Behind the Book Review: I wrote about Erik Larson's latest for the NYT

A cautionary tale.

I liked Larson’s book on Churchill and the Blitz, and thought I’d like this one, too…

This is not a burn: Erik Larson, a journalist-turned-author, should have an expert review his next manuscript.

Everyone should. I’m an expert and I do it.¹

Icarus, plate VIII from the illustrated book "Jazz.” Henri Matisse: The Cut Outs. Karl Buchberg, Nicholas Cullinan, Jodi Hauptmann, Nicholas Serota, Tate Publishing, London, 2014.

I consider it self-care. I’d rather be challenged by a second reader in private than a book reviewer in public; the former allows me to refine, strengthen, or abandon, while the latter leaves me exposed.²

I don’t like writing pans but I did like my intro.

In the past, Larson has been dragged for presenting fantasy as fact.³