American Candy and Other Essays
Alexander Theroux
2025

Alexander Theroux's second essay collection is a diverse and expansive work, showcasing his characteristic depth of thought and strong opinions. It explores a wide array of topics, from lobster fishing to sissies; from the esteemed historian Samuel Eliot Morison to the heated rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees; from a humorous take on psychiatrists to the enigmatic landscapes of Tijuana and the arid Anza Borrego desert; and from quirky individuals at MIT to the delightful variety of American candy, with observations of its many pluses and minuses. This compilation features 23 essays, several of which have been well-known for years, including reflections on his father, monastic life with the Trappist monks, the vagaries of the Black’s Beach in San Diego, and the dark subject of hate mail. As one of the nation’s most celebrated writers, twice nominated for the National Book Award, Theroux presents us with a significant body of work that is not just informative but also operatic in scope. With a lively and witty style, Theroux delivers a book that resonates with immediacy, empathy, and lasting relevance.