The Satirical Symphony: "Pieces"

We Are Still Married unfolds in a quintet of sections, each offering its own unique blend of form, tone, and theme. "Pieces," the inaugural section, launches with a sharp satirical edge, tackling the quirks of modern society and the tangled web of political affairs. Take, for instance, "End of the Trail," where a lone smoker pens a poignant farewell to her children, moments before her inevitable capture, echoing a lament for a bygone era. In "Lifestyles," a comedic narrative explores the craze of transforming derelict buildings into posh residences, following a yuppie duo as they move into a refurbished classroom, hilariously trading away children who don't fit their chic new lifestyle.

"Who We Were and What We Meant by It" offers a sardonic glimpse into the disgruntled reflections of a founding member of the Momentist Movement, a relic from the revolutionary 1960s. Meanwhile, "The Current Crisis in Remorse" skewers the tidal wave of pop psychology books, while "Your Book Saved My Life, Mister" delves into the whimsical relationship between author and reader amidst the frivolity of modern lawsuits. "Hollywood in the Fifties" cleverly lampoons the tabloid obsession with celebrity lives, while "A Liberal Reaches for Her Whip" imagines a mother who, after enduring her sons' tyranny, transforms into a fierce avenger known as "One Helluva Woman."

In a similarly playful vein, "He Didn't Go to Canada" humorously unveils the Indiana National Guard as the nation's secret weapon, masquerading as a laid-back band of golfers. The comedy continues when marauding Huns seize Chicago's savings-and-loan enterprises, only for President Bush to nonchalantly continue his holiday, gauging public reaction before announcing that the government will not yield to ransom demands, but instead provide a hefty bailout for the industry. During a news conference at Grant Park, Bush articulates his stand against barbarism, eloquently explaining "How the Savings and Loans Were Saved."

Tales from "The Lake"

"The Lake," the second segment, paints vivid portraits of life intertwined with the souls of Lake Wobegon. In "Letters from Jack," a less than enthusiastic fan maintains a humorous correspondence with Keillor concerning his radio show. "Three Marriages" stitches together letters on the theme of matrimony: a Minnesota woman recounts a lackluster Texas getaway with her spouse; another woman laments the discomfort of accompanying her husband on nostalgic visits with his wartime comrades; and a homesick man reveals the jealousy that drove him to snoop through his wife's correspondence with an old flame.

A whimsical tale, "Babe," recounts the legendary appearance of Babe Ruth against Lake Wobegon's finest baseball team, reflecting on the town's cherished sporting heritage. Meanwhile, "Who Do You Think You Are?" captures Keillor's nostalgic journey through childhood memories, leading to the revelation that his Minnesotan identity only crystallized upon his departure to New York.

The Introspective Exchange: "Letters"

The third section, "Letters," assembles a collection of reflective essays penned between 1982 and 1988. In "How to Write a Letter," Keillor champions the written word as a superior form of communication over phone conversations, offering guidance on transforming letter-writing from a tiresome duty into an enjoyable endeavor. In "Sexy," he humorously dispenses advice to men on achieving the unexpected accolade of being named one of America's ten sexiest men by Playgirl.

"Estate" takes a thoughtful dive into Keillor's past as an unconventional obituary writer, pondering the notion that possessions often outlive their owners. "Regrets" tackles mortality with Keillor reflecting on his life's actions and omissions during a tense plane ride. "Home Team" chronicles Keillor's growing sense of pride in the Minnesota Twins, a tether to his Minnesotan roots. "Autograph," a poignant...