Anthony Doerr

TMN Contributing Writer Anthony Doerr is the author of a short story collection, The Shell Collector, a novel, About Grace, and a memoir, Four Seasons in Rome. His fiction has won awards including the Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Discover Prize from Barnes & Noble. Granta recently named him one of the Best Young American Novelists. He has lived in Africa, New Zealand, Italy, and Ohio; now his home is in Boise, Idaho. His wife is ridiculously good-looking and his twin sons are preternaturally skilled at sports. .

The Hot ______ of the Summer

In times of respite, the mind settles, focusing on what’s really relevant. Here are the TMN READERS’ AND WRITERS’ hot picks: the jam that fueled parties all summer long, the show we turned down the A/C to hear, and more. (Of Recent Note | August 28, 2008)

The Backseat Killer

A maniac is chasing an innocent woman. She gets home and runs to her house, just as the pursuing car screeches in to the driveway. How will it end? Only THE WRITERS know, in our annual open-ended gore fest. (Spoofs & Satire | October 31, 2007)

Nonfiction Books

You’ve stocked up on bookmarks, ordered the bookplates, and now you’re ready to fill the shelves. Next time you’re shopping, pass over the fiction and pick up something with an index. THE WRITERS offer a selection. (Of Recent Note | October 23, 2007)

Remembering Pop

We should all hope to age gracefully—and go skydiving at 94, and jetboating at 95. Our man in Boise, ANTHONY DOERR pays tribute to one who raged at the light. (Letters From Idaho | June 7, 2007)

Garbage Night

Every night, another bag goes in the garbage, more waste goes in the landfill. By the time they reach 75, ANTHONY DOERR’S family will have produced two blue whales of trash. A startling look at America’s capacity for garbage-making. (Letters From Idaho | February 26, 2007)

What’s Your Resolution?

The confetti’s been tossed, the funny hats are crumpled in the corner, and at least three of us had a little too much champagne. At the start of a new year, THE WRITERS offer an answer to the question everybody’s asking. (Spoofs & Satire | January 2, 2007)

Our Favorite Gifts

The most meaningful gifts are so personal they cannot simply be plucked from the shelves of a store—but sometimes we need a little help. Turning holiday inspiration into shopping salvation, THE WRITERS recall their fondest gift memories. (Guides | December 15, 2006)

Night Noise

The West Nile virus attacked Boise this summer, and now planes spray the city with a supposedly harmless pesticide. But when facts are muddy and even the anchormen don’t know what’s safe, ANTHONY DOERR asks, is it wise to let your sons play outside? (Letters From Idaho | August 25, 2006)

May 2006

It’s the last Wednesday of the month, so it’s time for another episode of what THE WRITERS have recently been loving: restaurants in California, television in Japan, vitamin-laced candy, and more. (Of Recent Note | May 31, 2006)

A Word of Advice

‘Tis the season of graduation ceremonies, when many will be told it’s the first day of the rest of their lives. THE WRITERS disagree, and offer the ultimate commencement speech. (Spoofs & Satire | May 4, 2006)

For March 2006

A new month of what THE WRITERS have been watching, reading, eating, drinking, hearing, and enjoying. (Of Recent Note | March 29, 2006)

For February 2006

What THE WRITERS have been enjoying, watching, reading, hearing, eating, viewing, and digesting for the past 28 days. (Of Recent Note | February 28, 2006)

New Fathers, Round III

Are you ruining your child’s chances at future employment by blogging about his poop? By becoming a father yourself, do you finally understand your own dad? Our staff fathers tackle once more the challenges of contemporary paternity. (Roundtables | January 9, 2006)

We Are Mapmakers

Going home for the holidays inspires remembering, but bringing your own children home adds a twist—will their recollections be anything like yours? ANTHONY DOERR with a theory on memory. (Letters From Idaho | January 3, 2006)

Holiday Travel Hell

It’s a toss-up for what’s worse about Thanksgiving: visiting the family homestead, or simply getting there. Travel stories by THE WRITERS, collected by intern Nicole Pasulka. (Personal Essays | November 22, 2005)

Insects Will Not Take Over The World (They Already Own It)

As winter approaches, the insects go underground. What we will miss? Moths that can smell sex a mile away. Butterflies with tongues on their feet. Centipedes able to kill birds. Our man in Idaho reports from the pastoral. (Letters From Idaho | October 18, 2005)

Shadows Everywhere

We interrupt our weekly Non-Expert column to bring you this dispatch, beginning a new series of letters: Our author in Rome returns home, from Italy to Idaho, finding chaos everywhere he looks. (Letters From Idaho | September 2, 2005)

Ciao, Grazie

Just when you feel like you’ve arrived, you’re called away. ANTHONY DOERR tallies up his stay and says goodbye to the light, the heat, and the several thousand Pampers left behind. (Letters From Rome | August 10, 2005)

Roman Palimpsest

Italy is a giant archaeological dig, endlessly plundered, built upon, defiled and revered. It’s also covered with grafitti, with lots of misspellings. A report from ANTHONY DOERR. (Letters From Rome | June 27, 2005)

Letters From Rome: Sardegna

The first month of living abroad in one of the world’s great historical cities is full of sights and wonders. The eighth month is full of grocery shopping and car alarms. Author ANTHONY DOERR reports on a trip out of town to Sardinia. (Personalities | May 18, 2005)

Letters from Rome: Mourning

Thousands have traveled to Rome to observe the passing of the pope, and the streets are clogged with nuns and reporters. Meanwhile, the weather is beautiful and the persimmons are just starting. Author ANTHONY DOERR files a wonderful report about a sad weekend in Rome. (Personalities | April 4, 2005)

Letters From Rome: Fighting Smog

These are tough days for Rome, with many worried for the Pope’s health. Feeling equally worried for his own and his family’s, newcomer and author ANTHONY DOERR reports on days of tiny miracles, crossbow makers, and a lack of Ziploc bags. (Personalities | February 22, 2005)

Monday, October 13, 2008

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