Books Like...
'Straight Man' by Richard Russo is a humorous and insightful novel set in the world of academia, specifically focusing on the life of William Henry Devereaux, Jr., an English professor at a mediocre college in Pennsylvania. The book delves into the absurdities and challenges of academic life, showcasing the petty backstabbing, administrative idiocy, and personal struggles faced by the characters. Through witty narration and hilarious characterizations, Russo provides a satirical yet touching portrayal of midlife crises, academic politics, and the complexities of human relationships.
The plot of 'Straight Man' revolves around William Henry Devereaux, Jr., who finds himself embroiled in a week of crises as the acting chairman of the English department. The novel blends humor and pathos, offering a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and quiet insights into the characters' lives. Russo's writing style is praised for its clever observations, sharp wit, and engaging storytelling, making the book a compelling exploration of academia, relationships, and personal growth.
If you liked Straight Man, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Nobody's Fool' by Richard Russo is a character-driven novel set in a small, declining resort town in upstate New York. The story revolves around Donald Sullivan, known as Sully, a down-on-his-luck construction worker with a penchant for making poor decisions. The book delves into the day-to-day struggles of Sully and other vividly portrayed characters as they navigate life in a town that has seen better days. Despite its lack of a complex plot, the book is praised for its realistic and interesting character studies, as well as Russo's ability to capture the essence of small-town life through his writing.
Upper Main Street in the village of North Bath, just above the town’s two-block-long business district, was quietly residential for three more blocks, then became even more quietly rural along old Rou... - #2
'Lucky Jim' by Kingsley Amis is a humorous novel set in a university environment, following the misadventures of Jim Dixon, a history professor who despises his job and the academic world he is a part of. The story delves into the comedic situations Dixon finds himself in, from dealing with his colleagues and friends to navigating relationships and social expectations. The writing style is described as clever, British, and filled with creative humor that captures the essence of academic life in the 1950s.
“THEY made a silly mistake, though,” the Professor of History said, and his smile, as Dixon watched, gradually sank beneath the surface of his features at the memory. “After the interval we did a litt... - #3
Michael Chabon's 'Wonder Boys' follows the chaotic life of Grady Tripp, an aging writer and professor who is struggling with his own imperfections and failures. The story delves into Grady's relationships with his troubled student, James Leer, and his editor, Terry Crabtree, as they embark on a wild adventure over a weekend. The narrative is filled with humor, wit, and melancholy, depicting the complexities of male friendships, writer's block, and personal struggles, all while showcasing Chabon's eloquent writing style and ability to blend humor with poignant moments.
THE FIRST REAL WRITER I ever knew was a man who did all of his work under the name of August Van Zorn. He lived at the McClelland Hotel, which my grandmother owned, in the uppermost room of its turret... - #4
Empire Falls by Richard Russo is a novel set in a small town in Maine, focusing on the intertwined lives of the residents. The story follows Miles Roby, a middle-aged man running a diner in a decaying town, and his relationships with family, customers, and neighbors. The book expertly captures the essence of small town life, including the impact of economic changes and the secrets that bind the characters together. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing layers of relational dynamics and past histories, leading to a surprising climax that changes the characters' lives.
The writing style of Empire Falls is praised for its vivid depiction of small town USA, with well-drawn characters and a deep sense of place and history. Richard Russo's storytelling is described as compelling and masterful, with a focus on character development and human foibles. The novel is known for its humor, insight into small town dynamics, and its ability to draw readers into the lives of the characters, making it a memorable and engaging read.
THE EMPIRE GRILL was long and low-slung, with windows that ran its entire length, and since the building next door, a Rexall drugstore, had been condemned and razed, it was now possible to sit at the ... - #5Mooby:
"Moo" by Jane Smiley is a satirical novel set at a Midwestern agricultural university, known as Moo U. The book delves into the inner workings of academia, portraying a large cast of colorful characters from students to faculty members, and even a giant white pig named Earl Butz. The plot unfolds over the course of an academic year in the early 1990s, focusing on the various love liaisons, academic intrigues, and personal issues that are common in university life. Smiley's writing style is described as humorous, witty, and insightful, offering a shrewd and funny commentary on the societal norms and conflicts within the university setting.
FROM THE OUTSIDE it was clear that the building known generally as “Old Meats” had eased under the hegemony of the horticulture department. Its southern approach, once a featureless slope of green law... - #6
'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher is an epistolary novel that follows the life of Jason Fitger, a disillusioned and sarcastic English professor at a small liberal arts university. The story is uniquely told through a series of letters of recommendation written by Fitger to various recipients, providing insights into his personal life, academic struggles, and interactions with colleagues and students. Despite the humorous and satirical tone of the letters, a deeper narrative unfolds, shedding light on the challenges faced in academia, the value of literature, and the complexities of human relationships.
The purpose of this letter is to bolster the promotion and tenure case of Professor Martina Ali here at our esteemed institution of higher learning. I am not a member of Professor Ali’s Film Studies P... - #7
"Changing Places" by David Lodge is a witty and entertaining novel that follows two professors who exchange universities for a short period. The story explores the comedic consequences of their swapped lives, blending social observations with playful narrative styles like letters, newspaper clippings, and movie script formats. Set in the academia of the 1960s, the book satirizes academic life, cultural differences between Britain and America, and the personal transformations the characters undergo during their exchange.
- #8
'French Exit' by Patrick DeWitt is a dark comedy novel that follows Frances Price, a middle-aged widow, and her son, Malcolm, as they face financial ruin and decide to move to Paris with their cat, Small Frank. The story is filled with eccentric characters, including misfits and ne'er do wells, who join Frances and Malcolm on their escapade to Paris. The narrative is described as witty, bizarre, and at times, darkly humorous, with elements of absurdity and pathos woven throughout the plot. The book explores themes of wealth, privilege, dysfunctional relationships, and the complexities of human nature, all set against the backdrop of a quirky and unconventional storyline.
She was a moneyed, striking woman of sixty-five years, easing her hands into black calfskin gloves on the steps of a brownstone in New York City’s Upper East Side. Her son, Malcolm, thirty-two, stood ... - #9
'Pnin' by Vladimir Nabokov is a collection of self-contained short stories centered around the character Pnin, a hapless Russian emigrant teaching at an American university. The novel explores themes of exile, university life, and complex relationships, portraying Pnin as an endearing but eccentric character. Nabokov's prose is described as acrobatic and beautiful, with a focus on wordplay and clever observations.
The elderly passenger sitting on the north-window side of that inexorably moving railway coach, next to an empty seat and facing two empty ones, was none other than Professor Timofey Pnin. Ideally bal... - #10
'Up Jumps the Devil' by Michael Poore is a clever and original story that delves into the character of the Devil himself. The book follows the Devil, also known as John Scratch, through history as he interacts with various individuals, including General Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and a young band who sell their souls for fame. The narrative jumps around in time, mixing history, mythology, and fiction in a twisted and hilarious manner. Poore's writing style is described as funny, wry, sacrilegious, and occasionally moving, with a unique blend of history and inventive storytelling.
The plot of the book revolves around the Devil's interactions with humanity, his Faustian bargains, and his observations about the human condition in a celebrity-obsessed culture. The Devil's character is portrayed as complex and intriguing, with a focus on his relationships with both individuals and society over the centuries. The writing style of the book is noted for its ability to change readers' perspectives on the Devil, combining humor, cleverness, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The guests were always different, and always kind of the same. They might be rich or poor. They were always surprised by the lights and cameras. They always seemed a little scared of John Scratch, who...