63 pages 2 hours read

Jonathan Franzen

Crossroads

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 1, Sections 6-9Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Advent”

Part 1, Section 6 Summary

In the car with Russ on the way to Theo Crenshaw’s church, Frances explains that she recently caught her son Larry with marijuana and suspects that Perry gave it to him. Silently, Russ reflects on how he cannot understand Perry lately and even feels repulsed by him. Frances invites him over to try Larry’s marijuana with her while Larry is at school, suggesting that they should understand the drug before forbidding their children to use it. Russ agrees, excited for the opportunity to make a romantic move.

Part 1, Section 7 Summary

Becky meets Tanner in his van, and he tells her that today is not a good time to break up with Laura; an agent is coming to watch the band play at the Crossroads concert, and he cannot risk Laura abandoning the show in an angry outburst. Becky leaves the van crying and walks home in the snow. Only Perry and Judson are there, playing a board game. Finding Becky crying in her room, Perry apologizes for acting superior and says he wants a real relationship with her. Though skeptical at first, Becky eventually believes him. She grows excited at the thought of becoming closer with him and grateful that Crossroads has inspired them both to make changes.