"Wellness" by Nathan Hill

We’ll be discussing the book, Wellness by Nathan Hill, in August.

• NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
• AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
• OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK

The New York Times best-selling author of The Nix is back with a poignant and witty novel about a modern marriage and the bonds that keep people together. Mining the absurdities of contemporary society, Wellness reimagines the love story with a healthy dose of insight, irony, and heart.

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When Jack and Elizabeth meet as college students in the gritty '90s Chicago art scene, the two quickly join forces and hold on tight, each eager to claim a place in the thriving underground scene with an appreciative kindred spirit. Fast-forward twenty years to suburban married life, and alongside the challenges of parenting, they encounter the often-baffling pursuits of health and happiness from polyamorous would-be suitors to home-renovation hysteria.

For the first time, Jack and Elizabeth struggle to recognise each other, and the no-longer-youthful dreamers are forced to face their demons, from unfulfilled career ambitions to childhood memories of their own dysfunctional families. In the process, Jack and Elizabeth must undertake separate, personal excavations, or risk losing the best thing in their lives: each other.

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“A modern take on love, marriage, and society’s obsession on improving almost every aspect of our lives–and the impact technology and social media has on our culture and in our lives. This brilliant novel will leave you thinking about the truth of your own life and the stories we tell ourselves and each other."
―Oprah Winfrey

"Wellness is a perfect novel for our age . . . Hill is an immensely talented writer; he has a gift for prose that's elegant but unshowy, and his dialogue consistently rings true-to-life . . . a stunning novel about the stories that we tell about our lives and our loves, and how we sustain relationships throughout time ― it's beyond remarkable, both funny and heartbreaking, sometimes on the same page"
―NPR

“Wellness brilliantly blends ideas about wellness culture, modern parenting, Internet algorithms, gentrification, and most importantly, love.”
―PEOPLE

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The discussion will take place at the beautiful rooftop bar, Las Palmas, on Sunday, August 24th at 3:00 PM. Please support the venue by ordering at least one drink.

Following the discussion, our next book will be chosen by a group poll—so come prepared to champion your pick.

Each month, we explore a different genre, enriching our reading experience and broadening our perspectives. For September, please bring at least one non-fiction book recommendation.

If your suggestion triumphs in our friendly voting war, your book takes center stage! And even if it doesn’t, you’ll still gain the joy of stepping beyond your usual reading horizons.

FAQ)
1)"Do I have to finish reading the book to join the event?"

YES. We’re here to discuss the book! To ensure a rich and meaningful conversation for everyone, all participants are expected to read the book in full before attending.

2)"Can I just listen and not join the discussion?"

NO. We gather in person to share ideas, not just to absorb them. Your voice matters! Whether you agree, disagree, or interpret things differently, every perspective helps deepen our understanding of the book. There’s no right or wrong answer, and every opinion is equally cherished.

Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions.

See you soon, bookflies🦋!