So there I was, picking up Nothing to Do: A Tilt at Our Best Society—a title that instantly matched every trapped-inside Saturday I'd ever had. Horatio Alger Jr., widely known for rags-to-riches success stories, actually drops the rags altogether in this one. We meet a rich guy whose big challenge is... being a rich guy? That's a twist even his usual fans don't see coming. But where others would preach, Alger shows, and what unfolds is a refreshingly sassy lambasting of lazy rich society. No "onward and upward" platitudes here. Instead, it's dish, criticism, and one guy's uncomfortable but comic journey into eventual adulthood.

The Story

Frank Frothingham has never fluffed a cushion or earned a coin, and he's proud. A young man-of-means with too much idle cash and attitude— think rebellious trust fund baby from Gilded Age New York City. After college, he plops down moody at his father's townhouse muttering his newest obsession: if there's truly nothing worth doing, why bother? His dad Mr. Frothingham (a disciplined guy who built all that prosperity) snaps under his limp-noodle complaints. He cuts off Frank's funds, arguing if rich young folks aren't forced to make their hours count, they become pathetic beings (paraphrased fancy talk for “mama's boys loafer who needs kicking to dawn”). Suddenly Frank is freezing, lost in different social circles, tempted into so-called sophisticated tricks and deal-gone-wrongs, with no gas to ease his way. He bumps into fallen types who spill just what's wrong with silly grand dynasties—mercantile warfare, snobbish deb, wastrel traders, morals that hang by nail—forcing the miserable-rich city boy to finally choose honest-to-goodness hustle and decency—if he doesn't bust first.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the hook: it's not for preaching. It paints unglamorous landscapes of ambition versus upbringing. Frank irritated me 53 perfect times—which is the designer fastening to getting him down right—and perhaps surprisingly, just after I was feeling his bottom-leopard shift, I grew root-for-him curious. Also sneaky layered; Alger jabs clearly but not preachy; rich party types are depicted funny yet flawed, which reads pleasantly antique-modernish—namely like eating prime rib then realize it's healthier-than-expected chicken buried proper fancy all along. You leave mind a bit differently toward your own bumblings after an unwelcome dilemma, sort of personal-shield rebuilt through someone else confusion. May have to re-grunt near those an at this societal construction— but find yourself quiet-pleased picking up by last turn.

Final Verdict

If you cut finesse for small eye open and easy breath, only reach end wanting?

Forward type to:
History readers that smirk more than gasp,“More social biting novelings, please?”
Young fellow puzzling onto adult existence – includes disguised comic mirrors
Horatio curiosity-starters with surprise smart leftover antidote fame fluff being gulp near humor sidewear.

Perfect summertime or subway-small patience – A must-may for take expectation yet step little dim, but still satisfied strangely proper. Nothing rare? You lie once after turning this hook heavy second page.