Wellness

A Novel

De: Nathan Hill

Narrado por: Ari Fliakos

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • The New York Times best-selling author of The Nix is back with a poignant and witty novel about a modern marriage and the bonds that keep people together. Mining the absurdities of contemporary society, Wellness reimagines the love story with a healthy dose of insight, irony, and heart.

"A stunning novel about the stories that we tell about our lives and our loves, and how we sustain relationships throughout time—it's beyond remarkable, both funny and heartbreaking, sometimes on the same page.”—NPR

When Jack and Elizabeth meet as college students in the gritty '90s Chicago art scene, the two quickly join forces and hold on tight, each eager to claim a place in the thriving underground scene with an appreciative kindred spirit. Fast-forward twenty years to suburban married life, and alongside the challenges of parenting, they encounter the often-baffling pursuits of health and happiness from polyamorous would-be suitors to home-renovation hysteria.

For the first time, Jack and Elizabeth struggle to recognize each other, and the no-longer-youthful dreamers are forced to face their demons, from unfulfilled career ambitions to childhood memories of their own dysfunctional families. In the process, Jack and Elizabeth must undertake separate, personal excavations, or risk losing the best thing in their lives: each other.

©2023 Nathan Hill (P)2023 Random House Audio

Chicagoland bliss

As a guy who tried to individualize while a college kid in Chicago in the 80s/90s, it was hard not to love it

I’m listening to it again right after I write this review

The most gorgeous, life affirming, heartbreaking and laugh out loud funny book I’ve ever read. If there is such a thing as perfect writing, this I think is it. Every word & phrase & idea touches you and then reaches out and sweeps you up and carries you into Jack and Elizabeth’s world, where the narrator and narration meet you, waiting to hold you,, captivated, and to dance with you and take you “with…..” and you just GO.

Excellent

I did not want this book to end. It was fantastic. Great job on Audible too.

So GREAT!

This story was amazing. I can’t recommend it enough. AND the narrator!!! Was perfect! He really brought the characters to life. I think Ari Fliakos may even replace Tom Hank’s narration of The Dutch House as my favorite book narration.

My read of the year

The narration drove the author's tone and pacing straight home and through the garage. The story itself encapsulated the current and noteworthy topics of Americana perfectly. The characters were so spot on from start to finish. It was beautiful and painful and an immensely relevant story.

Loved this

Beautifully written. Wise. Funny. The backstory unfolds brilliantly.Having graduated from an art college I loved the references to PO-MO. And of course the “universe rewards good people with riches. There’s a Brandi in every circle. Loved the circular thinking, made me lmao. I’ll be purchasing the kindle edition as well.

Among the best ever!

A great story and fabulous narration. This is the best book I’ve listened to in Avery long time.

Best book of 2023

This is a must. The story is magnificent and the narration is sublime. I cannot recommend it enough.

Nathan and Ari

Ari brought Nathan’s characters to life beautifully. Wonderful combination! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book. Great story. Great listen.

Nathan Hill has much to say

Nathan Hill is a keen observer of the contemporary cultural scene. At times, the novel is laugh out loud funny and, at other points, poignantly heart breaking. Wellness covers a lot of fertile ground from placebos to facebook posts as it weaves its way through Jack and Elizabeth's 20 year relationship. Ari Fliakos' narration is tone perfect.