I just learned that Fresno writer Mark Arax's latest book will be out in mid April, and that should be another treat for the followers of his writings. The title is "West of the West." The subtitle, "Dreamers, Believers, Builders and Killers in the Golden State," seems to sum up nicely the subjects in his crosshairs.
Publishers Weekly has an excellent review of the new book, saying Arax's series of essays move "past mere reportage to a high literary enterprise that beautifully integrates the private and idiosyncratic with the sweep of great historical forces." Now they're selling me on this book.
Arax, the former reporter for the Los Angeles Times, understands this Valley and state as well as any journalist I know. Fresno is his hometown, and he sees our community in ways that make you question the validity of your deeply held convictions about Fresno. You may come to a different conclusion, but you'd be naive not to factor Arax's take into your thinking.
His previous books include "In My Father's Name," and "The King of California: J.G. Boswell and the Making of a Secret American Empire," which Arax co-authored with Rick Wartzman. The latest book is published by PublicAffairs, which is a member of the Perseus Books Group. It will sell for $26.95.
Click here for the complete review from Publishers Weekly. Here's another tidbit from that review: "Expect the unexpected from Arax's reports up and down the state: on the last of the okies, the latest migrants from Mexico, the treesitters of Berkeley, Bay Area conspiracy theorists, an Armenian chicken giant's infamous fall or the mammoth marijuana economy of Humboldt County, among much else."
And we can't leave this subject without repeating something else from the Publishers Weekly review. It says the Arax essays "take the measure of contemporary California with a sure and supple hand, consciously but deservedly taking its place alongside Didion's and Saroyan's great social portraits."
Wow. Put that on the book jacket and watch the cash registers start ringing at Barnes & Noble. I'm there.
That may turn out to be a long one on this blog. It's the adrenaline raising kind. Can't wait! ha!
There's a comic/sad story about Armenian moonshiners in there that's really a story about a life getting an unexpected upending. I can't wait to read that one. I'd buy the book just for that tale, even without this stunning, totaly rocking review. Here's hoping this is just the beginning of a bunch of buzz.
Wow! How wrong was I. No public hanging in sight? Or is it that the right bloggers don't even know who the guy is? hahaha!
blogger dm; bless ya!
I'm happy for Mark.
It says something about Fresno's very own as well.
On a somewhat side note, Arax' cousin Aris Janigian also has a new book out, "Riverbig" that got some good press from Publisher's weekly.
Since I don't know how to bring a topic to the blog, I take the liberty to do it here. It too has something to do with the cultural ranking of Fresno. I would like to see "cage fighting in Woodward Park" being brought to the table. Like so many Fresnans, I believe that such fighting does not belong there. Just reading the newspaper exposes us to more real life brutality than we want in our daily lives. Thank you!
The brevity of time and contraction of space between this blog topic and an earlier one on the potential for a new police auditor in Fresno is almost imperceptible.
Arax is the real deal. He is insightful, intelligent and articulate. His is a voice that causes us to look in the mirror and see the true nature of of culture, society and existence. Indeed, his is a voice vital to the survival of humanity. This is a must read.
I've read his last book on the Boswells. If this one is half as interesting, it'll be a big hit. Arax came to B & N in Modesto when the Boswell book came out. He's a great storyteller both in person & in print.
Bart Turnipseed | February 26, 2009 8:59 PM | Reply
"The brevity of time and contraction of space between this blog topic and an earlier one on the potential for a new police auditor in Fresno is almost imperceptible." I am not smart enough to understand how that one fits in with the topic Mark Arax; and his books.
But that only 7 individuals were interested in the work of our own social commentator author is rather revealing.
I couldn't agree with you more, and on your second point I will just say that you and Mr. Arax share subtle qualities.
Mr. Arax's stories of the Parkers and "Mr. Walter" were like reliving those times. I too came in those buses to Golden California!
I'm really enjoying this book. Anyone know if Mark Arax is going to be speaking or doing any book signings in the Fresno area anytime this summer?
Mark, you need to do another stint on Valley Writer's Read. (IMO) I have a tip you might interested in knowing. Please contact me @ COF, PW Dept.