Doxology

Doxology A Novel

Nell Zink2019
Named a Best Book of the Year by: The New York Times * New York Magazine * Lit Hub * TIME * O, the Oprah Magazine * Good Housekeeping Two generations of an American family come of age—one before 9/11, one after—in this moving and original novel from the “intellectually restless, uniquely funny” (New York Times Book Review) mind of Nell Zink Pam, Daniel, and Joe might be the worst punk band on the Lower East Side. Struggling to scrape together enough cash and musical talent to make it, they are waylaid by surprising arrivals—a daughter for Pam and Daniel, a solo hit single for Joe. As the ‘90s wane, the three friends share in one another’s successes, working together to elevate Joe’s superstardom and raise baby Flora. On September 11, 2001, the city’s unfathomable devastation coincides with a shattering personal loss for the trio. In the aftermath, Flora comes of age, navigating a charged political landscape and discovering a love of the natural world. Joining the ranks of those fighting for ecological conservation, Flora works to bridge the wide gap between powerful strategists and ordinary Americans, becoming entangled ever more intimately with her fellow activists along the way. And when the country faces an astonishing new threat, Flora’s family will have no choice but to look to the past—both to examine wounds that have never healed, and to rediscover strengths they have long forgotten. At once an elegiac takedown of today’s political climate and a touching invocation of humanity’s goodness, Doxology offers daring revelations about America’s past and possible future that could only come from Nell Zink, one of the sharpest novelists of our time.
Sign up to use

Reviews

Photo of Emily Perkovich
Emily Perkovich@undermeyou
4 stars
Mar 4, 2022

** spoiler alert ** I had a few problems with this book. Mainly that it felt like two different books in one series. The Joe/Pam/Daniel story line could have easily been one singular book with Flora’s as another. I felt little connection to Flora because of the way this was presented as one book. My biggest problem was with the ending. I fucking hated it. What a spoiled little shit. Flora is upset and thinks Aaron is uninvested in being a parent because he won’t lose his job to play house in the loft her parents are letting him borrow? Most parents have work and little bonding time with each other. America and its capitalist values make family bonding a total shit show, but wanting to make sure you can provide for your family because where you live makes it a necessity does not equal uninvested in parenthood. I get she’s supposed to be mentally struggling as a green liberal, but you can be a realist and still be fighting for a better future.

Photo of Colton Ray
Colton Ray@coltonmray
2 stars
Apr 16, 2024
Photo of Arnav Shah
Arnav Shah@arnavshah
4 stars
Feb 16, 2022