Imaginary Friends

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After reading The Truth About Lorin Jones, which is a great book, this one was quite a disappointment. It's about two sociologists who infiltrate a very small "belief group", i.e. an informal sect, in order to further their research. While the premise holds potential for a very original story, the result is actually quite dull, and often slow-going. I doubt that even sociologists would find great interest in it. A.Lurie has written much better books than this.

Rating:
Summary: A sharp & witty portrait of the foibles of academics.
Review: As a sociologist who teaches just the sort of research of which Lurie writes, of course I've always cherished this book, & I've followed its publishing history (it was originally furnished with a tacky, misrepresenting sci-fi cover, was O.P. for a while, & blessedly has been reissued). I also cherish the way it represents Lurie's many virtues: fine, tight writing; delicious word-play; witty imagery; & sharp observations of everyday life that remind readers of the social selves they may be forced to don--& how those social selves are at odds with their desires as individuals.

I've also used the book when I teach fieldwork sociology, the very discipline that Lurie's professors try to practice. Students are always fascinated by Lurie's sharp lesson in what not to do.

Rating:
Summary: What separates faith from psychosis?
Review: The is a story of two sociologists who embark upon a research project to infiltrate and observe a small cult which claims to be in contact with higher beings from outerspace. Instead of focusing too much on the exact identities of the members of the cult itself and its somewhat ridiculous belief system, the story hones in on the reactions and behaviors of the two sociologists who try (with varying degrees of sucess and failure) to participate "non-directively" in the group. Each researcher finds himself struggling (consciously or not) with the ideas of how much of group belonging can determine identity, and how much identity which emmanates from within can influence the group identity.

It's not clear by the end of the story just what separates faith and determination from delusions of grandeur and compulsion. But it was this question, not the story itself, that remained in my mind long after I finished the book.