Old SchoolNot to be confused with the movie "Old School," this is a novel by Tobias Wolff. I read it right after rereading his memoir "This Boy's Life" for school (Just a note: "This Boy's Life" is excellent and I highly recommend it, but since this time I was reading it for school, I've refrained from reviewing it. I like to keep my school reading separate). "Old School" is about a boy who goes to prep school on scholarship in the 60's. He wants to be a writer, and the book centers around the writing competitions that are held to win a private audience with famous visiting authors.
It was interesting to read the book right after reading Wolff's memoir, and I couldn't help but put him in the shoes of the main character (something you're generally not supposed to do, and an issue that is actually addressed in "Old School"). I know that Wolff also went to prep school on scholarship. I just couldn't help but wonder how much he drew on his own experience. Not for the plot so much, but just the underlying emotions. Anyway, "Old School" was great. It's pretty short, and it keeps you reading. It was fun to read Wolff's depiction of the various famous authors and the experience that comes with reading each of them. The way he talks about writing is really interesting, too. And the short story within the book, "Summer Dance," was really good, at least the pieces we got. It reminded me of Salinger.
My only complaint is that I wish it had ended about 40 pages earlier. Maybe the ending wouldn't have been as tied up, but I feel that the section where the main character is no longer in school gets a little off track and isn't as interesting to read. Overall though, great book. 8 pretzel bites!
It was interesting to read the book right after reading Wolff's memoir, and I couldn't help but put him in the shoes of the main character (something you're generally not supposed to do, and an issue that is actually addressed in "Old School"). I know that Wolff also went to prep school on scholarship. I just couldn't help but wonder how much he drew on his own experience. Not for the plot so much, but just the underlying emotions. Anyway, "Old School" was great. It's pretty short, and it keeps you reading. It was fun to read Wolff's depiction of the various famous authors and the experience that comes with reading each of them. The way he talks about writing is really interesting, too. And the short story within the book, "Summer Dance," was really good, at least the pieces we got. It reminded me of Salinger.
My only complaint is that I wish it had ended about 40 pages earlier. Maybe the ending wouldn't have been as tied up, but I feel that the section where the main character is no longer in school gets a little off track and isn't as interesting to read. Overall though, great book. 8 pretzel bites!
KAY
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