The novel revolves around the lives of the Lambert family, an old-fashioned midwestern couple and their three adult children. The parents, Alfred and Enid, are dealing with Alfred's Parkinson's disease and their own marital problems, while their children are each facing their own personal and professional crises. The narrative explores the themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the struggles of modern life. The story climaxes with the family's last Christmas together at their childhood home.

The book follows the life of a former high school basketball star, who is now in his mid-forties and has inherited a Toyota dealership from his father-in-law. He is living a comfortable life with his wife and son in Brewer, Pennsylvania during the late 1970s. The story unfolds as he navigates through his midlife crisis, dealing with his rebellious son, his longing for his old mistress, and his own insecurities and dissatisfaction. The narrative provides a deep dive into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, offering a detailed examination of middle-class American life during this era.

"Mason & Dixon" is a postmodern historical novel which follows the story of the 18th-century British astronomers and surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, who are known for the Mason-Dixon line. The novel is written in a complex, digressive style, and it includes numerous sub-plots and a wide range of themes. It explores the scientific, philosophical, and sociopolitical issues of the Enlightenment era, as well as the personal lives and friendship of the two title characters.

"Modern Chivalry" is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of Captain Farrago and his servant, Teague O'Regan, as they travel through early post-revolutionary America. The narrative, which is both humorous and critical, explores the challenges and contradictions of the new democracy. Through the interactions between the idealistic, yet sometimes misguided Farrago, and the shrewd, earthy Teague, the novel examines the social and political landscape of the time, poking fun at pretension and highlighting the complexities of human nature and governance. The work is considered an important precursor to the American literary tradition, blending elements of picaresque narrative with keen social commentary.

"The Quaker City, or The Monks of Monk Hall" is a sensational novel that explores the dark underbelly of Philadelphia society in the mid-19th century. The narrative delves into the lives of several characters who are drawn into the corrupt and sinister world of Monk Hall, a den of iniquity hidden behind the facade of a religious institution. The novel exposes themes of hypocrisy, vice, and the exploitation of the vulnerable by the wealthy and powerful. Through its intricate plot and dramatic style, the book critiques social and moral decay, offering a stark warning about the dangers of moral duplicity and the abuse of power.