Grady Tripp, the protagonist of "Wonder Boys" is disheveled, distraught and desultory – and yet instantly likable in Michael Chabon's book. Pot-addled and adrift in his professorship at a small college, he nonetheless anchors the oddball characters in his life including a talented student writer, a lovelorn boarder, and his flamboyant editor, who is anxiously awaiting Tripp's next novel. The only problem is that Tripp cannot finish his book (titled "Wonder Boys"); he keeps writing to avoid the pain of stopping and moving on.
As a person of (limited) authority, Tripp is both hilarious and sad as he is thrust into situations requiring a responsible voice when he would rather light up a fattie. Chabon captures his languid action on the background of Pittsburgh in all its dirty beauty. The writing is straightforward, avoiding ornate window-dressing, and focusing on the characters. In the end, Grady Tripp discovers great clarity in losing all, and we're happier for it.
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