Wowwww! I truly loved "The Corrections", and I'm well aware that "Freedom" was once on Obama’s best books of the year list. So, why on earth did this one turn out to be such a disappointment?!

In this book, which consists of what, maybe 10 or 11 essays, I only liked 3. The essay about his father (the first one), the one regarding the Chicago post office system, and the one about Oprah were the sole 3 that really struck a chord with me.

He has an essay on privacy that I found really didn't hold up well over time. He contends that the internet isn't really dangerous and that privacy is something people only care about in theory. Clearly, either due to his white, educated privilege, he has no sense of danger, or he has no clue what's in store with Big Data and such. Either way, it really missed the mark.

More generally speaking, though, this book gives the impression of an embittered white male writer who despises technology. He seems to think that with the arrival of TV and the internet, people won't be as intelligent or literate as he is, and he's sad that his books might not sell as well anymore. It's a rather disheartening perspective.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that some of these essays have very little connection to the title of this book. And those that do, only touch on the topic peripherally.

In fact, it was not until I had read a couple of these essays that I realized Franzen was not discussing "physical" isolation or aloneness per se, but rather on a metaphysical level, which is acceptable. It is about how one maintains their sense of belonging in the world when bombarded with otherness. How to be alone in one's thinking and be content with what one has made of the world, where one has made few observations and has serious thoughts about it.

Here are a couple of compelling paragraphs (not full essays or pages, but rather reduced to paragraphs and lines), but most of it is overwritten. Seamless writing is not Franzen's strength. He admittedly enjoys writing long-winded sentences liberally sprinkled with uncommon words. There is some humor here and there that did make me laugh hard enough for someone to ask me what was the matter, but I can counter every bit of that with how unpleasant the rest of the experience was.

I loved this so much.

My favorite quotes are as follows.

"I still needed him to be an actor in my story of myself." This quote makes me think about how we often create roles for others in the narrative of our lives.

"How to design a craft that can float on history for as long as it takes to build it? The novelist has more and more to say to readers who have less and less time to read: Where to find the energy to engage with a culture in crisis when the crisis consists in the impossibility of engaging with the culture?" It poses profound questions about the nature of art and its place in a changing world.

"I don't believe that everything that's wrong with the world has a cure, and even if I did, what business would I, who feel like the sick one, have in offering it?" This shows a sense of self-awareness and humility.

"Simply to be recognized for what I was, simply not to be misunderstood: these had revealed themselves, suddenly, as reasons to write." It highlights the power of writing as a means of self-expression and connection.

"Silence, however, is a useful statement only if someone, somewhere, expects your voice to be loud." This emphasizes the importance of context and perception.

"My nature had been waiting for me all along, and now it welcomed me." It gives a sense of finding one's true self.

"How could I have thought that I needed to cure myself in order to fit into the'real' world?...the only thing that did need curing was my understanding of my place in it." It challenges our assumptions about fitting in and the need for self-acceptance.

"To take control of their lives, people tell themselves stories about the person they want to be." It shows how our self-narratives shape our actions and identities.

"When I lie on the floor and relax by listening to my breathing, I can hear the slower respirations of the city itself, a sound like the rumble of a surf: subway trains crowded with people who are teaching themselves how to be here." This creates a vivid and immersive image.

"Pleasure that demands hard work, the slow penetration of mystery, the outlasting of lesser readers, is the pleasure most worth having." It speaks to the value of perseverance and the rewards of engaging with complex and challenging works.

Jonathan, you write something like this to me and I feel even further away from the start of the corrections.

Don't say later that it's my fault when I'll be with Don Delillo.

I just don't understand why you would write such things. It makes me feel a bit lost and confused.

Maybe there's some miscommunication or misunderstanding here.

I hope we can talk this through and clear the air.

Otherwise, this feeling of distance is just going to keep growing and it won't be good for either of us.

I really want to get back to a better place in our relationship and start making progress with the corrections.

But it's hard to do that when I'm feeling like this.

Let's try to work things out and move forward together.

Apparently, Franzen is regarded as being rather poor at writing essays, and this collection has irked many people. However, I actually relished it.

Perhaps having 3 pieces dedicated to reading and writing was a bit excessive and at times, they felt a touch ponderous. Nevertheless, the diverse perspectives on the purpose of fiction were truly captivating. I especially love the idea that the answer to “how to be alone” is to read.

I also find Franzen quite humorous, particularly in his chapter on self-help books for sex.

The essay regarding his appearance on Oprah's show made me more empathetic towards him in the context of that whole controversy.

It was also fascinating to read this collection 20 years after it was penned, especially in relation to his apprehensions and prophecies about privacy and the internet.

The sections about his parents were deeply moving, and I admired his candor regarding his mental health. I'm aware that he isn't renowned for it, but I thought he was delightfully self-deprecating.

So, all in all, I really enjoyed this collection and I'm extremely eager to read his latest novel.

Jonathan Franzen's collection of essays is once again a powerful one.

The first half is undoubtedly a five-star affair. However, the second half slightly loses me as the themes are rather outdated: American patriotism, the boom of mobile phones, and the industrialization of cities. The final essay about returning to one's hometown really appealed to me.

My impression has been strengthened that Franzen is a master in the genre of essays, perhaps one of the very best. The essays in “The end of the end of the earth” and “Farther away” are uncompromising masterpieces. In “How to be alone”, the first half only approaches what took me in his other collections, but that's enough to make me want to reread them one day.

The answer is books!

Books are truly remarkable treasures. They hold the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to a plethora of characters, and expand our knowledge in countless ways.

When we open a book, we embark on a journey of discovery. We can explore ancient civilizations, experience thrilling adventures, or gain deep insights into the human condition.

Books are not only a source of entertainment but also a means of self-improvement. They can inspire us, challenge our perspectives, and help us grow as individuals.

Whether we prefer fiction or non-fiction, there is a book out there for everyone. So, pick up a book today and let the magic unfold.

Top five:

My Father’s Brain: This could be a fascinating exploration into the inner workings of the father's mind. Maybe it delves into his unique thought processes, memories, or the wisdom he has accumulated over the years.

Why Bother?: This title poses an interesting question. It might be about a situation where someone is questioning the value or purpose of doing something. Could it lead to a deeper examination of motivation and the meaning behind our actions?

Lost In The Mail: This one evokes a sense of mystery and perhaps frustration. What was lost in the mail? Was it an important letter, a package, or something with sentimental value? The story could unfold as the search for the lost item begins.

Mr. Difficult: This title suggests a character who is not easy to deal with. Maybe he has a difficult personality, high standards, or presents challenges in some way. The narrative could revolve around the interactions with Mr. Difficult and how the protagonist copes with him.

Books in Bed: This title brings to mind a cozy and relaxing image. It could be about the joys of reading in bed, the different types of books that are enjoyed in this setting, or the memories and experiences associated with reading in bed.

A girlfriend took this with her after we broke up (along with many, many other books of mine).

It was a rather unexpected turn of events. I had always thought those books were a part of my collection, a source of knowledge and entertainment. But when she left, she took them away, perhaps as a way to hold onto a piece of our shared past.

Looking back, I realize that this experience taught me a valuable lesson about being alone. It made me understand that sometimes, the things we hold dear can be taken away from us, and we have to learn to cope on our own.

In a way, my ex-girlfriend did a far better job of teaching me how to be alone than Mr. Franzen ever could. Her actions forced me to face my solitude and find strength within myself. It was a painful process, but it ultimately made me a stronger and more independent person.

Now, whenever I think of those books, I don't feel a sense of loss. Instead, I see them as a reminder of the journey I've been through and the growth I've achieved. And for that, I'm grateful.

What an odd collection!

Here we have 5* essays right next to 1* ones, creating a real jumble. It seems to be a collection meant only for Franzen fans. If you're looking for a new essayist or a cohesive collection, this is not the place to come. In fact, this is basically his diary from before he became a best-seller.

However, buried within these pages are some very critical insights into the state of the American postmodern novel and the Western readership. I'll do my best to bring those out in a video.

The video review is coming soon, so stay tuned! I'm excited to share my thoughts and analysis with you all. This collection may be a bit of a mess, but it also has some hidden gems that are worth exploring. I think you'll be surprised by what you discover when you take a closer look.

I picked up this book for just a few dollars with the intention of reading his essay on Gaddis. However, I quickly realized that it seemed more like an essay on Franzen. The parts related to Gaddis really left a rather unpleasant impression on me. It felt very much like a straw man argument, conflating personal taste with an "objective" review in a rather cheap way. After reading some of the other essays, I also felt a sense of contradiction. Why would one set their sights on an ambitious, literary author if they are spending so much time lamenting the decline of serious literature?

I do believe that the rest of the collection is somewhat better, although it's not something that I would wholeheartedly recommend. The essays on his father's Alzheimer's and his smoking habit were quite good. Additionally, I thought the one about returning to his hometown to shoot B roll for Oprah was excellent. Franzen is well-researched and intelligent, and he is willing to truly open up on a personal level to the reader. However, his tone isn't as commanding as that of someone like Wallace, who has the ability to choose any subject at any time and make it a pleasure to read. As a result, the dated essays in this collection do indeed feel rather dated.

The piece on his father's Alzheimer's disease alone is truly remarkable and easily worth the four stars it has received.

This particular account delves deep into the personal and emotional journey that his father has been on since being diagnosed with this debilitating disease.

The author vividly describes the various stages of the illness, from the initial forgetfulness to the more advanced stages where his father's cognitive abilities have significantly declined.

It is a heart-wrenching yet beautifully written piece that not only provides an insight into the reality of living with Alzheimer's but also showcases the author's love and dedication towards his father.

The four stars are a well-deserved recognition of the quality and impact of this piece.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and providing support to those affected by it.