Search - Moo

I found this book slightly disappointing. It was amusing, but no where near the quality of writing I had expected from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. I trifle disjointed, it explores the silly and outrageous antics of a midwestern college campus. The politics of the staff and administration, the emotional upheavals of the undergraduates, and all the goings-on of the people who wrestle for grant money for the university. It has a lot going for it, but did not live up to expectations.

From Amazon:

The hallowed halls of Moo University, a midwestern agricultural institution (aka "cow college"), are rife with devious plots, mischievous intrigue, lusty liaisons, and academic one-upsmanship. In this wonderfully written and masterfully plotted novel, Jane Smiley, the prizewinning author of A Thousand Acres, offers a wickedly funny, darkly poignant comedy. A finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction.


From me:

This book was given to me because I attended a "cow college" and a friend thought it would entertain me. I slugged through it for a few weeks, gave up, waited about 2 years then tried again. Long story short - I just didn't enjoy it. It may well be masterfully plotted, but I couldn't get into it or care enough about any character in it to give it full effort. I have read other Smiley works and enjoyed them - I just don't know what it was about this one that turned me off.

An entrancing visit to a midwestern agricultural college.