Summer Mailbag: The Influence of ‘Lost,’ Prestige TV Fatigue, and Reading Recommendations

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Set in Paris in the spring of 1941, 'A Hero of France' follows Mathieu, the leader of a small Resistance cell, as he and his diverse group of allies risk their lives to rescue downed Allied airmen and smuggle them to safety. The novel vividly depicts the dangers, camaraderie, and quiet heroism of ordinary people under occupation, while also exploring the sensual pleasures of life that persist even in the darkest times. As the noose tightens around the Resistance, Mathieu must navigate betrayal, increasing German scrutiny, and the pressures of a war that is far from over.

English Creek is a coming-of-age story that follows Jick McCaskill as he navigates adolescence in rural Montana during the 1930s. The novel explores themes of personal growth, community change, and the connection between people and the land. It is part of Ivan Doig's Montana Trilogy, offering a vivid portrayal of life in the American West during a transformative period.

In America Fantastica, Tim O'Brien delivers a scathing and darkly humorous commentary on contemporary American society, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of fame. The novel follows Boyd Halverson, an everyman thrust into a world of media frenzy and moral ambiguity after a chance encounter with a celebrity. O'Brien employs sharp wit and biting satire to expose the superficiality and excess of American culture, questioning the values and obsessions that drive our society. Through Halverson's journey, the novel explores themes of identity, authenticity, and the corrosive influence of fame. America Fantastica is a provocative and unsettling examination of the American dream gone awry.

Lonesome Dove is a classic Western novel that follows the journey of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The novel is renowned for its vivid descriptions of the American West, its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the decline of the Old West, and its well-developed characters. It is the third book in the Lonesome Dove series and is widely regarded as McMurtry's magnum opus.

Miranda July's "All Fours" is a poignant and unconventional novel that explores themes of aging, mortality, and the complexities of human connection. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of an unnamed narrator grappling with her changing body and relationships. July's writing style is characterized by its intimate and often humorous approach to profound subjects. The book delves into the challenges of intergenerational friendships and the societal obsession with youth. Ultimately, "All Fours" offers a reflective and empathetic portrayal of the human experience.

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.