Saturday Night by Susan Orlean (1990)

Fascinating essays on how Americans across the country spend Saturday Night. Orlean has a wonderful gift for describing characters and places and situations. Don't miss the essay about zydeco dance organizer Jane Champagne--a character who should have her own mystery series. No one is better than Susan Orlean at exploring cultures and observing people. See also her essay collections The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup and My Kind of Place.