Mr. Apology and Other Essays

by Alec Wilkinson

Originally published in The New Yorker, Esquire, and other periodicals, this collection of twenty outstanding essays features the author's profiles of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, as well as his fascinating study of a New York artist who invites people to call and leave an apology on his answering machine.

Genres: Essays

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jean-Pierre Fenyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As The Original New York City Free Advice Man, Jean-Pierre Ady Fenyo, a Sidewalk Philosopher of New York City in the late 1980s ( see: The New Yorker, August 17, 1987, write-up by Alec Wilkinson ) I advise anyone who values the best of prose and poetry in writing and is interested in unusual personalities, characters, especially from New York City and the region, to obtain a copy of Alec Wilkinson's "Mr. Apology and Other Essays" ( 2003, Houghton Mifflin ). Why? These essays, which include great interviewing by Wilkinson, offer a uniquely important window into the lives and minds of people who have had an impact on our World, and are written in a style that is a pleasure to read! It is no wonder that Pete Seeger wanted Alec Wilkinson to write the best biography on Seeger. Wilkinson writes in a way that is reminiscent of the great classical writers of the 20th Century; such notables as Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, Ernest Hemingway, come to mind. And enjoy the Cameos at the beginning...

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essay about Larry King ("Dependents")is one of the most enjoyable pieces of journalism I have read in a long, long time. The others weren't too shabby either! Fun characters, engaging writing style, and no particular theme holding them together, which is perfect when you are feeling sort of non-commital when picking a next book to read. Highly recommended! Also, an interesting perspective on the Grateful Dead, even for people who actively disdain the Grateful Dead (really!).