The beginning of spring is a busy time in academia. Many committees reach their climax and require immediate action. At the same time, here in Massachusetts the snowstorms that survive climate change carefully destroy schedules that took and will take more weeks to prepare. But one thing that I have managed to do between filling Doodle forms is finish Stoner. The book was written and more or less unnoticed in the 60’s; it was then reprinted in the current millennium and became a success. (I owe my own discovery to my mom who shipped me the Italian translation as a present.)
If you ever wonder about the meaning of life, especially academic life, I recommend this book. I almost put it away because I found the beginning a little boring, but I am happy I did not, even though the book isn’t exactly uplifting.
Thoughts 