Tracy Flick Can't Win

I loved this book. It takes me back to when I saw the movie election. I wasn't a big fan of Tracy Flick, however in this book we see her in a different light. So now I am team Flick forever. The book is a real page turner and I didn't see the ending coming. So if you want a great read pick Flick.

The immortal heroine of "Election," Tracy Flick is now an adult and by most standards, leading a successful middle-aged life. She's divorced with a young daughter with whom she gets along well, although it's nowhere near the symbiotic relationship she had in her youth with her own single mom. She's the competent assistant principal at a suburban New Jersey high school, she has her Ph.D. (a "doctor in quote marks" but hey), and is beginning to question certain things in her past due to the emergence of MeToo. Was she really a victim in her teens when she had an affair with a teacher and then experienced betrayal when a second teacher sabotaged her bid as student government president? Also, she's in the running for the job of principal now that the current one is retiring, but again, it seems like she's being denied her rightful due, even if she can't figure out the particulars right away. In addition, former student Kyle Dorfman (a tech guru) has moved back and now wants to have a Hall of Fame to honor alum. But the main candidate does not meet with Tracy's approval (to put it mildly).The book uses multiple narrators, including Jack Weede, the principal who began his career in another, more sexist era and has had his share of sexual misconduct; Vito Falcone, the retired pro football player who is experiencing symptoms of brain damage while attempting to make amends (as an AA step) to those he hurt in the past; two teens with their own romantic troubles; and Diane Blankenship, a beloved office worker who is nominated unexpectedly for the Hall of Fame. Each has their own distinct voice. The climax I won't spoil, but does explain the Taylor Swift quote at the beginning: "Now we got bad blood."This is a worthy sequel, well worth the read which is quite quick. I, for one, wished there was more to the story, but enjoyed it greatly.

I'm a huge fan of the film "Election." I did not read the novel it is based on. The opportunity to read about the further adventures of Tracy Flick was something I couldn't pass up. The author's writing style is inventive by offering chapters to different characters, something which was captured in the film. While the classic Tracy Flick didn't come through until towards the end of the book, the author's plot twist at its conclusion was minorly disappointing. I would have preferred a more absurd conclusion keeping in line with the Tracy Flick we know and love. But I still respect the author's choices, for Tracy was his invention.

I always liked the movie, Election, based on Tom Perrotta's book. I recently read Election and rewatched the movie before getting into Tracy Flick Can't Win. It's written in a similar style to the first one, with narration from various points of view, making the whole story piece together.And even though I knew Tracy definitely had some issues (control, boundaries, etc.) there was something about her that kept me rooting for her. (One of the benefits of this latest novel is that Tracy finally reexamines something that happened to her as a teen that she had previously brushed off as no big deal.) I think Tracy's characterization shows the brilliance of the writer: creating this character who could be someone you hated in high school, or even as an adult, who seemed so sure of herself on the outside, but who had to show up for herself every day and it was always a struggle in some fashion. The ability to show her vulnerability.Some of the plotlines may seem to straggle in this latest novel, but I still found it readable, enjoyable, and engaging.

What a stupid book. Want my $ back. If this is considered a “real novel” nowadays I feel so sad for all the true readers around( like me!) Lacking in writing style, substance of story and you even knew what was going to happen at the “surprise” ending. He did have good character development but not ones I could care one bit about! Don’t waste your time & $$ like I did!!!!