Novels taking place in college today

Parent Cafe
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<p>Sometimes novels are where you learn most about college. ADMISSION, by Jean Korelitz, was a treasure trove of information about the college admissions process (read the book, not the movie, which stripped down a lot of it to focus instead on the less than interesting plot).</p>

<p>I just came across another great college novel called SLIGHTLY OUT OF TUNE by Idir Aitsahalia (who is currently a Princeton student)–it takes place in a fake Ivy League university on Long Island, called “Northport University”. Like in Admission’s case, the portrayal of the university was the best part about the novel. The author seems to be very familiar with university administration (the character of the university president is really well done) and with the incredible resources, both financial and human, that are thrown at these overachieving students on a daily basis. I just finished reading it and recommend it highly. I got it on Amazon.</p>

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<p>There’s also Early Decision by Lucy Crawford, about a 20-something college essay coach and the prep school kids and parents she works with. Funny and also a little over the top, but I’m assuming (hoping!) it’s a satire. I go tit out of the new books section at the library. It’s either from 2013 or '14.</p>

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<p>Good lord.
One of my favorite novels in a college setting is 22 years old.
" The Secret History" by Donna Tartt.
( Bennington College)
I guess at least that is newer than The Group. ( which actually is set post grad from Vassar)</p>

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<p>The House of God- 35 years old, still valid but not at a college as much as a PGY1 internship.</p>

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<p>House of God–that is where I did my training, and I knew the author!</p>

<p>What was that Truman Capote book?</p>

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<p>I am in the middle of reading Gaudy Night, which takes place at Oxford–just discovered Dorothy Sayers this fall (on my S’s recommendation)–can’t believe I never read her books before.</p>

<p>Other favorite college novels:</p>

<p>Moo–Jane Smiley
Straight Man–Richard Russo</p>

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<p>Bookworm , that is exciting. I felt like I did it there, but in STL. </p>

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<p>I’m reading The Marriage Plot by Eugenides but even after 90 or so pages, I’m not sure I recommend it. Takes place at Brown. Or at least the first 90 pages do.</p>

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<p>Garlaand, I cannot believe you missed D. Sayers. You can find the CDs at the library. I’ve watched them all.</p>

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<p>I am Charlotte Simmons?</p>

<p>Commencement?</p>

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<p>The Rule of Four is fun - set at Brown. </p>

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<p>On Beauty by Zadie Smith
The Human Stain by Philip Roth </p>

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<p>Small World and Changing Places by David Lodge…more like 25 years ago than today, but still relevant and hilarious.</p>