David Sepulveda Photo
Walking under leafy sycamores on a Westville street, kids and dog in tow, Mark Oppenheimer looks like any other young dad fulfilling his fatherly duties. His casual attire and relaxed gait do not betray his station as a busy journalist for the New York Times, his role as teacher of English and political science at Yale, or the fact that he is has authored three books to date. “Beliefs,” his bi-weekly, Saturday New York Times column on religion, seems a perfect fit for someone with a Ph.D in religious studies, but in his new book, “Wisenheimer — A Childhood Subject to Debate,” the writer delivers a memoir packed with humor, poignancy and even some sex — but little religion.
Oppenheimer (pictured above left, right, and center) recently appeared in the special projects room of the downtown New Haven Public Library, surrounded by colorful works of art and a group of citizens eager to hear readings from his latest book. It was his second reading/book-signing of the day, after an earlier appearance at the Center for Jewish Life at the Jewish Community Center. Speaking is what Oppenheimer does best, and his animated readings suggested the confident flair that one would expect of a former debate champion who has also dabbled in a little theater along the way. “The best debaters,” according to the author, “are both thinkers and performers.”
The word “wisenheimer,” defined as a “wise acre or smart aleck” and whose etymology neatly references the name Oppenheimer, is emblazoned on the book’s white vellum jacket — a small but powerfully symbolic lectern hovers above the subtitle. “People over 50 know the meaning of the word wisenheimer” asserted Oppenheimer, with many in the audience nodding in agreement. The book, which he has modestly, if jokingly, characterized as “a good summer read,” has been out since mid-April; the author does not foresee additional area readings. His website, (www.markoppenheimer.com), soon to be updated, will list upcoming out-of-town appearances, he said.
As a young child, Oppenheimer’s penchant for precocious conversation, often with adults that did not take to his high pressure verbal posturing, proved more bane than blessing. The pint-sized antihero with too much to say, found himself unpopular in school, isolated, and needy. Early on, Oppenheimer understood that language was both, “powerful and a little dangerous.” Dispossessed of a well-formed moral compass, he abuses his natural gifts in the commission of schemes and hurtful pranks — but his adventurism proves not to be without cost.
His childhood heroes, among others, were TV’s Alex P. Keaton of the popular “Family Ties” sitcom, and the fictional movie character Ferris Bueller (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”). “They inspired me,” writes Oppenheimer, “to take pride in my big words — gave me permission to discount my parents’ warning that I sometimes came across as rude or intimidating.” The handful of fictional characters, all wisenheimers of sorts, served as models for many of Oppenheimer’s behaviors, but those emulations, complete with sweater vest and briefcase, rarely resulted in the peer acceptance he so desperately sought.
Oppenheimer’s unusual coming-of-age story opens a window on the world of prep and ivy league school cultures and their sub-culture of competitive debate. Under the tutelage of various coaches, Oppenheimer learns powerful debate strategies and lessons that build on his natural talents as a debater and orator. He finds acceptance among gifted and verbally adroit students on his way to becoming a world-class debate champion. “Becoming a debater” he writes, “was like finding my tribe.” Life within this new “tribe” also brought with it new-found popularity. No longer ostracized as an overbearing smart aleck, he begins to make interpersonal connections that had always proven elusive — including with those of the opposite sex.
Oppenheimer’s dramatic recounting of actual debates place the reader at the podium, a vantage seldom held by those unfamiliar with debate culture. We become acutely aware of the critical and costly nuances that attend each contest, and the elation in winning over an audience and debate judges.
The book covers the period from his earliest grade school memories though his tenure as a Yale student, where, after years of competitive debate, he is shocked to learn he would not make the debate team as a college freshman. At the urging of classmates, Oppenheimer does apply and makes the team the following year, but by this time, his interest in competitive debate has begun to wane. It is not long before, through sheer happenstance, Oppenheimer’s career path takes an unexpected, though fortuitous turn.
“Wisenheimer: A Childhood Subject to Debate” is a Free Press, Simon and Schuster publication and is available at bookstores everywhere. His other books include “Knocking on Heaven’s Door: American Religion in the Age of Counterculture” and “Thirteen and a Day: The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Across America.”
Click here for a previous story about another book event Oppenheimer had in Westville earlier this year.
I really enjoyed reading this article. As I continued to read, it became increasingly apparent that "Wisenheimer: A Childhood Subject to Debate" is a book that I should read both as a teacher and lover of language. Thank you for introducing me to this work!