Beet

by Roger Rosenblatt

Beet College is the most liberal of liberal arts colleges in New England. Offering courses in disciplines such as Wiccan History, Homeland Security, and Native American Crafts & Casino Studies, Beet strives to attract any and all students.

But when the college's endowment disappears, the higher-ups at Beet seem resigned to closing the quirky school. In an attempt to look as though they care, they assign earnest literature professor Peace Porterfield to turn the curriculum around. Of course, they don't really expect him to do so.

Campus hijinks and academic absurdity abound in this novel. Unfortunately, the author tries too hard. Not as funny as David Lodge or Richard Russo. Subtle, I think, is not in Rosenblatt's vocabulary.

3/8/08