The book, originally published in 1985, delves into themes of identity and transformation, exploring the intricacies of human relationships against a richly detailed backdrop. Through compelling characters, it examines the struggles and triumphs faced in the pursuit of self-discovery. The narrative weaves together personal journeys and broader societal issues, offering readers a profound reflection on the nature of existence and connection. With its thought-provoking prose, the work remains a significant contribution to contemporary literature.
"Funny, touching, revealing, here is the view from a rookie cop's patrol car, during midnight shifts, in a (mostly) peaceful town. With a rich cast of characters, this is a classic memoir of the fear, surprises, excitement, embarrassment that comes with a protecting and serving a small community. "When I was twenty-three years old, five months out of college, with a degree in music, and without any idea of what to do with myself, I took a job as a policeman in Wellfleet, Massachusetts," so writes Alec Wilkinson. "Music, huh?" the police chief said during the job interview. "That'll be a big help." Wilkinson's main qualification was familiarity with the town of 2,000 people from summers there growing up. Committing himself to a year wearing a uniform and carrying a gun, and with no training, Wilkinson was sent out to keep the peace, hoping nothing would happen. There are high-speed chases and stopping drunk drivers, one of whom tries to set Wilkinson's hair on fire. There are domestic squabbles. "The first six months were murder for me," Wilkinson's partner confides on his first night. "After that, when I found out the people I thought were my friends weren't really my friends, I felt better off." There is an attempted bank robbery. The teller convinces the robber that his haul ($300) is too much to carry around in cash. The robber is still listening to investment options when the police arrive. Throughout there are conversations with his eight fellow officers who Wilkinson comes to respect and admire. "Nobody ever calls you when they're behaving themselves," one admits. "As a rule, you always get called when people are at their worst. It's sad. It depresses me." The job is often thankless. "Right now I work on the police force," another officer says, "my wife stamps cans in the supermarket, and she makes more money than I do." Midnights is experiential journalism at its most poignant and entertaining-and it launched the career of Alec Wilkinson: writer, interviewer, essayist, and author. This is for any reader looking for insight into the real lives of police officers, outside of large cities, across America. It is also for anyone looking for a marvelously engaging read"-- Provided by publisher
Set against the backdrop of 1897, the narrative explores S. A. Andrée's daring attempt to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon, reflecting the era's adventurous spirit. Utilizing Andrée's diaries and contemporary accounts, Alec Wilkinson vividly recounts this ambitious expedition while highlighting the challenges faced by over 1,000 explorers in the harsh Arctic environment. The story is both suspenseful and haunting, revealing the beauty and brutality of life on the ice, as well as the relentless pursuit of discovery during a pivotal time in exploration history.
Focusing on the life of Pete Seeger, this book offers an engaging and personal exploration of the American folk musician and activist. It delves into his influential role in music and social movements, highlighting his dedication to social justice and environmental causes. Through anecdotes and insights, readers gain a deeper understanding of Seeger's impact on American culture and his enduring legacy as a champion for change.
Focusing on the profound bond between a young writer and his mentor, the narrative explores themes of wisdom, friendship, and the art of writing. Alec Wilkinson, at twenty-four, seeks guidance from the esteemed William Maxwell, leading to a transformative relationship that spans twenty-five years. Through their interactions, the book delves into the intricacies of mentorship and the personal growth that comes from such a connection.
Poppa Neutrino is a philosopher of movement, a vernacular Buddhist, a San
Francisco bohemian, a polymath, a pauper, a football strategist for the Red
Mesa Redskins of the Navajo Nation, and a mariner who built a raft from
materials he found on the streets of New York and sailed across the North
Atlantic.
