"DELECTABLY ENTERTAINING. . . . An uproariously funny and at the same time hauntingly melancholy portrait of a college community in the Midwest." --The New York Times Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, amid cow pastures and waving fields of grain, lies Moo University, a distinguished institution devoted to the art and science of agriculture. Here, among an atmosphere rife with devious plots, mischievous intrigue, lusty liaisons, and academic one-upmanship, Chairman X of the Horticulture Department harbors a secret fantasy to kill the dean; Mrs. Walker, the provost's right hand and campus information queen, knows where all the bodies are buried; Timothy Nonahan, associate professor of English, advocates eavesdropping for his creative writing assignments; and Bob Carlson, a sophomore, feeds and maintains his only friend: a hog named Earl Butz. In this wonderfully written and masterfully plotted novel, Jane Smiley, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres, offers us a wickedly funny comedy that is also a darkly poignant slice of life. "FAST, HILARIOUS, AND HEARTBREAKING . . . Not for a minute does Moo lose its perfect satiric pitch or its pacing. . . . Don't skip a page, don't skip a paragraph. It's going to be on the final." --People "SMART, IRREVERENT, AND WICKEDLY TENDER . . . Moo suggests a mix of Tom Wolfe's wit and John Updike's satiny reach . . . Engaging." --The Boston Globe "ENTERTAINING . . . Displays a wicked wit and an unerring eye for American foibles . . . Stuffed with memorable characters, sparkling with deliciously acid humor, Moo is a rare bird in today's literary menagerie: a great read that also makes you think." --Chicago Sun-Times
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.
Idell H. (Alacornlady) from LACEY, WA wrote on 4/22/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
An entrancing visit to a midwestern agricultural college.
Krista B. from SAN ANTONIO, TX wrote on 9/3/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A little slow at times, but quite worth it! The cast is incredibly real and you can see a little of yourself in this book.
Betty J R. from LEXINGTON, MA wrote on 3/20/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
It will make anyone familiar with academia smile....
Joan K. (Smokey) from DUBUQUE, IA wrote on 10/25/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very funny book, a satire which also manages to tug at your heartstrings.
Maureen T. (Whynot) from HAMPTON BAYS, NY wrote on 8/13/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Entertaining, fast, hilrious - midwest college life.
Rate These Member Reviews
Donna V. (galnsearch) from TRINITY, FL wrote on 4/27/2007...
I could identify with parts of this book as I lived in Moscow, ID for a few years and worked at the Univ. of Idaho which had large agriculture and veterinary schools.
Donna V.
Cathey E. from IOLA, KS wrote on 3/17/2007...
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, amid cow pastures and waving fields of grain, lies Moo University, a distinguished institution devoted to the art and science of agriculture. Here, among an atmosphere rife with devious plots, mischievous intrigue, lusty liasisons, and academic one-upmanship, Chairman X of the Horiticulture Dept. harbors a secret fantasy to kill the dean; Mrs. Walker, the provost's right hand and campus information queen, knows where all the bodies are buried; Timothy Nonahan, associate prof of English, advocates eavesdropping for his creative writing assignments; and Bob Carlson, a sophomore, feed and maintains his only friend; a hog named Earl Butz.
Tana P. (pageta) from WAVERLY, NE wrote on 1/1/2007...
Jane Smiley is one of my favorite authors, hands-down.