what are some things I can include in an essay about Hoagland's "City Rat"

Please don't reply with links. I can do that myself.

This particular author had such an interesting life. How did that influence his works?

Why did he choose non-fiction for his venue.

There are interesting quotes about "City Rat" as well as some interesting quotes in the work.

What you select, of course, will depend upon the thesis you choose.

Just a "hint" for when you run out of questions; use the interrogative words:
who, what, when, why, where, how, etc.

Sra