First published 2006
Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Connie Schultz offers sharp observations on contemporary American life through personal essays and commentary. She writes about discovering love later in life, single motherhood, and the symbolism found in her father's lunch pail. Schultz tackles major social issues including the Iraq War, race relations, and gay marriage, while also exploring why women often skip voting. Her mother's dating wisdom appears throughout, including the advice to judge men by how they treat restaurant servers. Schultz warns men about using a particular f-word that might surprise readers. She profiles everyday heroes and demonstrates how individuals create meaningful change in their communities. The collection moves between serious political commentary and lighter personal anecdotes, always maintaining Schultz's distinctive voice from America's heartland. Her writing connects readers through shared experiences, showing how common struggles and joys bind people together despite their differences.
Genres: essays, contemporary, memoir, non-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-essays, social-commentary
Setting: America
Period: 21st-century
304 pages · Hardcover · Random House