“My fun fact is that I absolutely despise fun facts.”
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When the elderly substitute and former teacher at Baldwin High School is found dead in the faculty lounge, it affects many on campus in different ways. Throughout the book we meet many on campus from the principal to the counselor to the new teachers to the veteran teachers to the nurse to the custodian who all have stories to tell about their time at Baldwin High in Houston, TX. From 1962 to present day we get a comprehensive look at each character’s life and what it truly means to be in education.
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This wasn’t what I thought this book was going to be at all, but when I saw one of my favorite TX authors had a a debut adult novel releasing I had to check it out. One of the things I appreciated most about this title is the authenticity that comes from someone who is in education now. Only a teacher (particularly, in this case, a Texas teacher) could have written this book. It hit the nail on the head with every single issue we are facing in education now from state testing to book banning to how overworked and underpaid teachers are—everything was relatable, current and will definitely give the public a glimpse into what it’s like to be a teacher in 2023. Every story and connection was poignant and in some cases, hilarious, while others, sad. It was a richly diverse group of characters that I loved learning about. I truly enjoyed this journey. This novel releases July 23.

CW: abortion, forced pregnancy, forced adoption, death, alcoholism, alcohol, cheating, school shooting (mentioned), grief, death of a spouse

I received this ARC thanks to the kindness of NetGalley. 'The Faculty Lounge' describes events and staff within a year at a high school in Texas. The characters were endearing and relatable. As someone who's taught in the same school for 26 years, I could easily relate to how Mathieu perfectly captures the ins and outs of public school teaching. She understands teachers, students, building administration and central office administration. I read it on January 2 (arguably a hard day to be back to school) with a bad attitude, and finished the book with glimmers of light of how important teaching is ('the good work' as it's described by some of the characters). While not overly rich in plot, this book is rich in depth of characters and a hopeful read for any educator. We're not alone, and we truly do the good work.

Anyone familiar with the ins and outs of public education will instantly resonate with the authenticity that permeates "The Faculty Lounge." This novel captures the gamut of emotions experienced by teachers, administrators, and support staff on a daily basis – from laughter, frustration, incredulity, and anger to passion and, most significantly, a deep love and commitment to a profession often undervalued. As a current teacher, I found myself laughing out loud and resonating so strongly with these characters.

Told through the diverse perspectives of various school staff, the narrative introduces us to a spectrum of characters, ranging from fresh-faced, idealistic new teachers to seasoned veterans. The ensemble includes a long-serving counselor, a rule-bending school nurse, and an often-invisible custodian who sees much more than she is seen. Together, they constitute the beating heart of Baldwin High School.

Amidst the distractions prevalent in public education, the book uncovers the essence of what makes it special – a well-defined sense of purpose and service to others. Jennifer Mathieu's writing weaves an entertaining and emotionally authentic tale, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the education system.

Moving into the narrative of the elderly substitute and former teacher's death in the faculty lounge, the story delves into the impact on various campus members, including the principal, counselor, new and veteran teachers, nurse, and custodian. Spanning from 1962 to the present day, each character's life unfolds, offering a comprehensive look at their experiences at Baldwin High in Houston, TX.

If you are a teacher, read this, and you will feel seen -- an easy 5 star read.

I read this book for free thanks to NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

The next time anyone asks me what it's like to be a teacher these days, I should suggest they read this book.

I love how the author elegantly weaves the stories of all these staff members around their relationships to the primary focus, Mr Lehrer.

This us a must read for teachers, and those interested in teaching as a career.

Thank you for your book.

The Faculty Lounge is a realistic and engaging book about the various people who work at the fictitious Baldwin HS in Houston. As an educator with 25 years of experience, i could see myself or various colleagues in the characters of this novel. As a school librarian in Texas, I really hope the naming of the antagonist, Jessica PATTERSON, was no coincidence. : ).

I really enjoyed The Faculty Lounge. The story begins with the death of an elderly teacher in a high school's faculty lounge, and follows the other teachers and staff in the buildings. Some had little relationship with the dead, others had experiences with him that were very important to their lives. It reminded me of the Olive Kitteridge series by Elizabeth Stout, very character driven.

When I requested this as an ARC from Netgalley, I had expected a murder mystery. This was not that. However I found the different stories of the various teachers interesting. When you are a student, you don't stop to think about the fact that teachers have their own lives outside of teaching. I enjoyed this book. Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

I loved the many stories of teachers in this book. It was great to get a glimpse into the minds of new ones and retired ones. I think the bookmaas very well written and full of creative dialogue. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

First I want to thank NetGalley & Penguin Drop for this advanced reader's copy of The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu. This book is for teachers and educators for sure! I enjoyed all the perspectives from the characters as well as a deep look into what it is like to be a teacher. There were definitely surprising moments in the book that caught me off guard (old man kiss) that was more funny to me than anything. Baldwin High alone is it's own character and she is a mess! This was my first read from this author and I would read her again.

When I picked up Faculty Lounge, I expected a quirky workplace comedy. What I got was so much more. Told in interconnected short stories, this book gives us comedy, tragedy, romance, social scrutiny, friendship, camaraderie, and heartfelt celebration of the people who work so tirelessly for our children every single day.

I loved this book for its insight, its warmth, and its truth. It makes you want to thank every teacher you've ever had (and the rest of the school staff).

This is a collection of stories that brings to life the teachers, administrators, and other staff who work at a high school in Texas. It's very much an ode to teachers and the honorable, great work that they do. It's heartwarming to read, and I connected with the characters that each chapter centers around. It also reminded me how hard teaching can be and why we need to show more appreciation to our teachers.

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED. What a great read and I want to preorder this book asap.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this novel captures the true difficulties that exist in education today. The struggles of classroom teachers are depicted painfully and realistically.

Reading this novel I thought of so many teachers, aides, school counselors, nurses and staff that I would recommend this book to, but they will have to wait till .summer 2024!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author Jennifer Matthieu and publisher for chance to read The Faculty Lounge.
I enjoyed reading the perspectives, memories and current situations the different staff member ps experienced during this interesting school year.
As another reviewer said it feels like short stories that tie together and that was different and exemplifies how the staff at the school operate in their own orbits

The Faculty Lounge is like therapy for anyone who has worked- even tangentially- in education. Jennifer Mathieu develops a cast of characters with both heart and humor. It is refreshing to read a book about educators that doesn’t turn the characters into self sacrificing martyrs or center on a narrative about the transformative power of education! Instead, the characters are normal people, many who are deeply flawed and questioning the choices that led them to work in education.

After a former teacher turned long term substitute dies in the faculty lounge, the teachers and staff find themselves participating in a long held practice of education: compartmentalizing trauma and completing the many mundane and urgent tasks required to survive the day. Teaching is very human work, and humans are unpredictable and messy. It’s really
the perfect setting for a comedic novel. If you are curious, the writing is actually funny. The courtyard incident that sets the novel in motion is the first time I have laughed out loud while reading a book in a long time.

While I enjoyed this novel, the first few chapters are a bit heavy handed in the minutia of school operations. But the story hits its stride pretty quickly. The author is very intentional about telling diverse stories in a sensitive way. While the custodian’s story read a bit overworked, the rest of the stories were very successful.

Readers who enjoy shifting perspectives will love this book. Each chapter is presented from a new point of view, and over time, the stories overlap so it never feels like a character is lost. There is a good balance between perspectives that will make you laugh and stories that hit a bit deeper.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for review.

A wonderful, immersive read! As a former teacher, this one struck home with me. The characters are vivid and clearly drawn, distinct enough that despite the large cast the story never felt confusing or overly complicated. A book I'll be recommending to anyone who's ever worked in education.

As an avid lover of Moxie, I was so excited for the opportunity to read this one! This story reminded me a lot of Abbot Elementary with its dry humor and accurate depiction of the craziness that is being a teacher! As a middle school teacher myself, I felt a lot of this story to be incredibly relatable for both the good and the bad. I think it's an important read, especially for non-teachers, so that people can understand what we face on a daily basis. Some parts felt a little slow and there were a LOT of characters to follow, but other than that I really enjoyed this story and plan on passing it onto some of my colleagues upon release! Thanks so much for the ARC!

Thanks for sharing the book with me!

The novel feels like The Office meets Abbott Elementary. You have these quirky characters who are tossed into what generally seems like a toxic work environment that is somehow made desirable to the reader because of the strong community and the witty banter that is formed between the teachers. I love the dynamics at play! I left the book feeling like "Shit! I should be a teacher" which is crazy that the author could make me feel that way since there is a literal dead man in the faculty lounge at the start!! SO major props for that.

I wish though that this story played out as a TV series though instead of a book because as much as I love the office (which I do!), I don't know if I would read the book version of The office because what makes the Office great is that there is very little character arc for these quirky characters and you just get to watch these quirky characters do every day things in an interesting way. I guess I would want to see that with these characters.

When I was reading, I had a hard time keeping track of all the different teachers and even after 25% of the book was questioning, "Okay so what'a the main point here?"

I know Jennifer's last book Moxie was made into a movie on Netflix and I am really looking forward to this book being adapted into a TV series! sign me up!

As a teacher, oh my word is this book spot on!!!!! I found myself laughing, rolling my eyes, getting annoyed and getting excited for every character in this book. From the teachers to the principal, to the school nurse and everyone in between. The struggle is real for us teachers! The characters were so well written and I was able to see bits of myself in each one. I was sad when the book ended as I wanted to join the teachers and school staff on their journey through the next year. If you are a teacher READ THIS BOOK. And if you are not a teacher, thank one and then READ THIS BOOK!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy of the book.

I really enjoyed this book and kept thinking the author must have worked in a school, she has... No spoiler since it is in the 1st paragraph- the book is about the relationship or lack of one different character in the school with Mr. Lehrer. Mr. Lehrer worked at the school for decades, retired, and returned to substitute when he was in his 80's. He dies on the couch in the faculty lounge. The chapters are like short stories linked by a common setting and character- Baldwin High School and Mr. Lehrer. The book is current- references to COVID, lockdowns, CRT, and T-SOAR a Texas standardized test. The book is believable and relatable. As a former educator, my favorite quote was wanting to die during professional development because it would be a seamless transition. The teachers at the school were likable and recognizable if you have ever worked in a school. The darkest yet most realistic scene was when a central office person was sent to do grief support, making it "value added" to school test performance.