Famous Writers I Have Known (Magnuson) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
The novel’s screwball premise suggests a mash-up of an academic comedy by David Lodge and a wisecracking Elmore Leonard caper. Its title and its author’s day job...promise a knowing satire of academia and the literary world.... The novel is breezy and diverting enough, but as satire goes, it’s pretty mild-mannered. Magnuson’s lampoon of writing programs lacks the venom and specificity that, say, Francine Prose brought to similar material in Blue Angel. And his characterization of Schoeninger, “best-selling author of all time, philanthropist, champion of education,” resembles a tamer version of the hero from The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature.
Adam Langer - New York Times Book Review


Conman and writer—not two career choices [one] would likely put together—but James Magnuson's new novel, Famous Writers I Have Known, does just that. Director of the University of Texas's writing program, Magnuson knows a thing or two about teaching his craft.... The story he tells of his unusual and comic and sweetly told caper will be addictive in itself for all passionate writers and readers.
NPR


New York City hustler Frankie Abandonato finds himself....mistaken for a famous author, the reclusive, J.D. Salinger-like V.S. Mohle.... [Y]oung fans whisk Frankie away to an elite writing program where the great man is slated to teach.... Part satire of the creative writing industry (MFAs, awards, egos), part snappy grifter tale, this novel is a fast, fun read. Magnuson’s writing is strong, though his characters’ relationships sometimes lack believability.
Publishers Weekly


[A] poorly designed caper....will disappoint readers looking for more hard-edged action, while those expecting literary scuttlebutt will find a campus scene that's altogether too mellow. Only toward the end does the action resume, with Frankie, self-described poor schlub that he is, making mistake after mistake. A novel that aims to appeal to two different readerships but is unlikely to satisfy either one.
Kirkus Reviews