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Books matching: academic politics

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  1. #1

    The Groves of Academe by Mary McCarthy
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    Mary McCarthy's 'The Groves of Academe' is a novel set in a small Pennsylvania college in the 1950s, delving into the intricacies of academic politics and the challenges faced by professors. The story follows Henry Mulcahy, a struggling male professor dealing with poverty, a sickly wife, and the unexpected non-renewal of his teaching contract, all unfolding against the backdrop of the Joseph McCarthy era. McCarthy's writing style is described as perceptive and satirical, offering a deep dive into the inner workings of the academic world.

    WHEN HENRY MULCAHY, A middle-aged instructor of literature at Jocelyn College, Jocelyn, Pennsylvania, unfolded the President’s letter and became aware of its contents, he gave a sudden sharp cry of im...

  2. #2

    Spacer's Cinderella by Adria Rose
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    'Spacer's Cinderella' by Adria Rose is a science fiction romance that offers a unique twist on the classic Cinderella story. The plot follows Aurora, a determined young woman fighting to save her home planet, who crosses paths with Magnus, a genetically enhanced Spacer. is praised for its adventurous plot, strong romance, and well-developed characters. Readers enjoyed the pacing of the story, the world-building, and the engaging dialogue that keeps them hooked from start to finish.

    Ten elevators led from the floating platform to the glittering city below. The cabs traveled at high speed through translucent tubes that spiraled through wisps of clouds towards the ground like so ma...

  3. #3

    The History Man by Malcolm Bradbury
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    'The History Man' by Malcolm Bradbury is a satire set in the early 1970s at the University of Watermouth, focusing on the life of sociology professor Howard Kirk and his wife Barbara. The narrative follows Howard's manipulative and chaotic behavior, including his interactions with colleagues and students, as well as his attempts at social engineering. The writing style is described as sharp and dense, incorporating academic jargon and darkly comic scenes to portray the complexities of the characters and the campus culture of the time.

    Now it is the autumn again; the people are all coming back. The recess of summer is over, when holidays are taken, newspapers shrink, history itself seems momentarily to falter and stop. But the paper...

  4. #4
    Fledgling
    Book 20 in the series:Liaden Universe

    Fledgling - Liaden Universe by Steve Miller, Sharon Lee
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    Fledgling by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller is a space opera set in the Liaden Universe, focusing on the coming-of-age story of Theo Waitley. The plot delves into Theo's journey of self-discovery, navigating through a complex world filled with academic intrigue, family dynamics, and cultural clashes. The writing style is described as well-paced, maintaining suspense while offering enough clues to keep the reader engaged, ultimately celebrating the struggle for individual identities within a new and richly drawn universe.

    "Because," he said in his deep, calm voice, "in the culture predominant upon Delgado, children—by which I mean those persons who have not attained what that same culture deems as their majority—are un...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Liaden Universe )

  5. #5
    Starfarers
    Book 1 in the series:Starfarers

    Starfarers - Starfarers by Vonda N. McIntyre
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    Starfarers by Vonda N. McIntyre follows the story of several people who have applied for passage on the Starfarer, a spaceship designed for peaceful scientific exploration and first contact with aliens. However, they soon discover that the U.S. Government intends to weaponize the ship instead. The book focuses on interpersonal relationships, political intrigue, and the characters' struggle against the government's plans, all set against the backdrop of space travel and alien encounters. The narrative is character-driven, with diverse and interesting characters such as an alien contact specialist, a genetically altered diver, and a black woman involved in a polyamorous relationship.

    Starfarers is a mix between character drama and a Big Dumb Object novel, with a slow-paced plot that delves into the detailed design of the ship, the political situation, and the characters' backgrounds. The story is told from multiple viewpoints, providing a sense of scope and depth to the narrative. Despite some initial setup typical of a first book in a series, the book gains momentum towards the end as the U.S. Government's menacing intentions become clear, leading to an exciting climax and a compelling cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next installment.

    Nervous and excited and rushed and late, J.D. Sauvage hurried down the corridor of the terminal. The satchel carrying her personal allowance thumped against her hip. The other passengers had already b...

  6. #6

    Pym by Mat Johnson
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    Former professor of American literature Chris Jaynes is determined to find out the truth behind Edgar Allen Poe's novel The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. After finding an old slave manuscript that seems to allude to the same subject as Poe's novel, Jaynes convinces a crew of six other black men to follow Pym's trail to the South Pole to search for the answer to one of literature's greatest mysteries. The book is described as a bizarre, hilarious, scathing satire of American racism, all refracted through the lens of Poe's work, with a mix of comedic elements, social commentary, and exploration of race relations.

    ALWAYS thought if I didn’t get tenure I would shoot myself or strap a bomb to my chest and walk into the faculty cafeteria, but when it happened I just got bourbon drunk and cried a lot and rolled int...

  7. #7

    Stoner by John Williams
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    "Stoner" by John Williams follows the life of William Stoner, a university professor whose existence is marked by a series of disappointments and tragic events. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Stoner finds solace in his love for literature and experiences fleeting moments of joy. The novel delves into themes of quiet desperation, loneliness, and the struggle to maintain dignity in the face of adversity, painting a poignant portrait of an ordinary man navigating the complexities of life.

    Through a minimalist and precise prose style, John Williams masterfully captures the emotional depth of Stoner's journey, exploring themes of existentialism, human behavior, and the pursuit of happiness. The narrative unfolds with a melancholic tone, offering a contemplative reflection on the profound impact of seemingly small moments and decisions in shaping one's life trajectory.

    WILLIAM STONER ENTERED the University of Missouri as a freshman in the year 1910, at the age of nineteen. Eight years later, during the height of World War I, he received his Doctor of Philosophy degr...

  8. #8
    Timescape
    Book 1 in the series:Timescape

    Timescape - Timescape by Gregory Benford
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    In 'Timescape' by Gregory Benford, scientists in the late 1990s are facing global environmental catastrophes and attempt to send messages back in time to prevent the disasters. Meanwhile, in the early 1960s, a scientist discovers a mysterious message from the future hidden in his experimental data. The book delves into the themes of time travel, ecological collapse, and the challenges faced by scientists in different timelines. The writing style alternates between past and present settings, showcasing detailed scientific discussions and character-driven plotlines.

    REMEMBER TO SMILE A LOT, JOHN RENFREW thought moodily. People seemed to like that. They never wondered why you kept on smiling, no matter what was said. It was a kind of general sign of good will, he ...

  9. #9

    The Double Helix by James D. Watson
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    "The Double Helix" by James D. Watson is a personal and candid account of the discovery of the structure of DNA. The book provides a fascinating look at the scientific process, filled with personal drama, competitive spirit, and the dynamics of the scientific community. Watson's writing style is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, offering a unique insight into the inner workings and egos of the scientists involved in this groundbreaking discovery. Despite some criticism for his portrayal of colleagues, particularly Rosalind Franklin, the book presents a detailed narrative of the race to unravel the mystery of DNA's structure.

    I HAVE never seen Francis Crick in a modest mood. Perhaps in other company he is that way, but I have never had reason so to judge him. It has nothing to do with his present fame. Already he is much t...

  10. #10
    The Dante Club
    Book 1 in the series:The Dante Club

    The Dante Club - The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
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    'The Dante Club' by Matthew Pearl revolves around a series of murders in Boston in 1865, inspired by scenes from Dante's Inferno. The main characters, including Longfellow, Lowell, and Holmes, are working on the first American translation of Dante's Divine Comedy. As the group delves into solving the mysterious murders, they find themselves in a race against time, trying to prevent further casualties and protect Dante's literary future. seamlessly combines historical fiction with a murder mystery, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of prominent literary figures in the post-Civil War era.

    The author, Matthew Pearl, skillfully weaves together elements of history, literature, and mystery, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued throughout the book. Through detailed descriptions and well-researched references to Dante's work, Pearl transports readers back to 19th century Boston, providing a vivid portrayal of the time period and the intellectual pursuits of the characters involved in unraveling the murders.

    John Kurtz, the chief of the Boston police, breathed in some of his heft for a better fit between the two chambermaids. On one side, the Irish woman who had discovered the body was blubbering and wail...

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