A review by msjoanna
Tepper Isn't Going Out by Calvin Trillin

4.0

A lovely little book to start off my 2013 reading list. Calvin Trillin is always entertaining, though this was my first introduction to his fiction. His commentary on the silliness of politics and politicians, the amusing and infuriating parking situation in New York City, and the general malaise of much office work were all showcased in this short book. The premis is simple, and silly-sounding: Tepper is a near-retirement direct mail specialist who, basically as a hobby, decides to park his car in legal parking places, then sit in the driver's seat reading the newspaper. Why? Maybe for the pleasure of telling other drivers that he isn't moving the car; maybe for peaceful reading; maybe to cause a news cycle. Despite what seems a silly premise, in Trillin's hands, the book works and served to remind me of some of the frustrations and energy both found in New York.