“Wonder Boys” by Michael Chabon – The Thin Line Between Young and Old

The world of literature is a complicated one to live in and navigate, mostly because one has to find his or her own direction autonomously. Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon explores that world through two quite unforgettable characters. 

First, there is Grady Tripp, a former prodigy in the world of publishing who spends his days in a hazy cloud of marijuana trying desperately to finish his interminable second book. 

Alongside with him there is James Leer, a student and budding writer who is trying to make a name for himself and find his direction all while being obsessed over the idea that Hollywood is self-destructing, eventually leading to its very own demise.

If you look at the many reviews people have given Wonder Boys, then chances are that you will be compelled against reading it. It seems that a large number of readers don’t take well to his simple writing style, believing that the topics and themes Chabon discusses go over his head. 

Well, I am not going to say that they are all wrong (after all, who am I to make such definitive statements?), but I will say that most, if not all of them, aren’t experiencing the book the way it was meant to be. 

Though Chabon does use a simple writing style, it does have its benefits and its charms. Namely, his character descriptions are always very easy to understand and relate to, painting a vivid picture of all the participants in his story.

As far as the meaning behind the story goes, from what I understood, the main theme here is the passage from young to old in life and the world of literature in general. We get to see how people come to be affected by the passage of age. 

For instance, we get to witness Grady’s inability to let go of his youth, which is what is constantly hounding him and killing his chances of finding the success of the past. We also see how James is tentatively growing up from a young and inexperienced writer, how age molds him into a person worthy of the world of literature.

When it comes to the actual story itself, as is usual with Chabon, it is full of color and entertainment for all types of people. The plot is filled with numerous sub-plots, each one driven by a memorable and unique character who only adds to the story with his or her presence. 

The way they interact with each other, from one-world replies to dry quips and monologues, simply draws you in like is possible in few other novels out there; at the end of it, you feel part of the incredible story composed of unique actors and events. It has a very satisfying and heartwarming feel to it, at least when you take a step back at the end and look at the big picture.

All in all, fans of Chabon’s other works should definitely look into this one; though it is smaller in scope than his other efforts, it retains many of the classic Chabon characteristics which make his novels so enjoyable. If you are looking for something that will both entertain you and feed your brain some food for thought, I wholeheartedly suggest you check this book out. 

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Michael Chabon Personal site Without a shadow of a doubt one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, Michael Chabon seems to have always had a knack for dishing out deep, meaningful and inspiring bestsellers, as was the case with The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.