Mary Laura Philpott examines the overlap of the absurd and the profound in life, literature, and culture. Her essays artfully capture the quirky and the deeply resonant moments of our existence. Through her writing, she offers readers an insightful look at ordinary experiences we often overlook. Her work stands out for its unique voice and ability to elegantly and humorously connect seemingly disparate ideas.
A lifelong worrier, Philpott always kept an eye out for danger, a habit that only intensified when she became a parent. But she looked on the bright side, too, believing that as long as she cared enough, she could keep her loved ones safe.
"A ... memoir-in-essays that tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fear with humor and hope"--
Mary Laura Philpott believed she had found the secret to happiness: always being right. However, after checking off her life’s to-do list—career, marriage, children—she felt anything but fulfilled. Instead of contentment, she experienced anxiety and a sense of being stuck in a monotonous routine filled with endless obligations and superficial conversations. Reflecting on her situation, she questioned whether maintaining a façade of happiness or escaping it all was the greater failure. In this memoir-in-essays, Philpott explores the conflicting pressures of modern adulthood with humor and sincerity. She shares her personal experiences to illustrate that identity crises are not limited to midlife; they can occur repeatedly and are essential for growth. Philpott reassures readers that it’s normal to reinvent oneself and offers practical advice, such as the importance of grounding oneself when feeling overwhelmed. Ultimately, she emphasizes that when dissatisfaction arises, one doesn’t need to abandon everything for drastic change. Instead, by embracing various aspects of oneself, it’s possible to discover identity and belonging. This book serves as a heartfelt and relatable guide, encouraging readers to accept that multiple truths can coexist and that sometimes, making mistakes is part of finding the right path in life.