The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

I loved this book. It is one of the short list for the Booker Prize, and having read the other 5 on that list, this is my choice for the winner. That said, while I have not read absolutely all of this author's books, I have read many of them and she is a really good fit for me. The books are emotionally on target, describing things that I relate to, both personally and as a mental health professional. She doesn't shy away from the hard stuff, and she does so in a very relatable way. The man whose head we get inside of is Artie--he is long married, has a son Rob, and is a beloved high school English teacher and seems to have a way with teens. So on the outside all looks good, but Artie is struggling with suicidal ideation and is at the point where he is thinking his way through to a plan. The story explores loneliness and existential trauma, love and meaningful connections with those around us. The book does not flinch away from some of the political challenges facing America right now, the threat to democracy and the loss of empathy that is on display for the world to see and how distressing that is for many people. This is one of the best--do not miss it.