Anne Tyler
is an American novelist, short story writer, and literary critic. She has published 22 novels, the best known of which are Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Accidental Tourist, and Breathing Lessons. Wikipedia
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George Pelecanos
George Pelecanos is a powerhouse of contemporary noir, celebrated for his gritty, empathetic portrayals of the urban underworld. Born in 1957 in Washington, D.C., his early years working as a line cook and shoe salesman deeply informed his focus on the daily grind of working-class life.He has authored over 20 novels, most famously his D.C. Quartet, which explores the “invisible” city beyond the monuments. Unlike typical political thrillers, his stories—such as Hard Revolution and The Night Gardener—delve into racial tension, social divides, and the lives of those on the margins. His prose is noted for its authentic dialogue, rich period detail, and a deep-seated love for soul music and pop culture.Beyond his books, Pelecanos is a legendary television writer and producer. He was a primary architect of HBO’s The Wire, bringing his expertise in urban realism to the screen. His television credits also include Treme, The Deuce, and We Own This City. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Hammett Prize, cementing his legacy as one of America’s premier chroniclers of crime and the human condition. -
Joe Rothstein
Joe Rothstein – Author and Political Strategist
“Must read political thriller of 2022”
In his words:
Can democratic government provide the answers? That’s the question at the core of “Menace.”
Three decades ago, a meeting at Kyoto, Japan confirmed the threat of a warming planet and produced a plan for dealing with it. Three decades later, with unprecedented heat, fire, storm, flood, drought, and climate-related migration accelerating even beyond the Kyoto forecasts, governments still have not responded in a manner equal to the threat.Eight decades ago, atomic bombs were used in warfare. The danger of their use again has not receded. More nations have them stockpiled. Delivery systems remain trigger-ready, and with delivery speeds now approaching hypersonic levels.
Even a technology seemingly as benign as the Internet has been transformed into the beating heart of political turmoil and repression.
I wrote The Moment of Menace and its prequel, The Salvation Project to imagine these threats in the context of fiction. But the question addressed is our reality. How does democracy survive in this age of advanced science?
The irony is that aside from nuclear weapons, much of what is being created can contribute to a golden age—a better life for all who come after us. Far from being bleak, the future can be glorious. Can it be both glorious and remain the democratic system most of us cherish? That’s the question The Moment of Menace addresses.
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Caleb Carr
Caleb Carr
is the critically acclaimed author of The Alienist, The Angel of Darkness, The Lessons of Terror, Killing Time, The Devil Soldier, The Italian Secretary, The Legend of Broken, and Surrender, New York. He has taught military history at Bard College, and worked extensively in film, television, and the theater. His military and political writings have appeared in numerous magazines and periodicals, among them The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He lives in upstate New York. (Penguin/Random House)
The Alienist – Season 2 now streaming
