Books

A Death in Belmont

Sebastian Junger tells a shockingly close to home story of The Boston Strangler.

Sebastian Junger is an s tier writer. Even his minor stuff is good. 

He’s at his best when he’s telling a story with inherent journalistic interest that he’s also part of in some way. 

Here, he relates how a handy man who regularly worked at his parents’ house growing up may have been the infamous Boston Strangler. It also explores the life of the other main suspect with Junger’s signature insatiable curiosity and empathy.

The book features all the usual deep research and presents the range of plausible explanations with evenhanded maturity, despite his closeness to the topic.

Recommended for fans of Junger. But start with The Perfect Storm and War if you’re not already a fan.

Tender Is the Night

A couple decays into alcoholism and mental illness. 

The first third or so is a cheerful, lighthearted peek into glamorous riviera lifestyle. The rest of it is a steady march into misery. 

I guess the punchline is “even successful and wealthy people are vulnerable to diseases of the mind” but I don’t find anything particularly illuminating or surprising about that. 

I didn’t love it. I felt the same way about Gatsby. I would like to better understand why these are so celebrated. If anyone can recommend an article or book that will provide a useful lens, I’d be very grateful.

it's strange that your review of the book feels a lot like Great Gatsby. 

that's the only Fitzgerald book i've read. i don't know why i imagined there would be a deviation. 

afaik, most writers tend to stick to certain script/style. 

thinking about it now, it feels like Fitzgerald is the Wes Anderson of books. you enjoy the story and the characters, no doubt. but it leaves you wanting more. 

or is it just me?