What to read this summer

This collection of essays explores themes of sobriety, relationships, and personal identity. The author combines humor, vulnerability, and cultural commentary to offer a unique perspective on modern life.

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In 'Crush', Ada Calhoun crafts a story about a middle-aged woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when her husband encourages her to explore what might be missing from their marriage. This leads to a complex exploration of love, desire, and identity, challenging traditional notions of marriage and partnership. The novel delves into themes of liberation, heartbreak, and the pursuit of one's true self.

Helen Garner's "The Season" offers a poignant exploration of family, aging, and masculinity through the lens of her grandson's amateur football league. Garner's signature unflinching style reveals intimate details of her own aging process and her evolving relationship with her grandson. The book transcends the sporting context, delving into broader themes of generational differences and the complexities of human connection. Garner's keen observations and witty prose create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The book's emotional depth and insightful reflections on life's transitions make it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

In 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' Amanda Hess chronicles her journey through pregnancy and early motherhood, confronting the ways technology reshapes identity, anxiety, and parenting. Through her personal story, Hess examines the impact of fertility apps, prenatal genetic testing, rare disease Facebook groups, and digital marketing on modern parenthood, offering a critical and often humorous look at how technology fractures and reconstitutes our lives.

Bleak House, published in 1852-1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that revolves around the Jarndyce family and their entanglement in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story highlights the inefficiencies and injustices of the English Court of Chancery, as well as themes of family secrets, blackmail, murder, and social critique. The novel follows Esther Summerson, who becomes the guardian of two other wards, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and their lives as they navigate the complexities of the lawsuit and personal secrets, particularly those surrounding Lady Dedlock and her past. The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its critique of various social and legal institutions of the time.

This biography by Sam Tanenhaus explores the multifaceted life of William F. Buckley Jr., from his founding of National Review to his roles as a syndicated columnist, TV debater, and bestselling novelist. It delves into his alliances with prominent figures like Joseph McCarthy and Ronald Reagan, as well as his secret exploits and later struggles within the conservative movement.