I usually read books that involve mystery and suspense. This author is an exception. Although this book involves no suspense and no real mystery, it is a book that keeps the reader turning the pages to see what happens next. Another masterful writing from the author. This is a book which I would recommend to all.

Although I didn't read Election, I do remember watching and enjoying the heck out of the movie adaptation. So when this popped up I was thrilled to score a digital copy! Thanks Scribner! Tracy Flick is back and starring as her middle-aged self who had a few bumps on her way to achieving the goal of being come President of the United States. Now she's back as an assistant principal and a hopeful slam dunk for taking over as Principal upon her bosses retirement. Tom Perrotta writes such believable characters, exposing their inner flaws and insecurities. Tracy Flick Can't Win is funny, sad, and an exposing reality of the good ol' boys network in academia. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I am positive Reese fans will read this and be hopeful for a movie adaptation.

Tracy Flick is a beloved character, the long-time Assistant Principal at a New Jersey high school. Tracy is a single mom, dedicated and hardworking. And taken for granted. She is not a glory hound, quite the opposite, and the powers-that-be seem to just want to keep her in her place. This becomes an issue when the Principal announces his retirement. Much of the plot in this book revolves around the search for a new Principal, the job Tracy covets.

The other main plot line in this book is the creation of the high school's Hall of Fame. Tracy is part of a team that is selecting the first inductees. One of the candidates is a former quarterback for the school, a questionable (at best) human being who went on to a brief career in the National Football League. Does a self-centered egomaniac deserve to be in the new Hall of Fame?

This a a fast-paced book with multiple narrators providing multiple points of view on both main plot lines. The novel begs the question: Where is justice in this world of ours? Do rewards always go to those most deserving?

I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley.

Thank you #Netgalley for this advanced copy! I had been hearing about this book and was excited to get an early read!

As a fan of Election, this book did not disappoint. We follow a few characters but ultimately Tracy and her quest to advance from assistant principal to head principal at a local high school. Tracy thinks she is a shoe in, but when a well known techie from the school board decides to create a high school hall of fame, things begin to take a turn. Tracy plays the games and jumps on board with the hall of fame to please the board and ultimately get their votes to become principal. We follow a few members of the high school as they work to nominate the hall of fame members, leading to the eventful ceremony. The end seemed a bit extreme for my taste. I liked the book overall and how adult Tracy still strives for success.

Election is one of my favorite movies, so I was delighted to find that not only was it originally a book but that is was written by the fabulous Tom Perrotta and that there is a sequel! Tracy Flick has aged just as we thought she would, and it is a delight to watch her handle the people and situations in this book. I am thinking that this is an even better read than Election. I love the way Perrotta draws characters and makes you care about them, despite their bad attributes.

I am not sure this sequel was entirely necessary but it doesn't matter, it is here and I am kind of glad. Perotta always authors fun, charming satire and this is no exception. Recommended for fans of the first book or movie, or both, to which this novel is a sequel.

Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. I've never read anything by Tom Perrotta but am glad I read this! This book is insanely readable, sharp and witty, and has an engaging story. Perfect for people who like books with great social commentary by authors like Tom Wolfe and Dave Eggers. Although I didn't read Election, I was easily able to catch up with the characters by starting this. I will be sharing a review to my twitter, goodreads, and amazon accounts (when this book is released).

The plot is simple. Tracy Flick (yes, that Tracy Flick now middle aged) is not the lawyer she dreamed of becoming. She is the Assistant Principal 0f Great Meadow High School in New Jersey, the same school she attended. But now Jack Weede, the Principal, has announced his retirement and she’s the frontrunner for the job. At least she thinks she is. She just has to help the Selection Committee pick a graduate to honor in their new Hall of Fame. Poor Tracy. School politics are not that simple.

While the plot is straightforward, Tom Perrotta adds a mélange of issues that will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page. Diversity, adultery, LBGTQ+, bullying, ASFT and gun violence, the headline subjects of today are all topics that characters must deal with. Tracy Flick Can’t Win is a must read and a selection for book clubs everywhere. Reese Witherspoon, you own this part! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Scribner and Tom Perrotta for this ARC.

I love Tom Perrota and Election so was beyond thrilled to see this pop up! I read it in one sitting! I loved revisiting Tracy and it was interesting to see Perrota navigate the me too movement as well as issues around LGBTQ+. I felt like this book was almost an apology to Tracy for putting her in a relationship with her teacher at 15 years of age. I definitely liked the writing and it’s a very easy read. What didn’t work was the end which didn’t feel fully developed. How I could absolutely see this made into a show or movie with Reese back in action. And I hope that happens I’ll be the first to line up!

3.75 stars.