Mailer Story in Esquire...

Oh, and IJAG: Dead. To. Me.

 

Although I read Esquire every month, and it's my favorite mag, I probably wouldn't have read that if Jones hadn't pointed it out. I don't like Junod's writing. Well, I loathe Junod's writing -- for its incredible self-indulgence, for his need to insinuate himself into every piece, for his need, probably 10 years ago, to insinuate even Tom Junod's mom into the beginning of a piece about whether Kevin Spacey is gay. I know all about the awards and the insane amount of money they pay him, and yet his writing makes me cringe. I feel ashamed for him. I could be wrong -- well, I could be outnumbered -- but that's how I feel with no hatchet to hone, having never met Tom Junod.

This piece was really good. He wrote in the first person yet somehow did not get in the way of the story for a change. And yet ...

Are there no editors at Esquire with the guts to say, "Tom, the only reason you are writing in the first person is because you can. You can have the ending. But the world is less fascinated with Tom Junod than it is with Norman Mailer. Every point you made could be made even better without 'I.' Consider it, Tom honey sweetie. And introductory phrases such as what it means is, and the thing is, and put it this way, and here is where it gets a little complicated ... freshman composition by the slacker in the back row, Tom. Flabby. Unnecessary. You are better than that!"

I get the impression people are afraid to edit him. It's like a high school teacher who lets the good students coast instead of challenging them to be the best they can be.

 

Dammit, I should have copyrighted that before you and sportschick pilfered it for your own grubby use.

As seen here: Frank_Ridgeway is Dead. To. Me. (I heart Tom Junod)

 

That is fantastic, Frank.

 

I know haven't been here long, but I am offended that I was not included among the lazy, just like when I didn't win worst case of senioritis in high school.

 

Jesus. You used to have my pubes and asshairs in your tagline. Well, not literally.

 

By the way, and slightly back on topic, how much does said Mr. Junod make? Just out of curiosity.

And when does Esquire usually come? I just started subscribing and believe this is the first month I'll be getting it.

 

Yes, Jonesy, The Executioner's Song. I enjoyed it, but I don't have much Mailer to which I can compare it. Of note in that book was Mailer's brief encounter with a guy named Geraldo. Apparently, Mr. Rivera invited old Norm to his hotel room for some wacky tobaccy. As I recall, Mailer declined. No word on whether the great safecracker was packing heat.

It's been a few years, but I remember it being a book worth another look. It has a great epic struggle pitting a man against himself. That is, to say, that he's both the antagonist and the protagonist, but I'm no literary chap. So I'm probably coming off as an idiot.

Also, I am aware, Jonesy, of your recent involvement in the BOOKS THREAD. I expect a signed advance copy.