working in television and spending a lot of time in airports. He wrestled with the choice of his career and spending time with family and, spoiler, family wins, but only because television stopped calling.
I relish any excuse to laugh and so should you, so go ahead and get this book.
What did I think? It was brilliant, as always, and while 'Medallion Status' was less internally consistent than 'Vacationland' this offered more laugh-out-loud pleasures.
The book is a series of memories and essays that span over almost a ten year period, as far as I could tell. The common theme is that it was during the years that Hodgman was more actively working in television and spending a lot of time in airports. He wrestled with the choice of his career and spending time with family and, spoiler, family wins, but only because television stopped calling.
I relish any excuse to laugh and so should you, so go ahead and get this book.
I'm delighted to report that I read Medallion Status on my own journey to achieve (Delta's) Silver Medallion.
This was an absolute joy to read! The structure, is of course airline status and all the perks you get for being on the move or for being famous. Fame and status fade, but what you really want to be is in the world and not on the outside, and these little perks just make us feel good in the world for as long as we can capture them.
John Hodgman and I have very similar worldviews, so it definitely felt like he was often a little birdie on my shoulder succinctly backing up my opinions on this or that.
Most important takeaway: I once spotted John Hodgman in Brooklyn, and next time I see him I'll make sure to say, "It's John Hodgman!" because we're all in this together.
This was an absolute joy to read! The structure, is of course airline status and all the perks you get for being on the move or for being famous. Fame and status fade, but what you really want to be is in the world and not on the outside, and these little perks just make us feel good in the world for as long as we can capture them.
John Hodgman and I have very similar worldviews, so it definitely felt like he was often a little birdie on my shoulder succinctly backing up my opinions on this or that.
Most important takeaway: I once spotted John Hodgman in Brooklyn, and next time I see him I'll make sure to say, "It's John Hodgman!" because we're all in this together.
If you've read John Hodgman's work before, or if you've seen him at live events, or if you listen to his podcast with Jess Thorn "Judge John Hodgman" where he rules on just about everything, you already know you'll enjoy this latest book of stories.
If you've only experienced Hodgman from his guest-starring roles on various TV shows, or his appearances on The Daily Show, or even his long-ago Apple commercials, you should definitely read this. These are the stories behind those stories, the circumstances of how he got the job, how he lost the job, and what happened in between.
But ultimately it's a book about chasing fame (and airline points) and what happens when both start to fade. It is funny, and touching, and insightful, and bizarre.
And carrying it publicly might get you a seat upgrade*.
*This will probably not happen.
If you've only experienced Hodgman from his guest-starring roles on various TV shows, or his appearances on The Daily Show, or even his long-ago Apple commercials, you should definitely read this. These are the stories behind those stories, the circumstances of how he got the job, how he lost the job, and what happened in between.
But ultimately it's a book about chasing fame (and airline points) and what happens when both start to fade. It is funny, and touching, and insightful, and bizarre.
And carrying it publicly might get you a seat upgrade*.
*This will probably not happen.
A lovely poignant follow up to Vacationland. I hope Hodgman does one of these every few years. I’ll read every one.
Great collection of essays, but I am partial to the ones where he writes about his relationships with others rather than his relationship with fame and status.
I recommend the audio book read by John Hodgman himself. He does an excellent job and this is a funny well written book. I enjoyed my time listening.
funny
reflective
slow-paced
I’ve only listened to his past books, and it adds so much hearing him read them. I was a little nervous if I’d like a book of his, reading it on my own...and I did! I basically heard it read in his voice in my head. He’s always funny and entertaining and I’ll look forward to anything else he writes down the road.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced