BARMAN

Gut-Wrenching, Hysterical Time

Alex

I got the book Friday and read it over the weekend- could NOT put it down! What a gut-wrenching, hysterical timetrip you took me on! I swear I've had just about every single experience (or, the female/Southern equivalent thereof) you write about, down to the "oh dear god what did I just say on this plane to this total freaking stranger?!" panic attack.

Great stuff!! I've recommended it to some good friends. Thanks for the trip down memory lane - looking forward to your next work!

Sheryl

Required Reading

Hello:

I am reading your book for my AMS 205 class at the University of Alabama. So far I am really enjoying the book (on page 215) and I look forward to finding out what happens next. This morning my professor, Dr. Adrian, informed the class that you had called her because we are reading your book for our class, Working Lives. This week we have had very good discussions about professions, especially the law, and more specifically your book. I hope you will get a chance to talk to Dr. Adrian about our class and hopefully visit if you are able to.

P.S. Would I be able to purchase your slip on ping-pong paddle? (HA)

Frightfully Funny

Mr. Wellen,

Your book was fantastic!!!  I just graduated from Seton Hall and almost died of fright the weekend before the NY & NJ bar exams.  You are also frightfully funny.   Great job!  

Medea

Love the Agnst

Alex:

I just finished Barman, almost reading it nonstop. Congratulations on an excellent book! I love the writing style, the humor, and the angst you went through. Thanks for taking the time to share that, I know it must have been quite a bit of work to write.The book got me all pumped up to take the bar exam, but I won't finish law school until December 2005. I am 2.5 semesters done with 2.5 semesters to go. I am on the 2.5 year plan.

Thank you very much for the book, I have enjoyed it thoroughly.

Russ

Eye-Opening

Mr. Wellen, Esq.,

I have just finished reading your book and I am left in awe of how familiar the story is...or how familiar it could it be. I am currently an undergraduate at Boston University. As a political science major I have, and since high school have had, every intention on attending law school. I am from Long Island, New York and am very familiar with the high-powered, big-shot lifestyle you speak about. It was so nice to read an author with a familiar attitude, from a familiar place, and with a familiar goal. I have vacationed in Long Beach Island, watched the NYC attorneys rush through Penn Station, and I hope for the prestige and perks of becoming a New York attorney. I'm a terrible overachiever, but due to those dreaded standardized tests I have been unable to secure a place in the world of Tier One. Although BU sits on the brink of that coveted ranking, I used to think that despite all of my past achievement and outstanding performance, in a way I hadn't succeded. The Tier's as a categorizing factor can do that. I'm a sophmore now and could not be happier where I am. But at eighteen years old I am young, eager and hopeful. Oh, and ignorant as well. Your book opened my eyes to many things I would not have expected. It has also inspired me by proving that you don't have to be "Ivy League" to do well. I write to you as a fan and as someone who, before even picking up this book, had his sights set on experiencing much of what was written. I never read for pleasure during the academic year, but I picked up Barman at my school's bookstore after it was advertised in the school's daily newspaper. It is that reason why I am so happy that I was able to learn about your experiences with family, the law, women, school, tests and life in general. In short, in my pursuit for the perfect job with the perfect apartment and the perfect clothes, parties, and friends, I will always keep in mind the journey of Alex Wellen.

Fondly,
Phil

Amusing Pep Talk

Hi Alex,
I had to get to class immediately after your talk today, but I just wanted to let you know that I found myself relating very much to your stories, and the talk itself was highly amusing! Thanks for the anecdotes and the "pep-talk". Good luck with your show and upcoming book!

Sincerely,
Libby
Seton Hall Law

Rite of Passage

Alex,

I attended your talk at the UT Law School today.  I ran out and got a copy.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading it.  You really have a gift, and your talk today was wonderful.  I genuinely took a lot of what you said to heart.  I felt like you could insert art history, or any other field of graduate study, in for law school and it applied perfectly.  On Friday I am having my colloquium, which I guess is our rite of passage.  In the midst of the chaos of last minute preparations it is so nice to be reminded that if my thesis topic is rejected it is not a reflection of me as a person and I won't let it define who I am.  Thank you again for sharing your humor and your inspiring words.  I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here in Austin.  And of course, I hope that you consider writing a sequel in the near future.

Best,
Jill

Happiness Isn't the Goal

Alex,

Thank you for writing such a wonderful and entertaining book. Like thousands of others, I too am going through the constant pondering if law school is what I want to do. I just finished up my MBA and feel that law school is my only source for validation. Your book has inspired me to do some serious soul searching before I make such a decision. The most profound sentence in the book, which I will carry with me always, was when you quoted your mother in saying "Happiness shouldn’t be your goal, but you should find it along the way." Sorry that what started out to be acclamation for a great book has turned into a "Dear Abby" column. Thank you for your wisdom and insight and I wish you all the best in the future.

Sincerely,          
Joe

Struggle

This book is positively mesmerizing. I think that you will find it to be quite difficult to put down once you begin to read it. Alex Wellen has a very down-to-earth writing style and his words have the effect of drawing you seamlessly into his story. Anyone who has ever struggled through the challenges and self-doubt that are the stepping stones to achieving a hard-earned goal will find common ground with this story -- and that accounts for most of us. Wellen has blended passion, humor, and angst into his story, and I suspect that the harmony which he achieves in this eclectic mixture of emotions is no less the product of his skillful writing as it is a reflection of his own true self. This is one of those rare books which finds you rushing to get to the conclusion but a little sad when you finally reach it because you find that you have become attached to the characters. I highly recommend it.

J. Alexander
Duquesne Law

Like Watching Paint Dry

Hey Alex,

I really admire what you have done.  Sometimes you go out to these law school events and it’s like watching paint dry.  This wasn’t the case at your book promo – it was entertaining.  Man, some of the things you said I know exactly what you mean.  Being shameless and vigilant, that just rings in my head. 

Francis
Temple Law