Jonathan Franzen's novel The Corrections is a satirical tale about American culture, the lack of values ​​and the absolute obsession with consumer goods and consumption. It is told through the lives of the Lambert family and their constant need to "correct" various errors in their lives and behavior. The novel, published in 2001, comments on the social ills of American society; dependence on global financial markets, new technologies, social programs, big business and, of course, consumerism. Although the novel is extreme in its commentary and vast in its scope, it is through Chip Lambert's recent life that we can see parallels to America's current economic situation and the potential for further disasters. Chip Lambert is the youngest son in the family. He was on track to gain tenure as a university professor, but due to the sexual manipulation of one of his students, he lost his job and was disgraced. He continually borrows money from his sister, works as a part-time editor for the Warren Street Journal (his mother believing he works for the WSJ), and has written a horrible screenplay. As we learn about Chip, we see absolutely no redeeming value in his life. What was once considered a brilliant academic career has gone downhill. As Chip picks up his parents from the airport on their way to a fall cruise, a new opportunity begins to present itself. Chip's ex-girlfriend's boss introduces him to Gitanas Misevicius, a former Lithuanian diplomat. Gitanas is in New York trying to find an American to help him in a fraudulent scheme; an attempt to sell Lithuania's rich natural resources, mainly sand and gravel, to American investors. The country experienced a collapse, coinciding with Russia... middle of paper ...... we are blind to the injustices of it all. The only difference Chip could see was that in America, “the rich…subdued the poor” (441) with gadgets, entertainment, and the all-important gospel of consumerism. Chip found this refreshing in Lithuania, because at least in that country, whoever had the most guns won. There was no ambiguity or rhetoric, like that of the United States. The whole and entirety of Franzen's Fixes are almost too much to handle. It offers points of view on the “corrections” that people make to their behavior, to macroeconomic and political situations and to their imbalances. He attacks the power elite, pharmaceutical companies, and society's general need to find comfort and contentment in the consumption of goods. It is in these comments that the true theme of his book shines through...