Robin Field

This book is difficult to describe. The writing is very precise and straightforward, without much flowery description. It is the story of William Stoner's methodical life, from being a hard working farm boy to finding his calling in education, until his death. No action or thrills, but I was oddly fascinated with William's dull plod through life. You will feel empathy for William as he progresses through college, to marriage, fatherhood, struggles with his job, and a few tragic losses in his show more life. Stoner is an extraordinary story of an ordinary man's life and I found it to be deeply moving. show less

William Stoner could be any man you see walking the down street. In real life, he probably could have blended into a crowd with ease. He is suddenly a man of intrigue and fascination when his simple Midwest life is put in story form.

The ups and downs of adulthood are ever more mystifying when they are someone else's experiences.