The value of human connection is deeply ingrained in the University, from the history of student self-governance to the annual Lighting of the Lawn. During February, that value can sometimes get overshadowed by Valentine’s Day festivities, but celebrations of love and connection need not be strictly romantic. Every relationship we build shapes who we become— often in ways we might never have imagined. Reading is magical in the way it allows you to live in other people’s lives, if only for a brief moment, making it the perfect medium to explore themes of interconnection. These three novels, although their plots differ widely, offer a lens into the intricate complexities and beauty of everyday life, reminding us that we are never as alone as we may think we are.
“A Visit From The Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan
Jennifer Egan’s 2011 Pulitzer Prize winner “A Visit From the Goon Squad” is a beautifully profound depiction of humanity through music and technology and a must read for anyone who considers themselves a rock fan, tech geek or member of the human race. The novel introduces a new narrator with each of the 13 chapters, weaving a complex web by jumping through people and time periods at a rapid-fire pace. This unique format gives Egan the power to explore the story of humanity over the course of several decades, from the rock-and-roll ‘70s to the futuristic — at least, at the time of publication — year of 2020.
The novel follows the worldwide development of the music industry throughout the latter half of the 20th century, in places such as California, Kenya and New York. As technology becomes a more powerful and ubiquitous presence — not just in music, but in everyday life as well — “Goon Squad” also warns of its dangerous impact on politics. However, these heavy topics are addressed with hope and compassion, as Egan shows how every person has the power to make a difference through empathy and free thought. Amidst diverse, non-linear storylines, what remains constant throughout “Goon Squad” is a reminder of what makes us human — art and expression.
“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman
On the surface, “Anxious People” seems to be nothing more than a standard crime novel. Backman immediately pulls his readers into the complex and very real lives of eight characters touring an open house who become trapped in a hostage situation, held there by a runaway bank robber who is now nowhere to be found. However, as they spend time stuck in close quarters, they begin to realize that they have more in common than they once thought — and that their seemingly separate lives are a lot more intertwined than they realize.
Ordinary moments — like a group of potential home-owners visiting an open house on a nondescript winter afternoon — can come together to portray a genuine and compassionate exploration of life's messiness. Through a cast of characters ranging from a wealthy banker, to a young couple about to have their first child, to a feisty 87-year-old woman, the novel gently reveals the importance of unlikely friendship and forgiveness between those who, on the surface, seem completely different. Blending tragedy and humor, Backman expertly shapes “Anxious People” into a movingly accurate portrayal of our shared humanity — showing that at the end of the day we are all just people doing the very best we can.
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin
Zevin’s widely acclaimed “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” follows the lives of three friends who are forever intertwined through their love for each other, a passion for video games and a series of elusive coincidences. Sam and Sadie, childhood friends who have lost touch in adulthood, run into each other by chance on a Boston subway platform — sparking an ambitious collaboration to create a video game that changes their lives forever. Backed by their friend Marx, the three wrestle with their newfound success, complicated friendships and debilitating desire for human connection above all else.
The author uniquely captures the complexity of growing up by focusing on the way our relationships shape us throughout our life, as opposed to the more individualistic perspective most coming-of-age novels tend to follow. This untraditional structure only contributes to the novel’s success at portraying the chaos and unpredictability of our lives, heightening the already intense intimacy and empathy between the three main characters. As Sam himself wisely said, “The point is not what happened, but the process of getting to what happened.”
If you find yourself with a little free time this month, pick up one of these novels and head down to the Alderman Room in Shannon Library to cozy up with some unique and lifelike characters. Hopefully, these three books can help you appreciate all of the little moments, people and unexpected connections that weave together over the years to become your life.
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