"The Habit of Being" is a collection of personal correspondence by a renowned southern writer, offering a profound insight into her private life, thoughts, and creative processes. These letters, written over a span of two decades, reveal her struggle with lupus, her strong Catholic faith, her sharp wit, and her dedication to writing. The book also provides a glimpse of her relationships with literary contemporaries and her insightful thoughts on contemporary issues, literature, and religion.

This collection of essays presents the profound reflections of a renowned philosopher and naturalist on a variety of subjects, including nature, self-reliance, civil disobedience, and transcendentalism. The author's eloquent prose and deep insights into human existence and the natural world continue to inspire readers, offering a timeless perspective on living a meaningful, deliberate life. His views on individualism and nonconformist thought have had a significant impact on both personal and political spheres.

"The Crack-Up" is a collection of essays and letters penned during a critical period of the author's life, reflecting his state of mind during his personal and career crisis in the 1930s. The book includes the author's personal reflections, his observations on contemporary American society, and his views on literature. It provides an intimate look into his struggle with alcoholism, his failing marriage, and his own sense of self-worth, offering a stark contrast to his earlier, more optimistic works.