55. What Changes Will Stick When the Pandemic Is Gone?

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.

Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.

In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.