Phil Christman is one of the best cultural critics working today. Or,
as a reviewer of his previous book, Midwest Futures, put it, "one of
the most underappreciated writers of [his] generation."
You may also know Phil from his columns in Commonweal and Plough, or
his viral essay "What Is It Like To Be A Man?", the latter adapted in
his new book, How to Be Normal.
Christman's second book includes essays on "How To Be White," "How to Be
Religious," "How To Be Married," and more, in addition to new versions
of the above. Find in it also brilliant analyses of middlebrow culture,
bad movies, Mark Fisher, Christian fundamentalism, and more.
With exquisite attention to syntax and prose, the astoundingly well-read
Christman pairs a deceptively breezy style with radical openness. In his
witty, original hands, seemingly "normal" subjects are rendered
exceptional, and exceptionally.