The Faculty Lounge: A Novel By Jennifer Mathieu

By the acclaimed author of Moxie, The Faculty Lounge is a funny, big-hearted adult debut that serves as both an ode to educators and a tender character study. Set in Baldwin High School, the novel offers a unique glimpse into the world of teaching through a sprawling cast of teachers, administrators, and staff.

The story begins with the death of an elderly substitute teacher found in the faculty lounge. Although the incident initially causes a stir, life at Baldwin High quickly resumes its usual pace—until a week later, when the substitute’s ashes are scattered on school grounds. This seemingly small act attracts the attention of some meddlesome parents, triggering a year of events that are wild, bizarre, tragic, mundane, beautiful, and humorous all at once.

Amid the ensuing chaos and threats of disciplinary action, the novel delves into the lives of the adults involved, revealing their personal struggles and triumphs. We meet a former punk band frontman turned middle-aged principal battling to keep his job, a no-nonsense school nurse who bends the rules to help a student in need, and a disgruntled English instructor who finds himself in hot water over a misfired snarky email. And let’s not forget the teacher make-out session in a supply closet during a lockdown.

As the characters navigate the messiness of their school year, they face the looming threat of what might become of Baldwin High. At its heart, The Faculty Lounge is a story about the power of human connection and the joy of finding purpose in everyday work, capturing the essence of what makes school life both challenging and profoundly rewarding. 📚❤️