Buffalo Afternoon

In an alternate universe, where the sun sets in the east and buffalo roam the halls of ivy-covered universities, Susan Fromberg Schaeffer’s "Buffalo Afternoon" stands as a testament to everything you never knew you wanted to know about life in the 1990s. This book meanders like a lazy river through the backwaters of existential pondering, offering readers a glimpse into the daily routines of characters so relatable that one almost feels the need to check if they’ve actually met them at a bus stop or a particularly dull dinner party.

Published in the not-so-distant past of 1990, when mullets were fashionable and no one had yet figured out how to use the internet for anything other than the occasional awkward email, this literary offering is a veritable time capsule. It’s as if Schaeffer has captured a slice of life and preserved it in amber, albeit with a hint of that unmistakable 90s aroma—part stale frappuccino, part unrequited angst. The narrative unfolds with the kind of leisurely pace that would make a tortoise look like it’s in a hurry, leading you through mundane afternoons filled with philosophical musings and the odd existential crisis.

Buffalo, you may wonder, is not just a city in New York; it is, in this tale, a metaphor for all that is heavy and burdensome in life—like that one sock that always seems to be missing its pair. Schaeffer invites readers to ponder whether one can truly find meaning in a world where the highlight of the week is spotting a buffalo in a field, or whether one should simply lean into the absurdity of it all. After all, who wouldn’t want to contemplate their life choices while staring blankly at a herd of grazing ungulates?

As you turn the pages, revel in the irony of characters who are mysteriously both deeply profound and hopelessly banal. They are the sort of people who might engage in a riveting debate about the merits of instant coffee versus freshly brewed, all while fully aware that neither will elevate their lives in any meaningful way. Yet, somehow, the author manages to make their everyday tribulations feel like the most significant events on Earth—because isn’t that what being human is all about? Finding drama in the dregs of a coffee cup?

If you’re in search of a literary work that will leave you questioning your life choices, "Buffalo Afternoon" is a splendid candidate. Its pages contain a wealth of insights that you may or may not care to apply in your own life. Want to learn how to appreciate the beauty of a quiet afternoon spent reflecting on your life’s trajectory? Or how about finding solace in the fact that you’re not alone in your existential dread? Schaeffer’s characters have got you covered.

But wait, there’s more! This edition is a used copy, which means you’re not just getting a book; you’re acquiring a piece of history. Who knows whose hands have turned these pages before you? Perhaps a disillusioned college student or an aspiring philosopher looking for meaning in the mundane. Each crease and coffee stain tells a story; it’s like a scavenger hunt through someone else’s life in search of the profound.

Condition: The book is used, which means it comes with the charming quirks of a past life. Expect some yellowed pages that whisper tales of late-night reading sessions and contemplative pauses. The cover may exhibit a certain rugged charm, with dog-eared corners and spine creases that speak to its well-loved status. It’s practically begging for a new owner to indulge in its reflective nature and perhaps add a few more stains of their own—chocolate, coffee, or perhaps tears of joy or sorrow. Whatever your beverage of choice, this book is ready for another round of philosophical pondering.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a strangely uplifting exploration of ennui or simply have a penchant for ironic titles, "Buffalo Afternoon" is sure to tickle your fancy. Get it now from Crappy Old Books, where the literature is as quirky as the customers! You won’t just be buying a book; you’ll be adopting a conversation starter that has a life of its own. Because who wouldn’t want a buffalo in their literary collection?

Keep browsing: See more War books Other books by Susan Fromberg Schaeffer