Journalism: My work has appeared in The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Globe & Mail (Canada), The Times- Picayune (New Orleans), The Oregonian, and Willamette Week, as well as in magazines including Details, Vogue, Publishers Weekly, and Portland Monthly.
Publishing: Tight Shot, my first novel, was nominated for an Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America. Its sequel, Hot Shot, was roundly ignored by everyone, but was a far better book. I'm also a member of the National Book Critics Circle.
Stage: I was a member of the Groundlings and Circle Repertory West in Los Angeles, and am a playwright (see "Stage" in the right-hand rail).
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I've got a wrapup of new Katrina-themed books in today's Oregonian book section, including Joshua Clark's Heart Like Water*, Michael Tisserand's Sugarcane Academy, Patty Friedmann's A Little Bit Ruined, and Chris Rose's 1 Dead in Attic.
*One big correction to make: I misidentify Josh Clark's reporting as being for Slate; it was for Salon. But I got the info from the Simon & Schuster fall catalog, so they're the big boneheads and I'm only a junior bonehead.
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Patty Friedmann: A Little Bit Ruined
One of the first post-Katrina novels, and probably destined to be one of the best. Friedmann's sequel to Eleanor Rushing finds her crazy heroine still holding everything together after the storm (after a fashion), until she has to leave New Orleans and she falls apart physically as well as mentally. Mordantly, morbidly funny.
Tom Piazza: Why New Orleans Matters
The best post-Katrina book I've read. In 150 small pages, Piazza explicates the New Orleans experience simply and beautifully. I'll be passing this one on to anyone who wonders "But why would anyone want to live there?".
Kevin,
REALLY enjoyed your book reviews in yesterday's Oregonian. We are Ted's parents and are always on the look out for "all things New Orleans." We too have enjoyed "A Confederacy of Dunces." There's another NOLA book that also tells an interesting and we believe, true story of the city. It's "New Orleans -- Behind the Masks of America's Most Exotic City" by Carol Flake (1994) We knew many of the folks she profiles. You might find it interesting. Also, agreed with your review of Roux Restaurant ... have you been to "Acadia?" We certainly like it better. Again, thanks for your insights on one of our favorite places in the world and good luck to you.
Les & Barb
Corvallis, OR
Posted by: Les & Barb Boudreaux | August 20, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Great to hear from you!
And I'm pleased to find someone else who read Carol Flake's book. It's one of those volumes that goes a long way toward explaining the city...albeit in an oblique fashion.
Please let me know when you'll be in town next, and we can go to Acadia, Roux, or wherever you like.
Posted by: Kevin | August 20, 2007 at 04:20 PM