D. G. Myers on Cancer, Dying, and Living

The Elephants Teach examines over a century of debate on how writing should be taught and whether it belongs in the classroom. Myers traces the evolution from philology to the split into composition, literary scholarship, and creative writing, incorporating insights from figures like Robert Frost, Ezra Pound, and Saul Bellow. Updated in 2006, it critiques the growth of creative writing programs while suggesting ways to integrate creativity and criticism for producing better writers.

Oona O' follows the life of a young Irish-American woman torn between her cultural heritage and her romance with a Jewish surgeon. The novel delves into themes of identity, love, and cultural conflict in mid-20th century America. Published in 1966, it captures the tensions of ethnic backgrounds and personal desires.

Tickets follows Alan Hoffman, for whom women have long served as mere accessories to his glamorous lifestyle. The story explores his transformation when he encounters a woman who matches his romantic vision of life, leading to genuine love and self-discovery.

In this book, Garry Wills examines the profound impact of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on American history. Wills argues that Lincoln's speech, delivered during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1863, was meticulously crafted and drew heavily from the Declaration of Independence. The book compares Lincoln's speech to that of Edward Everett, also delivered on the same day, and explores how Lincoln's address reshaped Americans' views of their founding documents. Wills also delves into Lincoln's rhetorical style, highlighting his use of precise language and rhetorical devices.

In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America. The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility. He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him. Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self.

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

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.

Cakes and Ale is a satirical novel by W. Somerset Maugham, published in 1930. It tells the story of Edward Driffield, a famous novelist, and his two wives, contrasting the vibrant and free-spirited Rosie with the more conventional Amy. The novel is narrated by William Ashenden, a character modeled after Maugham himself, and explores themes of literary reputation, social snobbery, and the complexities of human relationships.

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.

The novel, presented as the posthumously published memoirs of Humbert Humbert, explores themes of obsession, pedophilia, and the manipulation of reality. Humbert, a European intellectual and pedophile, becomes infatuated with Dolores Haze, whom he kidnaps and sexually abuses after marrying her mother. The narrative delves into the complex and disturbing relationship between Humbert and Lolita, highlighting issues of morality, solipsism, and the erasure of Lolita's independent identity. The book is known for its eloquent but deceptive narrator and its exploration of delusion, coercion, and cruelty.