The Detroit Frankfurt School Discussion Group

By: Douglas Trevor

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Colin, a newly divorced lecturer of critical theory, wants to spice up his life. He attempts to learn Russian, gives online dating a go, and even entertains the idea of becoming an alcoholic - but nothing sticks. So when two young women he’s never met before ask him to party, he ignores the red flags and climbs into their car. Almost as quickly as they pull away from the curb, Colin learns they’re not headed to a party: they’re headed to an abandoned building in Detroit to discuss the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory. And Colin is slated to be the guest speaker, whether he likes it or not.

©2015 Emerson College (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

A delightful surprise.

Ideas are alive and enlivening when in the service of life! A depressed and lonely academic is hijacked and brought to a burnt out book repository where he engages with a group of Detroit citizens who are eager to learn a way that will bring them a better life. Hope is born for all through personal involvement.

Well done.

Nice story that could be very instructional for some of us who struggle like Colin.

great read

a delightful story and great narration. at the intersection of flint and frankfurt. it reminded me of updike's rsabit redux

A Novella Around Max Horkheimer?

I'm no fan of Critical Theory or the Frankfurt School that gave birth to it, but you don't have to be to enjoy this surprising bit of literary fun. Very well written, nicely self-deprecating about the sheer wonkiness of its topic, and altogether a good time. A tip of the hat to author Douglas Trevor for creating a sprightly and enjoyable tale about a school of philosophy that is, on its best day, a pile of Teutonic word salad. Talk about rising above your material!

Wistful and utopian at the same time

The differences between books and life, theory and practice are explored in ways both wry and subtly utopian. Insightful look into the paradoxes of academic radicalism as reflected in a somewhat narcissistic, dopey-yet-sympathetic main character. Writing is funny and sexy and completely engaging. Difficult social theory is distilled beautifully. The last ten minutes are weaker than they could’ve been, maybe because the author moves out of his realm of own experience. It’s the perfect length — which makes me wonder why other writers don’t aim at whatever this is (short novel?).