bcd001's review against another edition
2.0
Too little about the white male writers or their books, too little funny.
simonmee's review against another edition
4.0
A run down on some of the big name white male writers since Shakespeare, with an American focus in the latter part. I think the satire is less about hunting for the jokes in individual lines, more about how the same issues with the authors and their works keep popping up. From many short biographies the author synthesizes one problematic character.
I think. I worry I am missing the point.
I think. I worry I am missing the point.
kjboldon's review against another edition
3.0
Received a copy in a giveaway. This is a tough, small niche to inhabit, making fun of pompous academic white guys. This book does a decent job, but satire is tough, and this didn't have quite enough bite for me.
pineapple_queen's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
hairypoppins's review against another edition
5.0
As a woman who recently completed a master's degree in English literature, I can safely say that this book is a Big Mood.
kaffee_auf_ex's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
This reminded me of how much I used to love and read satire. It's really entertaining and Dana Schwartz just hit the right tone which is not easy in this case. It was funny and I actually learned something. Perfect read for the tram on my way to work. Loved the illustrations!
My only criticism is that obviously, it's a book about pretentions white male writers and in the end, it gets a little repetitive and tiring to read about how shitty they treated the women in there life and I really started wishing to read about some female writers. But I guess that is really an issue of the whole concept.
My only criticism is that obviously, it's a book about pretentions white male writers and in the end, it gets a little repetitive and tiring to read about how shitty they treated the women in there life and I really started wishing to read about some female writers. But I guess that is really an issue of the whole concept.
andipants's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic. Anybody who's ever taken a creative writing class (or been cornered by a particular sort of MFA student at a party) will appreciate this. From glowing descriptions of some of the greats of western literature (and reassurances that they totally didn't mistreat their wives or anything) to casual asides about the narrator's own tastes and aspirations (has he mentioned the short story he's working on?), this is lampooning of the finest sort. And don't worry, it's quick and breezy to get through; even my feeble woman's mind made it through in just a couple of days!
lizro23's review against another edition
4.0
Every English major should read this book. Its hysterical
melissalivanos's review against another edition
3.5
A lot of fun. Dana Schwartz is SO good at nailing the voice of a pretentious MFA student mansplaining literature to you. The premise is delightful and does not get old.