Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
I downloaded the Kindle version of this book from my library because it was a recommended read. It even looked kind of fun. Many characters were cleverly introduced, and I looked forward to learning more about their stories. But then I met more characters - and more - - and more. I was trying to figure out if they were ever going to circle back to previously introduced characters, or if every chapter was going to be a stand-alone short story.
I plugged away - not one to give up easily. But weeks later, when I felt SOMETHING should be happening, I realized I was only at 23% and I just don't have the patience for this book.
I plugged away - not one to give up easily. But weeks later, when I felt SOMETHING should be happening, I realized I was only at 23% and I just don't have the patience for this book.
Moo is a novel of academic satire set at a Midwestern agricultural university in the early 90s. It took me almost 200 pages to really get into the story, because there are so many characters it was a little bit of a challenge to remember their stories. Once I got into the book it was quite enjoyable and an accurate depiction of academia. The academic politics, regional politics, personal grudges, and manipulation felt realistic and were entertaining. The ending was also completely satisfying.
I put it down for a week and was not compelled to pick it up again nor did I think about it once. There are too many characters, and while that's purposeful, there's not enough driving force in the story or the setting to make them worth my time. Smiley is a good writer, but I think her novel requires a lot of time and effort for a reader for a pay out that I'm not sure is worth it (at least for me).
A great parody/documentary of life at a big Mid-West ag school. Particularly good look at university life, with Smiley weaving together many different story's into one brilliant ending.
I can't fathom why anyone would use the term hilarious in relation to this book. I barely found it entertaining (and even that was only in a few parts). My main complaint, besides the dullness, is that there were just too many characters- none of whom I really cared for and none who served as a main character.
A good dissection of academic types...but I have to say I much prefer Richard Russo and most especially David Lodge (but then I do have British leanings...sometimes think I'm a misplaced British person myself).
I do like this quote, however (being an academic secretary myself):
Over the years, Mrs. Loraine Walker’s vision of the campus had changed. The collection of stone buildings had evolved, in her mind, into a web of offices where secretaries sat under bright lights and now and then, much more dimly, sat administrators whose grasp on things was tenuous at best.
I do like this quote, however (being an academic secretary myself):
Over the years, Mrs. Loraine Walker’s vision of the campus had changed. The collection of stone buildings had evolved, in her mind, into a web of offices where secretaries sat under bright lights and now and then, much more dimly, sat administrators whose grasp on things was tenuous at best.
Great satire; humorous and touching. Skewers everything from universities and religion to capitalism and farming. The large number of characters takes some getting used to, but stick with it.
Too many characters, too many plots. Needed a ruthless editing. I usually really love her work.