Old School by Tobias Wolff
The novel is set in an elite prep school in the early 1960s and follows a scholarship student who is eager to fit in and prove himself among his privileged peers. The school regularly hosts literary competitions where the prize is a private audience with a visiting famous author. As the protagonist navigates the pressures of academic life and the desire for acceptance, he grapples with issues of identity, integrity, and the power of literature. A pivotal moment occurs when he submits a plagiarized story, leading to profound consequences that challenge his understanding of honesty and self-worth. Through this journey, the narrative explores themes of ambition, authenticity, and the moral complexities of coming of age.
The 9566th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2003
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 200-300
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- 5865th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Cart's Top 200 Adult Books for Young Adults (Book)
- T. C. Boyle's Book Choices from "The Writer's Library" (The Writer's Library: The Authors You Love on the Books That Changed Their Lives (Book))