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Description
The Writing ClassAmy Gallup was a promising writer once published and highly praised at twenty two. It was all downhill from there, and now, year in and year out, she teaches a writing workshop at the local university extension. And this semester begins just the same as the others. But then there's a threatening phone call, followed by obscene threats worked into the student's peer evaluations. Then a murder and every one of the students is a suspect. The clues are
Amy Gallup was a promising writer once--published and highly praised at twenty-two. It was all downhill from there, and now, year in and year out, she teaches a writing workshop at the local university extension. And this semester begins just the same as the others. But then there's a threatening phone call, followed by obscene threats worked into the student's peer evaluations. Then a murder--and every one of the students is a suspect. The clues are hidden in their writing, and she (and we) can solve the murder only by looking more closely at each writer's attempts at fiction. Hilarious, vicious, and elegantly written, The Writing Class examines the desperation, perversion, and mania of the writing life through an unforgettable mystery story.
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
Published: 05/26/2009
ISBN: 9780312428419
Pages: 326
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 0.90d
Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 08/16/2009 pg. 20
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4.8 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
The "Lazy Professional" Look: Is Hands-Free Luxury Actually Real?
Size: 9.5, Color: Black Napa Leather
Living down here in Florida, my footwear needs are pretty specific. It’s hot, it’s humid, and I spent half my life rushing from the car into work or a meeting. I’ve reached that age where I value efficiency just as much as style—maybe more. I’ve been eyeing the Marc Joseph New York Hands-Free Slip-on Penny Loafers for a while, and after putting them through the wringer, here is the honest truth from someone who just wants to look sharp without the hassle.
The "Just Step-In" Reality
Look, the big selling point here is the "Hands-Free" tech. We’ve all seen the commercials for those athletic slip-ins, but finding that in a legitimate leather penny loafer is a different game. Does it work? Yes, surprisingly well. The heel counter is firm enough that it doesn’t collapse when you slide your foot in, but it doesn’t feel like a piece of plastic digging into your Achilles once you’re in. For those of us who are tired of bending over or hunting for a shoehorn every morning, this is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
The Florida Factor: Comfort and Style
The leather is actual calfskin (on most models), which is a must for the Florida heat. Synthetic shoes turn into a sauna within ten minutes, but these breathe reasonably well. The aesthetic is classic—it’s a "professor" shoe through and through. You can wear them with chinos and a blazer for work or throw them on with some nice jeans for a weekend lunch.
Inside, they’ve got a gel heel insert and a padded footbed. It’s not quite "walking on a cloud"—let’s not over-hype it—but it’s a massive step up from the hard, flat soles of traditional dress loafers. I’ve spent four hours on my feet lecturing, and my arches didn’t hate me by the end of the day.
The Sizing Gamble
Here’s where you need to be careful. The consensus from other guys (and my own experience) is that the sizing is a bit of a coin toss. They tend to run a little large and sometimes wide. If you have narrow feet, you might find the sides "gaping" or flaring out when you walk, which kills the sleek look. I’d recommend ordering a half-size down if you’re usually between sizes.
The Breakdown
The Pros:
True Hands-Free: You can actually put these on while holding a coffee and a briefcase. No hands needed.
Legit Materials: The calf leather feels premium and smells like the real deal.
Versatility: Perfectly bridges the gap between a "car shoe" and a formal loafer.
Comfort: The gel insert makes a noticeable difference for long-duration wear.
The Cons:
Sizing Inconsistency: They can run wide, leading to some "heel slip" if you don't get the perfect fit.
Break-in Period: The heel is stiff by design (to allow for the slip-on feature), so expect a day or two of minor stiffness.
Price Point: They aren't cheap, though often on sale.
Value for Money
Are they worth it? If you’re comparing them to high-end Italian brands that cost $500, these are an absolute steal. They look 90% as good for a fraction of the price. However, if you're used to $60 mall shoes, the jump to $150+ might feel steep until you realize you’re paying for the convenience of never having to touch your shoes to put them on. For a daily driver in a professional setting, the value is definitely there.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Step In Look Good
Size: 11.5, Color: Cognac Napa Leather
I am wearing these shoes as I write this review, and they look and feel great. I have a bit of a disability with drop foot on the right leg and bilateral neuropathy and have been wearing step in shoes for about 10 years. But the first company that introduced leather dress and casual shoes stopped making them and now only makes sport and casual shoes. So I have been searching for some that meet my need for shoes like this and this company has given me three pairs, so far. Easy to get into, comfortable to wear, and good looking. And they take polish very well, too. (Remember how to do that?). We may buy another pair or two in different styles as well.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Runs tight. Skinny and smaller than other brands.
Size: 8.5, Color: Brown
Comfy and lots of support. Cushiony. Beware: the brown I ordered runs small. Tighter than other brands.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Right Decision
Size: 12 Wide, Color: Cognac Napa Leather
Very comfortable. Classic style.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2026
★★★★★ 1
Leather peels right off
Size: 8, Color: Black
Very poor quality - shoes are ruined after a couple months
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026