I have been working on something for nearly a year. It is slow going, but oh so enjoyable. What is it you ask? A book.
A friend recommended I check out a book called The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro that is all about Robert Moses. Robert Moses shaped New York City as a major force in government without ever having been elected. His projects and works formed the foundation of the city as we know it today, and he was ruthless in his pursuit of power.
I have not finished the book yet – it is over one thousands pages and the font is as dense as a textbook. I am really enjoying it, but it is slow going!
This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the New York Historical Society for the Robert A. Caro Symposium! When I saw that he was going to be there, I simply had to go.
There were three talks. The first was with Bob Woodward, moderated by Douglas Brinkley. They discussed all of the interesting people they’d had the opportunity to interact with and how they maintain integrity of reporting and gather information. They also talked about the difference between being journalists and historians. I really like how Bob talked about former President Trump being open and consistent with talking to him, and very accessible. He said that he called Trump before publishing his book Peril and said he wasn’t going to like it. Trump’s response was “I’ll get you on the next one.” No matter how you feel about former President Trump, you have to admire his confidence and optimism.
One thing that they talked about was how former President Trump is not a reader and is very open about that. Bob and Douglas agreed that there should be a “president school” where there are requirements to be qualified. While it was said in jest, I truly believe that we need to embrace all different types of leaders with different backgrounds and priorities – there isn’t a one size fits all for representing America.
The next talk was more of a commentary on what makes Caro’s work so important and what makes a “national” book. It featured a panel including William P. Kelly (from the NYPL), Lisa Lucas (publisher and former executive director of the National Book Foundation), and Jane Mayer (staff writer at the New Yorker and author).
After a lunch break, we came to the main event! Caro spoke about his career, the value of being silent and allowing others to speak, and how he deeply and completely pursues his subjects. It was enlightening to hear about how much time and dedication goes into great works like his.
I am so grateful to be back in the city with simple and easy access to events like this! There’s nowhere like New York City…and the Upper West Side ❤️
What author would you love to hear from?
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