Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"[An] affecting and hilarious meditation on fame and prestige as seen through the lens of an airline loyalty program." The AV Club
Review
"Hodgman offers thoughtful
musings about human nature and our drive for status. An entertaining and
endearing entry from the author of
Vacationland."
Booklist
Review
"Humorous and surprisingly poignant."
Kirkus Reviews
Review
"This funny, sometimes
delightfully absurd book offers sharp meditations on status, relevance,
and age, and fame — or at least being fame-adjacent." Publishers Weekly
About the Author
John Hodgman is a writer, comedian, and actor. He is the author of
The Areas of My Expertise, More Information Than You Require, That Is All, and
Vacationland. He is the host of the popular
Judge John Hodgman podcast and also contributes a weekly column under the same name for
The New York Times Magazine.