Wonder Boys

by Michael Chabon
Wonder Boys cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6447
  • Added: 2025-11-17
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • ISBN: 9780007386680
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2012-10-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Wonder Boys is a deft parody of the American fame factory, offering a sharp and witty critique of the cultural obsession with celebrity. The novel delves into the complexities of human desire, exploring the yearnings of both the young and the old with a keen eye and a light touch. /n/n The story unfolds with a cast of eccentric characters, each grappling with their own ambitions and failures. The narrative is rich with humor and heart, making it a compelling read that resonates on multiple levels. The book is a testament to the author's skill, showcasing his ability to blend comedy and tragedy seamlessly.

Reviews
The Rumpus · 2014-04-05
engaging 4.00

The book is described as an immersive experience that tackles big subjects like art, creation, addiction, and sexuality. It's seen as a deeply engaging read.

The reviewer finds Wonder Boys to be a truly immersive experience, delving into significant themes that resonate deeply. They appreciate the book's exploration of art, creation, addiction, and sexuality, which are woven into the narrative in a way that makes the story feel both personal and universal. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the creative process, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Wonder Boys, to me, is the one truly immersive Chabon experience.

    It's about a lot of big subjects – art, creation, addiction, sexuality, aging.

    The book captures the essence of what it means to be human.

JP Bohannon · 2012-06-12
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its quick-moving plot and deft character sketches. It's considered a wonderful read with a peerless beginning.

The reviewer highlights the book's fast-paced start, which is filled with hilarious plotting and well-drawn characters. They appreciate the author's ability to create a captivating narrative that keeps the reader engaged from the very beginning. The book is seen as a standout work, with the reviewer particularly enjoying the way the story unfolds and the characters are developed.

Quick quotes

    Wonderboys is a wonderful read.

    The beginning is peerless–quick moving, deft character sketches, and hilarious plotting.

    The book is a testament to Chabon's storytelling prowess.

The New York Times · 2000-09-24
nuanced 3.50

The book is characterized as the ultimate writing-program novel, with a focus on the intricacies of the writing life. It's seen as a nuanced exploration of the creative process.

The reviewer describes Wonder Boys as the quintessential writing-program novel, offering a deep dive into the world of writers and their struggles. They appreciate the book's nuanced portrayal of the creative process, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with it. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to capture the essence of the writing life, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the craft of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    MICHAEL CHABON'S new novel, "Wonder Boys," is the ultimate writing-program novel.

    It's a nuanced exploration of the creative process.

    The book captures the essence of the writing life.

Appears in Lists