Straight Man

Like Russo’s novel, Tenured blends humor and poignancy to expose the absurdities and dysfunctions of academic life. Both books use the voice of a flawed but magnetic professor to reveal deeper truths about institutions and privilege.

Stoner

Williams’s quietly devastating novel about an unassuming professor mirrors Tenured’s interest in the inner life of academics and the subtle destruction of campus politics. Both works utilize finely tuned prose to elevate the ordinary into something timeless.

Gilead

Tenured shares Robinson’s meditative prose and deep concern with moral responsibility and belonging. Both novels use intimate, reflective narration to wrestle with the weight of generational histories.