The Faculty Lounge

A really silly yet sweet novel that begins with a very elderly substitute teacher dying in a Texas high school's faculty lounge.

Soon after, the school principal is dismayed to learn the late teacher's dying wish was to have his ashes spread on school grounds. He talks himself into honoring this request, only to be caught in the act by a horrified PTA mom, who promptly turns it into a PR nightmare.

The principal, teachers, and other staff must navigate the school year following AshGate under intense scrutiny by district administrators and helicopter parents bemoaning critical race theory, though they cannot define the term.

Each chapter follows a different worker at Baldwin High. Brand new teachers, veteran teachers, guidance counselors, vice principals, school nurses, custodians. Sometimes they struggle to “stay in their lane,” other times they answer to parents who question their judgment, expertise, and motivations while they attempt to carry out the most basic aspects of their job.

Staff surprise themselves and one another, in good and bad ways. Many are dedicated to their craft but struggling to make it through each day. Some are holding out for retirement, others are desperate to quit. They may be too hard on themselves or too easy on others.

They are made to take the unserious so seriously. Nothing turns into something. Other times, they turn something into nothing, quietly resolving major issues. The characters are flawed and human.

There were a few weird commentary Things about sexual harassment and addiction that I wish had been handled a little differently, and it did become a little saccharine for me at some points, but overall I found this to be a funny and touching portrayal of how ridiculous serving the public and working with kids feels day-to-day. It did also make me yell in panicked surprise multiple times, always a plus.

For fans of sitcoms like Abbott Elementary, English Teacher, or Superstore.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I opened this book, but I immediately found myself drawn into this world. Mathieu follows the employees of Baldwin High School in the aftermath of the death of a beloved former teacher, who had been serving as a substitute. Each chapter shines a spotlight on one of the employees, from the brand new teacher who found the body to the principal who is trying to keep the district officials off his back. The chapters run the gamut from heartbreaking to hopeful and everywhere in between. I connected with each character and understood their experiences and choices.

If you're looking for a fairly quick read with a cast of motley characters, this is the book for you. Mathieu's experience working as a K-12 educator brings this book to life. I highly recommend it.