The article from the American Scholar recounts a personal journey of a young man who connects with his father through the fiction of E. L. Doctorow. The young man receives a book from his father, leading to a deeper understanding of their relationship and shared connections to New York City. Through Doctorow's works, the young man explores themes of family, identity, and the power of storytelling, ultimately finding solace and connection with his father through literature. The article highlights the impact of literature in bridging generational gaps and fostering understanding between family members. [Extracted from the article]