Over half of the readings — 31 short, accessible, and engaging new selections examine today’s America from every angle. Some highlights:
Claire Suddath writes an open letter—addressed to the “totally impractical size chart for women’s clothing.”
Daniel Akst looks at friendship today and seeks to answer an important question: Is America the land of loners?
Julia Alvarez, in a provocative essay, explains why she made a conscious decision to be a picky eater.
A lively new chapter on food culture takes a sometimes serious — and occasionally humorous — look at the good, the bad, the fabulous, and the ugly about food in America today. Longstanding traditions, changing norms, and new trends are all examined, from American farms, to family gatherings, to the appeal of all of those cooking shows.
A flexible, thoroughly revised chapter on reading and writing features interesting new selections and offers students the guidance they need with a helpfully annotated, multi-draft student essay that demonstrates every step of the writing process, from brainstorming to final paper.
“Take the Next Step” essays. These longer works (6 total) bridge the gap to academic reading and writing.
A robust art program features 29 engaging images (18 of them new) that students will want to talk — and write — about.