Dear Committee Members

by Julie Schumacher
Dear Committee Members cover
Good Books rating 4.2
Comedy/Humor
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  • ID: 4282
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780007586356
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2014-08-21
  • Reviews: 4

'Dear Committee Members' is a unique and uproarious novel that takes the form of a series of letters of recommendation written by a cantankerous English professor. Through his acerbic and often hilarious letters, the professor offers a scathing yet insightful commentary on the world of academia and the people who inhabit it. The novel is a brilliant satire of the education system, filled with sharp wit and clever observations that will resonate with anyone who has ever navigated the bureaucratic maze of higher education./n/nThe book's structure is innovative, with each chapter consisting of a different letter addressed to various committees and individuals. The professor's letters range from the absurd to the profound, revealing his complex personality and the struggles he faces in his personal and professional life. Despite its humorous tone, the novel also explores deeper themes such as the nature of art, the role of the educator, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a system that often values politics over merit.

Reviews
Book Thoughts From Bed · 2020-10-27
amusing 4.00

The novel is a clever epistolary work that effectively captures the cynicism and humor of academic life. The protagonist's letters are both entertaining and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the world of higher education.

This novel is a delightful read for anyone familiar with the quirks and challenges of academic life. The protagonist's letters are filled with wit and sarcasm, providing a humorous yet poignant look at the struggles of a creative writing professor. The epistolary format is particularly effective, allowing the reader to piece together the protagonist's personal and professional life through his interactions with various committees and colleagues. The book's humor is balanced by moments of genuine emotion, making it a well-rounded and engaging read. It's a great choice for those who enjoy satire and a good laugh.

Quick quotes

    Dear Committee Members is a clever epistolary novel mainly composed of letters of recommendation written by Jay Fitger, a cynical creative writing professor at Payton University.

    The novel is a comic aria of crankiness, disillusionment, and futility, which unfolds in the form of letters of recommendation from Jason Fitger.

    This novel is smooth and well structured, resonating with truth and laughter. It also manages to be uplifting.

The New Yorker · 2018-05-21
comic 4.50

The novel is a comic aria of crankiness and disillusionment, perfectly capturing the frustrations of academic life. The letters are both hilarious and heartbreaking.

This novel is a masterclass in blending comedy with social criticism. The protagonist's letters are a hilarious and often heartbreaking portrayal of the disillusionment and crankiness that can come with academic life. The humor is sharp and the critique is biting, making it a compelling read. The letters are not just funny; they are also a poignant reflection on the futility and absurdity of bureaucratic processes. It's a book that will make you laugh out loud and then pause to reflect on the state of higher education.

Quick quotes

    A comic aria of crankiness and disillusionment.

    The letters are both hilarious and heartbreaking.

    A poignant reflection on the futility and absurdity of bureaucratic processes.

Goodreads · 2014-08-19
fun 3.80

The book is a great fun and a great read, filled with letters brimming with SAT words, which might not appeal to everyone but is highly enjoyable.

This book is a unique and entertaining read, particularly for those who enjoy a good laugh and appreciate the nuances of academic life. The protagonist's letters are filled with complex vocabulary and witty observations, making it a delightful experience for readers who enjoy linguistic playfulness. While the style might not be for everyone, those who appreciate a cleverly written satire will find it highly enjoyable. The book's humor and insight into the academic world make it a standout read. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a mix of comedy and social commentary.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this book, and while a book full of letters chockablock with SAT words might not appeal to everyone, it's great fun and a great read.

    Customers find this book immensely enjoyable, describing it as a beautifully observed novel.

    The art of writing letters is slowly disappearing, but Julie Schumacher's novel brings it back with a hilarious twist.

NPR · 2014-08-12
brilliant 4.50

The novel deftly mixes comedy with social criticism and righteous outrage, making it a farcical yet insightful read.

This novel is a brilliant blend of comedy and social critique, offering a farcical yet insightful look into the world of academia. The protagonist's letters are filled with humor and a sense of righteous indignation, making it a highly engaging read. The book's ability to balance comedy with serious social commentary is particularly impressive, allowing readers to laugh while also reflecting on the broader issues at play. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a good laugh and appreciate a nuanced look at the challenges of academic life. The book's humor and social critique make it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Like the best works of farce, academic or otherwise, Dear Committee Members deftly mixes comedy with social criticism and righteous outrage.

    The novel is a comic aria of crankiness, disillusionment, and futility, which unfolds in the form of letters of recommendation from Jason Fitger.

    This novel is smooth and well structured, resonating with truth and laughter. It also manages to be uplifting.

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