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Medallion Status

True Stories from Secret Rooms

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Medallion Status

Written by: John Hodgman
Narrated by: John Hodgman
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Summary

 “[An] affecting and hilarious meditation on fame and prestige as seen through the lens of an airline loyalty program.” —The AV Club

A hilarious and honest new book in which John Hodgman, New York Times bestselling author of Vacationland, leaves vacation behind and gets back to work as a still somewhat famous person . . . and then loses his job. An uproarious read.

After spending most of his twenties pursuing a career as a literary agent, John Hodgman decided to try his own hand at writing. Following an appearance to promote one of his books on The Daily Show, he was invited to return as a contributor. This led to an unexpected and, frankly, implausible career in front of the camera that has lasted to this very day, or at least until 2016.

In these pages, Hodgman explores the strangeness of his career, speaking plainly of fame, especially at the weird, marginal level he enjoyed it. Through these stories you will learn many things that only John Hodgman knows, such as how to prepare for a nude scene with an oboe, or what it feels like to go to a Hollywood party and realize that you are not nearly as famous as the Property Brothers, or, for that matter, those two famous corgis from Instagram. And there are stories about how, when your television gig is canceled, you can console yourself with the fact that all of that travel that made your young son so sad at least left you with a prize: platinum medallion status with your airline.

Both unflinchingly funny and deeply heartfelt, Medallion Status is a thoughtful examination of status, fame, and identity--and about the way we all deal with those moments when we realize we aren't platinum status anymore and will have to get comfortable in that middle seat again. Biographies & Memoirs Celebrity Funny Heartfelt Witty Aviation Career

What the critics say

An AV Club “5 Books to Read in October”

“Conversational, funny . . . the focus is on the bizarre state of being liminally famous in a culture that so desperately celebrates fame. . . . Hodgman has dozens of funny stories to tell, ranging from recollections of early jobs to the time Benedict Cumberbatch messed with his mind.”
—The AV Club

“Very, very funny . . . Hodgman's Medallion Status is the opposite of narcissism: it's an honest and terribly funny peek into a world that very few of us will get to see, one that is frank enough to admit that the only thing the people in that world enjoy about it is that we're not allowed in it.”
—Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing

“This funny, sometimes delightfully absurd book offers sharp meditations on status, relevance, and age, and fame—or at least being fame-adjacent.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Humorous and surprisingly poignant.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Hodgman offers thoughtful musings about human nature and our drive for status. An entertaining and endearing entry from the author of Vacationland.”
—Booklist
All stars
Most Relevant
If you're a fan of John Hodgman this is well worth the listen. Even if you aren't it's still a great listen. It's a great story in to the human condition, charming and light hearted with a great message. All in all John is a good person some one worth paying attention to, even tho there are parts that you cannot relate he still makes it relatable.

Charming and Pleasant.

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I couldn't wait to hear this novel read aloud by the lovable, smart and funny John Hodgman. Like the author this book is also smart, funny and touching. His insights into humanity, humble and honest delivery and ability to make even the mundane interesting are what make his novels so charming. I very highly recommend giving this a listen.

John Hodgman never disappoints!

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There are moments that are happy, moments that are sad, retrospective moments, and glimpses into the authors future. I cherished all of them, and felt welcomed into another humans life. I can only hope that someday, I can say "Hey, it's John Hodgman" from across the Street.

best book of my year

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