| In this memoir, bestselling author John Irving intersperses stories of his wrestling career (he both wrestled as a student and coached wrestling) with stories about teaching and writing.
An undiagnosed dyslexic, Irving struggled through his private high school. In the Imaginary Girlfriend, he talks about why wrestling was satisfying for him and how it prepared him for later life. One thing he talks about is how little talent actually had to do with his success as a wrestler - so much more revolved around how hard he worked. This book also describes in detail people who were influential to him, including both fellow wrestlers, coaches, teachers, and fellow writers. Mostly this book is funny. | ||
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Plot & Themes job/profession: Job/profession/poverty story Yes Sports story? - wrestling Sports story Yes Period of greatest activity? - 1950+ Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () United States Yes The US: - Northeast Small town? Yes Century: - 1960's-1970's Writing Style Book makes you feel? - encouraged - like laughing Pictures/Illustrations? - More 6-10 B&W How much of bio focuses on most famous period of life? - 0-25% of book |
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