Franzen is very conscious that people are freer than ever — that word again — to spend their time and attention being entertained by things that aren't books.

If freedom is all about giving up freedom by committing to things - people, causes, beliefs, life - what Franzen has committed to is not life but art.

This idea may earn Franzen another all-American kicking - "Oprah-Hating Writer Now Says Freedom Overrated!" - but it is not only true; it is also important.