WELLNESS by Nathan Hill

I am giving this book four stars, but I may have more negatives than positives to say about it.  On the positive side, the opening chapter and the ending are marvelous.  However, the middle sections sink into the tedium of a marriage that has lost its luster with a tantrum-prone child who refuses to eat anything but mac and cheese.  The wife/mother, Elizabeth, is a behavioral scientist of sorts who administers a psychological test to Jack on their first date—unbeknownst to Jack.  She also tries a behavioral modification experiment on her son, but she realizes that the test is flawed when her son explains why he failed.  I found this kind of stuff fascinating.  Also, in an effort to spice up their marriage, Elizabeth convinces Jack to attend an event where spouse-swapping may occur.  This possibility perked up my interest, but the whole scene fizzles.  Even more annoying are multiple chapters describing various algorithms ostensibly used by facebook.  Ugh.  A major tragedy that took place during Jack’s childhood is not revealed until very late in the book, and I didn’t really understand the reason for this delay.  Plus, I don’t know if Jack ever tells Elizabeth about it.  Both Jack and Elizabeth are estranged from their parents who are seriously flawed—envious of their own children.  Jack reunites briefly with his father over social media, trying unsuccessfully to deter his father from buying into conspiracy theories.  Given their lack of good relationship role models, it’s a wonder Jack and Elizabeth’s marriage is not a bigger mess than it is.