Dee Reviews The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu

 

Like many of my book-loving friends, I belong to a book club at my local library, the Atascocita Branch of the Harris County Public Library north of Houston.  I have been a very happy member of this group, Lit Chat, for about three years and stuck with them through changing leaders, members, and formats.  At the beginning of 2025 we decided to inject a broader base into our reading by not reading the same book each month.  Instead, we read whatever strikes our fancy, bring it and our thoughts to the next meeting for discussion.  I think this method has opened doors to a wider world of reading and discussion.  In fact, it seems to have sparked a larger attendance at our meetings.  The only time we read the same book is during the Month of October for Gulf Coast Reads, a shared reading event promoted by the public libraries in the Gulf Coast area.  This year the book is The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu.  

I don't say this about every book.  In fact, I say it about very few books!  I LOVED The Faculty Lounge!!  If I was inclined to rate books with stars or numeric rankings, I'd give Jennifer's work 4 glittering stars.  What kicks off with the death of a retired teacher, evolves into a deeper picture of the teachers and staff that he effected in his many years of teaching.  It takes several side trips into the political climate of our day, strong arm influences from school administrators, and the struggle teachers  wrestle with to educate and yet satisfy everyone looking over their shoulders.

As a demonstration of my esteem for The Faculty Lounge, I made more than 25 highlights as I read.  There were some passages that I wanted to be able to discuss when my book club met.  Some portions vividly demonstrated the reality of public schooling; mentions of student-teacher sexual acts on school property, teachers attempts to satisfy "sensitive" students while still connecting and educating, depicting teaching as a "factory line" not the vocation it once was, and more.  Ms. Mathieu reflects fiction off the mirror of reality!!🪞

At a casual reading, our main character, Mr. Lehrer, might seem only a catalyst to spur the story, but he had far-reaching impact on his fellow teachers and other school workers.  Like many, I don't imagine he had any idea the impression he made or legacy left on the school and its staff.  In my mind, he's an example of never knowing what's going on in someone else's life and how a comment or a leg up might be precisely what is called for in that moment. 

The Faculty Lounge bore a likeness to a book club pick from 2023, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Burnsvold.  Mr. Lehrer and Mrs. Kip were a "regular Joe and Jane" with a way of seeing a need and filling the void.  It didn't matter whether or not anyone else knew of their actions or not.  Each was in a place, at a time where they were needed.  The point was to HELP.  

I've never read anything by Jennifer Mathieu before, so I don't have a basis for comparison.  I can only say The Faculty Lounge was a quick and compelling read. I enjoyed it! It made me think and feel. And isn't that what reading is all about?