I read Stranger on a Train by Jenny Diski

I really enjoyed this. In a world where everyone is lamenting how no one talks to each other anymore and community can do no wrong it's refreshing to read something that is so honest about the extent that you can relate to people as a basically standoffish type of person, and realistic about the ups and downs of this process. She also ties in the threads of her past life in and out of mental institutions, her current personal life as a writer in her 50s, and the events on the trek around the US by Amtrak train, without resorting to any of the tedious braided essay style stuff that has become so common.

Just solid, interesting life writing that knows when to turn away or skip ahead, and also knows what sentiments are too common to linger on versus what may be an original or at least interesting thought. She's never overly sentimental or vulgarly reactionary, which is why I usually don't bother reading a lot of memoir or essay writing. I also felt validated in her perception of Americans as sometimes vaguely menacing in their sociability and friendliness, and also that EVERY Amtrak trip is at least 2-3 hours behind schedule. Forever. haha.

If you want to see if you'd also vibe with Diski's general tone/concerns/style, I recommend checking out her amazing Second Life essay.