John Cheever's "The Man with a Gray Flannel Suit" is a novel that captures the anxieties and disillusionment of the post-World War II generation. The story follows Tom Rath, a veteran struggling to balance his career ambitions with his family life. Cheever's keen observations of suburban life and the complexities of human relationships create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of conformity, alienation, and the search for meaning in a materialistic society. "The Man with a Gray Flannel Suit" is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the American experience in the post-war era.
Megan O'Rourke's "The Long Goodbye" is a memoir exploring the author's experience with grief following the death of her mother. The book delves into the complexities of loss, examining the emotional and psychological impact of bereavement. O'Rourke's writing is characterized by its honesty, vulnerability, and insightful reflections on the grieving process. The memoir offers a poignant and relatable portrayal of grief, providing comfort and understanding to readers who have experienced similar losses. It's a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and the challenges of navigating life after loss.
American Pastoral is a novel by Philip Roth that delves into the life of Seymour 'Swede' Levov, a Jewish-American businessman and former high school star athlete from Newark, New Jersey. The story, narrated by Nathan Zuckerman, unfolds at a 45th high school reunion where Zuckerman learns about the tragic events that shattered the Levov family's seemingly perfect life. The novel explores themes of the American Dream, assimilation, and the social and political upheaval of the 1960s, particularly through the actions of Swede's daughter Merry, who becomes involved in anti-war activism and commits a violent act. The book is part of Roth's American Trilogy, which also includes 'I Married a Communist' and 'The Human Stain'. It won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and is praised for its vivid character portraits and its exploration of the complexities and disillusionments of American life in the late 20th century.
White Noise follows Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler studies at a small liberal arts college, and his family as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The novel delves into themes such as the fear of death, media saturation, and the effects of technology on social relations. Key events include an airborne toxic event that threatens their town and Jack's discovery of his wife's involvement in an experimental study of a psychopharmaceutical called Dylar. The novel critiques consumer culture and the ways in which people cope with mortality and uncertainty through consumption and technological distractions.
Published in 1939, 'Madeline' is a beloved children's book written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. The story follows Madeline, a seven-year-old girl who lives in a Parisian convent with eleven other girls under the care of their teacher, Miss Clavel. The narrative is told in rhyming verse and features vivid illustrations of Parisian landmarks. The plot revolves around Madeline's appendicitis and her subsequent hospital visit, which sparks a chain of events where her friends also claim to be in pain. The book is known for its charming portrayal of childhood adventures and the unique character of Madeline, who embodies bravery and curiosity.
Published in 1955, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' is a short story by Flannery O'Connor that follows a Georgia family on a road trip to Florida. The grandmother manipulates the family into taking a detour to visit an old plantation, leading them into a fateful encounter with The Misfit, a violent escaped convict. The story critiques superficial religious attitudes and explores the conflict between appearance and reality, particularly through the characters of the grandmother and The Misfit. It is a tale of moral and philosophical introspection, set against the backdrop of the Southern Gothic tradition, characterized by dark humor, violence, and a sense of foreboding.
James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of faith, family, and race in Harlem during the 1930s. The novel follows the life of John Grimes, a young man grappling with his religious beliefs and his relationship with his family. Baldwin's powerful prose captures the emotional intensity of John's experiences, revealing the profound impact of racism and religious hypocrisy on his life. The novel's exploration of themes of faith, sexuality, and racial identity continues to resonate with readers today. It is considered a masterpiece of American literature, showcasing Baldwin's unique ability to blend personal narrative with social commentary.
The book follows Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who narrowly escapes execution during the Russian Revolution due to a revolutionary poem he wrote. Instead, he is sentenced to house arrest at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. Over the next thirty-two years, the Count adjusts to his new life, forming friendships with the hotel's staff and guests, and navigating the changing political landscape of the Soviet Union. The novel explores themes of parental duty, friendship, romance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity[1][4][5].
Amor Towles's "Lincoln Highway" is a captivating novel set in 1954, following the journey of two brothers released from a Nebraska work farm. Their planned trip to New York City takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a fellow inmate and a runaway. The novel explores themes of brotherhood, freedom, and the complexities of the American Dream. Towles masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives and storylines, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The characters' choices and their consequences shape the story's compelling trajectory.
Amor Towles is our modern day F. Scott Fitzgerald. Sure, he’s a critically acclaimed, award-winning novelist (ever heard of “A Gentleman in Moscow”?) but not because he’s cracked the publishing algorithm. Rather than scheming how many books he can sell or how many critics he can impress, his #1 goal is to fulfill his covenant with his reader.
“They’ve invested in my art, and I owe it to them.”
Towles' work oozes sensory detail and psychological richness. While most writers would describe writing as “creative” or “free-spirited,” he describes it as “accurate” and “careful.” Every sentence he writes serves a larger truth. In this episode, Towles gives one of the most detailed breakdowns of his writing process that we’ve had so far on How I Write.
You’ll learn the step-by-step process for how Towles drafts each novel; specifically, how outlining your work can free up your creative, poetic side. You’ll learn how to write descriptively — without bogging down your reader in indulgent details. You’ll learn how to master craft through repetition; how to approach your first draft versus your second; how to influence your writing with reading; and how to create art that serves a broader purpose.
Ultimately, you’ll learn how to tell exceptional stories from one of today's most exceptional storytellers.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://www.amortowles.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amortowles
Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Amor-Towles/author/B004MW8MG6
WRITE OF PASSAGE:
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PODCAST LINKS:
Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos
ABOUT THE HOST:
I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
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How I Write 
