Reviews

Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher

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cara_j's review against another edition

2.0

There are funny lines, but I just couldn't find enjoyment in what seems like a pretty accurate description of the dark side of academia. Too close to reality.

rita_reads_cda's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

snewland's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sohnesorge's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ablotial's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a cute little book written in epistolary form -- letters from a college professor to various others, including a large number of letters of recommendation for his students. The remaining letters are mostly complaining about having to write said letters of recommendation, however there are also letters complaining about the construction happening in his current office, the demise of his personal relationships, and the fact that he can't get anyone to publish his graduate student's book.

While the complaining and the professor's offensive writing is initially amusing, the gimmick gets old too fast... which is impressive considering how short the book is. About 2/3 of the way through I found myself getting bored, and this is the same place where my husband gave in entirely and stopped reading. I finished it, because I do that, but also because I wanted to know if the grad student's book ever got published.

The ending surprised me, I definitely didn't see it coming. That might be a reason to keep going if you were considering not. Ended up being a more sad book than I expected.

emrache's review against another edition

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4.0

I waited all summer for this book to come out and it was definitely worth the wait. I laughed a lot but was also touched by the stubbornly erudite Professor Fitger.