What’s On Your Bookshelf? Fiction Favorites: The Plot
If you’re looking for a gripping read this fall, The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz is a must-add to your bookshelf. With the release of her highly anticipated sequel, aptly titled The Sequel, in early October, now is the perfect time to dive into this dark academia thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing until the last page.
As someone who both loves to read and loves colleges and universities, I’m constantly on the hunt for fiction books at the intersection of these topics. Many of our clients also work at higher education institutions, so we’re excited to share this book recommendation that may resonate with your interests. The Plot is initially set at a small college and revolves around a (soon-to-be-former) writing professor. The novel taps into the academic world with an eerie, immersive atmosphere, ideal for readers who appreciate the intricacies of academia, especially those drawn to thrillers with a scholarly twist.
Jean Hanff Korelitz’s writing immediately pulls you into the rocky world of Jacob Finch Bonner, a once-promising novelist who now feels stuck in a dead-end job teaching writing at an unremarkable MFA program. The campus setting is richly detailed, making it feel familiar yet filled with tension - almost as though something unsettling lurks behind those ivy-covered walls. Bonner stumbles upon what seems to be the “perfect” plot for a novel, only to find himself ultimately caught up in a suspenseful, psychological spiral that blurs the lines between fact and fiction.
For those in higher education, whether faculty, administrators, or students, the dark academia theme hits close to home. Korelitz captures the intellectual environment with chilling and somewhat cynical precision, adding an element of intrigue that goes beyond many campus-based novels I’ve recently read. From the competitive nature of creating writing programs to the isolation that can come with scholarly pursuits, the novel digs deep into what it often means to be part of a campus community - the good and the bad.
But beyond the setting, the book’s brilliance lies in how Korelitz plays with storytelling itself. Without giving away any spoilers, I can assure you that the novel’s twists are expertly executed, as is the unique storytelling format of the book. I found The Plot to be both thought-provoking and compulsively readable. It’s one of those rare books that skillfully balances literary depth with page-turning suspense.
And for those who get hooked (which I guarantee you will), you won’t have to wait for more. Jean Hanff Korelitz’s new novel, The Sequel, hit shelves on October 1, 2024. I’m excited to see how she continues this riveting story. If it’s anything like The Plot, we’re in for another wild ride.
So, grab your copy of The Plot, cozy up with a cup of coffee, and get ready to be enthralled. If you work on a college campus, consider talking some co-workers into reading along with you so you can debrief the book in your own hallowed halls! With its masterful storytelling, immersive setting, and thrilling twists, it’s a five-star read that will make you question everything you thought you knew about the art of the novel.
