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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This is a hoot. The epistolary novel used to be far more popular than it is now and it’s a while since I’ve seen a good one. This is a good one. If one has never been part of the university system, it may not make a lot of sense, but if you’ve studied or worked in a university, it will be very real in places!
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I keep trying to tell people about this book. It's an epistolary novel written entirely in the form of letters of recommendation written by an English professor. Said that way, it sounds really boring, but it's really not. They're witty letters, and the story--as it slowly emerges from the depths of the letters--is affecting and interesting.
I haven't been in college for years now nor was I ever interested in pursuing a career in academia, but I still enjoyed the humor and (now more than ever) relevant comments on the state of student loans and 'profitable' majors. Fitger is the type of person I would find insufferable in real life, yet still would idolize and seek approval from. That witty sarcasm and self-importance just draws me in every time.
This was repetitive at times which is what kept me from giving a higher rating, and while I understand the overarching plot isn't really the point those were the bits I was most interested in. The end really ties everything together neatly and that was very satisfying (though unrealistic perhaps and that may bother some). The letter format is used well and contributed a great deal to my enjoyment. I was also pleasantly surprised by the exploration of Fitger's relationships.
Bottom line, fun quick read but a bit boring and tedious at times (much like academia itself!). It doesn't explore any new ideas, but provides a good read nonetheless.
This was repetitive at times which is what kept me from giving a higher rating, and while I understand the overarching plot isn't really the point those were the bits I was most interested in. The end really ties everything together neatly and that was very satisfying (though unrealistic perhaps and that may bother some). The letter format is used well and contributed a great deal to my enjoyment. I was also pleasantly surprised by the exploration of Fitger's relationships.
Bottom line, fun quick read but a bit boring and tedious at times (much like academia itself!). It doesn't explore any new ideas, but provides a good read nonetheless.
This book was so funny! Some of the recommendation letters he writes are maybe a little too honest. He writes at least one for someone who he has never met before. I don't normally like adult novels but I loved the recommendation letter format the author uses to tell the life of this cranky English professor. It made me think about all of the people I have asked letters of recommendation for in the past... Quick read and highly enjoyable.
Solid satire of academia, even if most of the targets are low-hanging fruit. Nevertheless, having written many sincere letters of recommendation for colleagues and former students, it's a snarky joy to read this brief epistolary novel that takes to heart Edmund's advice that we "speak what we feel, not what we ought to say."
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes