First published 1999
This collection brings together twenty-five accomplished essayists who traverse the American experience through personal reflection and keen observation. Joan Didion examines final moments in "Last Words" while Annie Dillard contemplates existence in "For the Time Being." Ian Frazier finds humor in everyday pursuits, and Arthur Miller recalls life before modern conveniences shaped our world. The writers move from intimate spaces like Manhattan apartments to expansive landscapes, introducing readers to both established voices and emerging talents. Mary Gordon captures moments of stillness, while Charles Bowden explores the power of music in human connection. Each essay offers a distinct perspective on contemporary American life, whether through Andre Aciman's literary pursuit of Proust or David Quammen's examination of ecological change. The collection spans personal memoir, cultural criticism, and nature writing, united by the writers' ability to find meaning in specific places and moments across the country.
Genres: essays, literary-criticism, 20th-century, american, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, keen-observation
297 pages · Hardcover · Houghton Mifflin Harcourt