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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
cute, fine, idk
I think the commentary on the side flap of the book cover says it all: "this book puts the pissed back in epistolary." Schumacher's comical take on the ridiculous politics and persona that inhabit contemporary academia wins for hilarity points. She crafts the story of Jason (Jay to some) T. Fitger, Professor of Creative Writing at Payne University, entirely through letters of recommendation (or LORs as he calls them). Some are to recommend former students for menial jobs; while others are to the various friends (perhaps a more apt term would be "frenemies") that populate his life - his ex-wife, former girlfriend, former classmates turned competition in the literary world. Fitger is a fantastically fun character to follow because he is equal parts self-aggrandizing and self-loathing. Fitger's LORs reflect a man who firmly believes he is fighting the most valiant battle in history: preserving the English language against the budget-hoarding, glory-stealing merchants of STEM. He's a modern day Don Quixote, tilting at the windmills of academia, and he's a hot, wildly inappropriate mess to behold.
I knew I had to give it a try when the description says this book puts the pissed in epistolary. Who doesn't love a good book pun?! Nevertheless, I lost interest in this one. I think I might have enjoyed it better as a physical book than audiobook. Oh well.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A humorous book that made me chuckle out loud more than once. The book is written in the form of letters of recommendations by the narrator, Jay Fitger, during an academic year. As the year progresses we learn more about Jay's life through these letters.The book is a mix of comedy and tragedy about Jay's life and offers some commentary about challenges of higher education, especially the arts. This was a delightful read after reading books on more serious issues that plague us in our current political climate.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone who has worked in academia for their entire (albeit short) professional career, this book matches the tone to a tee. The writing style is unmatched, and I felt several times as if I was reading the writings of my colleagues. The story itself is tragic and moving, the format is ingenious. This book has made me laugh, cry, cheer, and wince, all in a brief 180 pages.
slow-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
This conceit of this book; that a pompous member of academic decries his position and resents being asked to write letters of recommendation; became tiresome within the first act. It was snarky, but unfunny, and the main character’s habit of punching down at his students came across as pretension and a lack of wit. The ongoing Bartleby joke is almost fun, but a bit on the nose. This book reminded me of all my worst ex boyfriends.
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes