The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu
3.5 Stars
My Review
The Faculty Lounge is a delightful and heartfelt novel that dives into the world of teaching and the often-overlooked lives of educators. I found this book to be such a fun and engaging read that perfectly captures the chaos, humor, and heart of school life. It reminded me so much of the TV show Abbott Elementary—so if you’re a fan of that series, you’ll absolutely enjoy this book.
The story begins with the unexpected death of Mr. Lehrer, a beloved longtime teacher who had retired but returned as a substitute. From there, the novel unfolds through multiple perspectives—each chapter told from the viewpoint of a different staff member who knew him. We hear from new teachers, veteran educators, the school nurse, custodial staff, and even the principal, each offering a glimpse into their personal and professional lives.
What I loved most was how the book balanced heartfelt storytelling with laugh-out-loud moments. The humor feels authentic to the school setting, and the author beautifully shows how the experiences within those walls shape not just careers, but entire lives.
“While dying at work is never ideal, he had the decency to do it during his off period.”
Jennifer Mathieu
Other Books by the Author
Some of the author’s other beloved titles include Moxie, Afterword, Bad Girls Never Say Die and many more.
Literary Pairing
Class Mom by Laurie Gelman gives off similar vibes to The Faculty Lounge, but from the parents’ perspective rather than the teachers’. It’s a hilarious and relatable look at school life, full of sharp humor and real-world chaos. Both novels blend heart and comedy while exploring the dynamics that make schools tick—just from opposite sides of the classroom door.
Shelf To Table
School Lunch: A school lunch is a classic midday meal enjoyed by students, whether served in the cafeteria or brought from home. It often features comforting favorites like sandwiches, pizza, fruit cups, and milk cartons
“There was so much about their jobs that could not be explained well, especially to those who had never worked in a school. It often felt like trying to describe some strange supernatural phenomenon, some bizarre thing outside the laws of nature.”
Jennifer Mathieu