Under the Birch Tree by Nancy Chadwick is an insightful and thought-provoking memoir that speaks about the insecurities of life, the connections and disconnections in relationships and jobs, and the profundities and inner meanings of everybody’s lives. She begins the book with her childhood days...

The first thing Joe Dowling did after settling into their new home was to plant a willow in their backyard. The tree bore witness to Joe and Margaret’s life as they raised their four girls. Debra, the eldest, had a go-getter attitude that made her...