american essays

Contains all of Octavia E. Butler's short fiction and two essays, the novellas and stories are parables of our contemporary world, pitting human frailty and social and environmental decay against residual strengths of human character and human history.

Presents eighteen reflective essays on life and death in the twentieth century by writer and funeral director Thomas Lynch of Michigan.

The author of the award-winning "The Corrections" offers this collection of writings. He remarks on such topics as the American novel, the sex advice industry, his father's Alzheimer's disease, supermax prisons, and his interactions with Oprah Winfrey.

A collection of essays and poems on non-required reading for 2007 by well-known writers. Opens with brief introductory comments by the two editors.

A collection of American literary pieces including fragments of stories, screenplays, and television scripts. Section one covers topics such as "Best American Fake Headlines;" Best American Excerpt from a Military Blog;" and "Best American Band Names." Section two contains selections such as "The Iraq Constitution," from "The Washington Post;" and the "Kenyon Commencement Speech" by David Foster Wallace.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld shares some of his humorous thoughts on a variety of topics.

Thirty-one of E.B. White's essays grouped under such headings as "The Farm," "The Planet," "Memories," and "Books, Men, and Writing.".

A collection of essays and other prose writings concerning planetary concerns as well as feminist and political issues.

Presents a collection of essays, columns, reports, and criticisms written by the 2012 National Magazine Award winners and also includes reports about timely and controversial topics.