I'm not typically drawn to essay collections but the buzz around LOST IN SUMMERLAND was unavoidable and I'm glad I gave it a chance. I hadn't read any of these pieces prior to their publication here. "Midwestern Gothic," where Swanson uses the drowning death of his best friend to examine the growing prevalence of conspiracies in modern society, and "Okay Forever", about his brother's traumatic brain injury after an assault, stood out to me. Swanson's style reminded me of another essay collection I really enjoyed—Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan.

This collection of essays takes on modern American culture in a collection that feels, already, a bit dated. First, the author is a white man and that perspective seems over represented and, frankly, a bit pat. Second, with a year spent in lockdown, this road trip style collection has an out of touch vibe. Perhaps these essays were more poignant read in a more immediate context when originally published.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see what Barrett puts out next. He is a great writer.

Some of these essays were such page-turners that I would have loved a longer format version. I especially liked the areas touching on suburbia, familial issues, football, war, and the mental state that stems from growing up in a culture you don’t really understand.

I came of age near where the author did and haven’t related to a book this much in a while. It’s so human, American and often very Midwestern.