Homing: Instincts of a Rustbelt Feminist

In this memoir, novelist Flick (Reconsidering Happiness) contemplates connections between old and new in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. She grew up in Beaver Falls, a suburb of Pittsburgh, and experienced the area’s economic decline following the closure of the steel mills in the 1980s. After high school, she became restless and left to travel the country, before eventually moving back to Pittsburgh, where she still lives today. In a series of essays, Flick describes her wanderings, the lessons that she learned, and how she continued to apply these teachings upon her return to Pittsburgh, although with an altered perspective. Topics explored include feminism, masculinity, memory, gardening, regional accents, bars, and spirituality. Flick analyzes popular media and includes stories of family, friends, and neighbors to illustrate her points. The contrast between the prosperous Pittsburgh of Flick’s childhood, the later economic downturn, and the city’s current revitalization are particularly salient. Flick characterizes the city and its inhabitants, including herself, as gritty, caught between the Northeast and Midwest.