## "Wellness" by Nathan Hill - Summary
**A darkly comedic and poignant look at modern love and the relentless pursuit of well-being, "Wellness" follows one couple's journey through the minefield of marriage, parenthood, and self-discovery in the age of anxiety.**
Nathan Hill, acclaimed author of "The Nix," returns with a sharply observed and deeply relatable novel about Jack and Elizabeth, college sweethearts who find their once passionate relationship tested by the passage of time. Navigating the complexities of marriage and raising a family amidst the backdrop of 1990s Chicago and later, the anxieties of suburban life, they encounter a cast of characters and trends both absurd and familiar. From the allure of New Age wellness fads to the pitfalls of social media, Jack and Elizabeth grapple with the ever-evolving definition of "having it all."
**Key Themes:**
* **The Illusions of Wellness:** Hill satirizes the modern obsession with wellness, highlighting the irony of seeking fulfillment through fleeting trends and self-improvement schemes. Jack and Elizabeth's encounters with everything from detox diets to dubious support groups expose the emptiness that often lies beneath the surface of these pursuits.
* **The Evolution of Love:** What begins as a passionate romance in the bohemian world of the Chicago art scene evolves into a complex portrait of a long-term marriage. "Wellness" explores the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection amidst the demands of family life and the weight of unfulfilled dreams.
* **The Power of the Past:** Both Jack and Elizabeth are haunted by their pasts, particularly their experiences with dysfunctional families. Hill deftly weaves these past traumas into the narrative, demonstrating their impact on the couple's present struggles and their individual journeys toward self-discovery.
**FAQs:**
* **Q: Is "Wellness" a funny book?**
* **A:** While exploring serious themes, "Wellness" is infused with Hill's trademark wit and sharp observations on modern life, offering moments of humor alongside its poignant insights.
* **Q: Is it necessary to read Hill's previous novel, "The Nix," before reading "Wellness"?**
* **A:** No, "Wellness" stands alone as a complete novel. However, readers familiar with Hill's previous work will recognize his insightful writing style and keen social commentary.
* **Q: What kind of reader would enjoy "Wellness"?**
* **A:** Readers who enjoy character-driven stories, sharp social commentary, and explorations of love, marriage, and the complexities of modern life will find much to appreciate in "Wellness."
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