Medallion Status: True Stories from Secret Rooms - Hardcover

An AV Club "5 Books to Read in October"

"John Hodgman's transformation from fully ironic author of fake trivia books to semi-ironic memoirist continues apace with Medallion Status . . . Here, instead of decaying vacation properties, the focus is on the care, maintenance, and occasional dilapidation of Hodgman's own Apple- and Daily Show-spawned celebrity, approached with a winning combination of comic self-deprecation and apparently genuine self-loathing. As its subtitle--True Stories From Secret Rooms--suggests, it's an insider's look from someone resigned to letting the inside slip inevitably away from him, even as he gives glimpses of such vaunted heights as Delta's first-class airport courtesy lounge, or the headquarters of one actual, no-fooling secret society."
--The AV Club

"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

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

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.