27 May, 2008

The Stanford Chaparral Publishes Parody of Popular Novels

The Stanford Chaparral, the university's humor magazine, is proud to announce the release of Mystery Thriller, a full-length novel parody of popular fiction. Mystery Thriller skewers the genre's top writers, including Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Stephen King, John Grisham, and Tom Clancy, as well its many other recognizable staples and clichés. The book's 216 pages include substantial supplementary humorous content, as well as a preface written by the magazine's editors, Anthony Scodary and Josh Stark.

Scodary and Stark, currently seniors at Stanford, conceived of the project and spearheaded the task of creating a satirical novel beginning in the spring and summer of 2007. Over the course of the next year, while still following the magazine's typical schedule of publishing five additional issues per academic year, the staff of roughly a dozen members collaboratively wrote, designed, and illustrated the book. With a self-financed initial print run of 2,000 copies, Mystery Thriller is being distributed free of charge across the Stanford campus, as well as to local vendors. In addition, interested parties may request copies by emailing oldboy@stanfordchaparral.com.

Throughout its 109 year history, the Chaparral has been one of Stanford's most enduring and popular traditions. In recent years, the Chappie has been featured in the New Yorker, the San Francisco Chronicle, and many other print and web publications, both local and national. However, Mystery Thriller is the magazine's first successfully completed book project, and will likely occupy a prominent place in the organization's already rich legacy for years to come.

Mystery Thriller is scheduled to be released May 28th. The editors can be contacted at oldboy@stanfordchaparral.com.

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