BOOK REVIEW
Title: The Other Schulman: A Novel
Author: Zweibel, Alan
In ten words or less: Overweight pencil-pusher decides to train for New York marathon.
Shulman, the overweight owner of a stationery store in Fort Lee, New Jersey, is having a mid-life crisis. The kids are grown, his loving wife seems distant, and his store is losing money. What he needs is a cause, an event, something to turn his life around.
When he learns of a six month training program for the New York marathon, Shulman signs up. It will give him a goal, he might get in shape, and it will raise money for a good cause –AIDS research. His family and friends think he’s crazy.
Besides, hasn’t he been losing and gaining the same thirty pounds for years? So many years, in fact, that added together it would make another whole person—another Shulman. Another Shulman that he has carried around for years like so much excess baggage. Another Shulman that he doesn’t like very much.
Author Alan Zweibel wrote this book in 26.2 chapters, one chapter for each mile of the marathon. If this novel seems more like a screenplay or an extended comedy routine, it’s because author Zweibel is better known for his work as a writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘It’s Gary Shandling’s Show.’ He also collaborated with Billy Crystal on Crystal’s one man show, ‘700 Sundays.’
Readers who enjoy angst-filled comedy set in New York (Woody Allen fans?) will be cheering Shulman on to finish line in this book.
When he learns of a six month training program for the New York marathon, Shulman signs up. It will give him a goal, he might get in shape, and it will raise money for a good cause –AIDS research. His family and friends think he’s crazy.
Besides, hasn’t he been losing and gaining the same thirty pounds for years? So many years, in fact, that added together it would make another whole person—another Shulman. Another Shulman that he has carried around for years like so much excess baggage. Another Shulman that he doesn’t like very much.
Author Alan Zweibel wrote this book in 26.2 chapters, one chapter for each mile of the marathon. If this novel seems more like a screenplay or an extended comedy routine, it’s because author Zweibel is better known for his work as a writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘It’s Gary Shandling’s Show.’ He also collaborated with Billy Crystal on Crystal’s one man show, ‘700 Sundays.’
Readers who enjoy angst-filled comedy set in New York (Woody Allen fans?) will be cheering Shulman on to finish line in this book.
Why bother? A thoroughly enjoyable adventure with a hapless hero.
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