Medallion Status

True Stories from Secret Rooms

De: John Hodgman

Narrado por: John Hodgman

“[An] affecting and hilarious meditation on fame and prestige as seen through the lens of an airline loyalty program.” —The AV Club

A hilarious and honest new book in which John Hodgman, New York Times bestselling author of Vacationland, leaves vacation behind and gets back to work as a still somewhat famous person . . . and then loses his job. An uproarious read.

After spending most of his twenties pursuing a career as a literary agent, John Hodgman decided to try his own hand at writing. Following an appearance to promote one of his books on The Daily Show, he was invited to return as a contributor. This led to an unexpected and, frankly, implausible career in front of the camera that has lasted to this very day, or at least until 2016.

In these pages, Hodgman explores the strangeness of his career, speaking plainly of fame, especially at the weird, marginal level he enjoyed it. Through these stories you will learn many things that only John Hodgman knows, such as how to prepare for a nude scene with an oboe, or what it feels like to go to a Hollywood party and realize that you are not nearly as famous as the Property Brothers, or, for that matter, those two famous corgis from Instagram. And there are stories about how, when your television gig is canceled, you can console yourself with the fact that all of that travel that made your young son so sad at least left you with a prize: platinum medallion status with your airline.

Both unflinchingly funny and deeply heartfelt, Medallion Status is a thoughtful examination of status, fame, and identity--and about the way we all deal with those moments when we realize we aren't platinum status anymore and will have to get comfortable in that middle seat again.

Reseñas de la Crítica

An AV Club “5 Books to Read in October”

“Conversational, funny . . . the focus is on the bizarre state of being liminally famous in a culture that so desperately celebrates fame. . . . Hodgman has dozens of funny stories to tell, ranging from recollections of early jobs to the time Benedict Cumberbatch messed with his mind.”
—The AV Club

“Very, very funny . . . Hodgman's Medallion Status is the opposite of narcissism: it's an honest and terribly funny peek into a world that very few of us will get to see, one that is frank enough to admit that the only thing the people in that world enjoy about it is that we're not allowed in it.”
—Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing

“This funny, sometimes delightfully absurd book offers sharp meditations on status, relevance, and age, and fame—or at least being fame-adjacent.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Humorous and surprisingly poignant.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Hodgman offers thoughtful musings about human nature and our drive for status. An entertaining and endearing entry from the author of Vacationland.”
—Booklist

Hodgman is a true racentuer.

As with Vacationland, Mr. Hodgman tells small stories that manage to impart great wisdom. The final chapter brought me to tears, for the sheer beauty of it. At once, smart, funny, poignant. While he is relentlessly self-effacing, it is in that humility, his brilliance shines brightest.

sit back and let it wash over you.

I listened to the whole thing in one sitting.

I have loved all of John's previous work, but none of his previous writing had me on the verge of tears so many times. I had a Petey of my own... 😢
I can't wait to share this work with my parents and friends.

hi

great story but could of used less trump complaining. great work John. lookimg for more work

If you love storytelling you’ll enjoy!

I’ve been listening to John’s stories and made up facts for years. He’s clever and funny but wish he was not so hard on himself 😀. These stories are personal and one or too a little embarrassing but so fun.

Didn't want it to end

I just finished the audiobook version of John Hodgman's "Medallion Status". It's been a long time since I loved a book enough that it made me sad when it ended. It was the same combination of intelligence, nerdiness, humor and enormous wisdom about the human condition that makes me love his work so much. The story is wonderful, and made even better with Hodgman himself as the narrator.
(If you're not listening to his podcast, "Judge John Hodgman", you should be.)

This book is worth your time

Yes you could listen to stories about glorious bravery in various historical battles, or the inspired tales of human exploration. But you haven't lived until you experience the thrill of chasing airline mile perks and ascending to another plane of being.

Fantastic and honest storytelling

Like a fireside chat or talking at the kitchen counter at a party, John Hodgman sits down a talks to us about his life an pursuits and emparts wisdom all the way. Thank you for writing this book.

That went fast....

Fun, funny, delightful...the perfect lockdown listen. Hodgman is a great storyteller...if I don’t ever achieve Medallion status, I know at least John did & that’s enough for me.

It’s good, and you should buy it

John Hodgman is such an important voice, I’m so excited to get another opportunity to read his work. You should go buy this book, because you like good things and this is a good thing

I'm a fan

I really enjoy John Hodgman. this I the first book of his I have enjoyed, I'm sure I'll like the rest. I found this one to be very funny, emotionally raw, and flat out interesting. I would easily recommend this to anyone who enjoys Mr. Hodgman.