In 1920, future Nobel laureate Sinclair Lewis published his note-quite scathing, not-quite doting critique of American small-town life. “Main Street” was an early 20th-century bestseller and the novel responsible for puncturing the idealized image of American small town life.

Through his heroine Carol and her relationship with husband William Kennicott, Lewis presents a benighted hero who desires to make something grand of herself, but who is thwarted at every turn by the banality of her environment.

Although society has moved on since then, the novel still has something to say about American life.

Today we’re looking at Psalms 103 and 104. God’s authority and care for his creation are on display in both of our Pslams, though they take decidedly different approaches in giving glory. One interiorized, the other externalized. One gives thanks for his forgiveness and vindication; the other praises God for holding the world in check. Both offer praises.

For our last day this week with Edith Wharton, we’ll take a look at her delightful comedy” Xingu.”

Hopkins’s 1878 poem celebrates the Virgin Mary and the month of May. Ecstatic language and beautiful nature descriptions follow.

Edith Wharton spins a terrible moral quandary in our excerpt for today.

We take a look at the final scene between Ethan and Mattie, in which regrets are spoken, futures are considered, and the two decide on a sledding trip that will change everything.

Today we’re looking at a devastating scene from Edith Wharton’s 1911 novella “Ethan Frome.” Trapped in a loveless marriage with a spiteful and bitter wife, all goes poorly for Ethan until he discovers his feelings for Mattie, feelings which ultimately end in a winter disaster…

A Bradbury-inspired ghost story featuring a misty lake and misanthropic young writer (completely unrelated to reality, of course!)