... impressive.

... eloquent.

The book explores what happens when, having put the best words in the best order, the author looks around and doesn’t know where he is. He can’t go back; he can’t make it new—he can only start again. But that humid malaise travels with him, an ambivalent funk he can neither embrace nor wave goodbye to, believe in nor dismiss. He can only name it. Call it Summerland.

... unlike other essayists who might use this trope for humor, Swanson is continually looking for meaning and depth.

... [Swanson] connects with vivid ideas and people and searches with sensitivity for meaning in life’s vicissitudes.

In this eloquent and insightful collection of 14 essays, nothing is simple, and everything has a dark side.

Swanson treks deep into conspiracy subreddits, sustainable farms, and spiritual seances in an effort to clarify a cohesive American narrative.

A probing essay collection that tackles relevant issues emerging in America’s current shaky political and social climate.

Swanson often accompanies scenes of grief with moments of levity.