Dear Committee Members

A Novel

De: Julie Schumacher

Narrado por: Robertson Dean

Finally a novel that puts the "pissed" back into "epistolary."

Jason Fitger is a beleaguered professor of creative writing and literature at Payne University, a small and not very distinguished liberal arts college in the midwest. His department is facing draconian cuts and squalid quarters, while one floor above them the Economics Department is getting lavishly remodeled offices. His once-promising writing career is in the doldrums, as is his romantic life, in part as the result of his unwise use of his private affairs for his novels. His star (he thinks) student can't catch a break with his brilliant (he thinks) work Accountant in a Bordello, based on Melville's Bartleby.

In short, his life is a tale of woe, and the vehicle this droll and inventive audiobook uses to tell that tale is a series of hilarious letters of recommendation that Fitger is endlessly called upon by his students and colleagues to produce, each one of which is a small masterpiece of high dudgeon, low spirits, and passive-aggressive strategies. We recommend Dear Committee Members to you in the strongest possible terms.

©2014 Julie Schumacher (P)2014 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[A] very funny epistolary novel composed of recommendation letters... It's an unusual form for comedy, but it works. Truth is stranger than fiction in this acid satire of the academic doldrums." ( Kirkus)

"Schumacher's warm satire of the peculiarities of the Ivory Tower will be recognizable to anyone who has encountered the bureaucracy and internal politics of higher education." ( Booklist)

" Dear Committee Members is a brilliant book that, in my head, sits comfortably on my prized shelf of academic novels, right between Lucky Jim and Pictures from an Institution. But it's funnier than either, and more wrenching in the end. The conceit of a novel told in letters of reference is inspired, and it is killingly funny because it's all so killingly true. Truth walks here in the strangest of costumes, and in part because of its guises, we can face it, frown, laugh, cry. I've never lost an afternoon so happily." (Jay Parini, author of The Last Station and The Passages of H.M.)

Hysterically funny and poignant

Epistolary novel entirely made up of increasingly snarky letters of recommendation from a cynical burned out professor of English whose only creative outlet is these letters. Especially funny for folks who spent substantial time at university.

Too short and light to be worth a credit

Told through sarcastic letters of support written by a professor for his mostly lackluster student to prospective employers, graduate programs and academic colleagues, the premise sounded like a fun read. I was disappointed by how short the book was and also how slim the "plot" was. There is a story that gradually unfolds, but it isn't much. The book is mostly cleverly worded rants and complaints, kind of fun, but I hoped for more substance. If I'd looked more closely and seen it was under 4 hours (most audio books I listen to are 15-30 hours) I wouldn't have used an Audible.com credit for it. Seems like it would have been better as a short story in the New Yorker.

Great book

If you could sum up Dear Committee Members in three words, what would they be?

Funny, charming and sad.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The professor/narrator. His character is surprisingly complex despite his living up to the Humanities professor stereotype.

Have you listened to any of Robertson Dean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to anything else he has read, but this was an outstanding performance. He has clear diction, great emotional expression and a lovely speaking voice. Really made the book enjoyable.

Who was the most memorable character of Dear Committee Members and why?

Janet. She comes through even though she doesn't say a word in the entire novel.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

A most wonderful gift. This may be the funniest book I have ever read & I have read a lot of books. I laughed out loud the entire time I listen. I cried in the end. Now I will listen to this book agIn.

Fabulous!

The story is clever, funny, intelligent, delightful. I didn't want it to end. The narrator's voice captured the tone perfectly. This is a book to listen to rather than read, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

This Book Has Saved Me A Fortune

In the future of contributions to my own university. Fortunately, I only spent four years there, and never contemplated even the smallest foray into academia. Judging from the reviews, there is a wide variety of opinion. I found it understated, amusing and consistent with my understanding of the subject matter.

A few charming tales, but.......

A few of these letters are charming, but you can only listen to the mental ramblings of self-important intellegensia for so long.

A powerful satire captures America's betrayal of the Academic mission

Loved the actor/reader. The insights offered on the sorrows and cynicism affecting the human beings behind the bricks and mortar of Academe are delivered as satire but not without passion and empathy.

great introduction into the culture of the academy

this is a really funny laugh out loud but at the same time occasionally serious introduction to the culture of the academy.

gorgeous narration.

Listened twice

Hilarious, poignant, and true. I'm an academic and so probably especially enjoyed the book. But I think any intelligent reader/listener would.