From an acclaimed writer and journalist, essays containing “a brilliant overview of American history from the 1960s to the post 9/11 era” (Maura Stanton, author of Immortal Sofa: Poems by Maura Stanton).
William O’Rourke’s singular view of American life over the past 40 years shines forth in these short essays on subjects personal, political, and literary, which reveal a man of keen intellect and wide-ranging interests. They embrace everything from the state of the nation after 9/11 to the author’s encounter with rap, from the masterminds of political makeovers to the rich variety of contemporary American writing. His reviews illuminate both the books themselves and the times in which we live, and his personal reflections engage even the most fearful events with a special humor and gentle pathos. Readers will find this richly rewarding volume difficult to put down.
“O’Rourke has always had his finger on the pulse of the contemporary American literary scene.” —Corinne Demas, author of The Writing Circle
“With sparkling wit that never takes a vacation, [O’Rourke] is our unpaid public intellectual number one.” —Jaimy Gordon, author of Lord of Misrule, winner of the 2010 National Book Award for Fiction
“O’Rourke’s . . . writing is literary, without a doubt, but his style is conversational, rhythmic and leavened by a dry sense of humor that engage the reader on an intimate level.” —South Bend Tribune
“[T]hose who enjoy a good romp through some of our country’s most pivotal times in the company of an astute observer who is unafraid to offer a penetrating, and sometimes scathing, critique of the state of the nation, will find themselves well matched.” —ForeWord Reviews
“O’Rourke’s descriptions of the writing life have the ring of absolute truth.” —Review of Contemporary Fiction
