Famous Writers I Have Known

Reviews / Votes

"Mr. Magnuson spins his rambunctious tale with...evident glee." -- Christopher Kelly - New York Times "Famous Writers I Have Known is the engaging story of an ingenious con-man who enters the world of Creative Writing with a mixture of innocence, nerve and talent. James Magnuson creates a character both cunning and warmhearted. He describes the Texan landscape with a loving and painterly eye, and he re-creates the world of writers and would-be writers with wit and knowledge and dark laughter." -- Colm Toibin, author of Brooklyn "James Magnuson's mischievous comedy of novelists and conmen-professional liars both-is as subtle as it is subversive, as clever as it is courageous, as witty as it is touching. Readers will love it-but writers beware!" -- Jim Crace, author of Being Dead "This is a droll, understated, ultimately sweet-tempered but also keenly savvy send-up of the much-lamented (and misunderstood) creative writing industry in America. A copy could usefully be included in the welcome kit for all new MFA candidates." -- Richard Ford "Jim Magnuson has done something remarkable-written a page-turner about the life of a writer. In his insights into the particular Famous Writer considered here, Magnuson's peerless eye has not missed a single telling detail. His comedy is huge but its also sly: just under the surface of this Portrait of the Almost-Artist as a Cranky Old Man lies a moving meditation on the quest for immortality that drives us all, the mad cry from Othello: "Reputation! Reputation! Reputation!"" -- Anthony Giardina, author of Norumbega Park "A fast, fun read. Magnuson's writing is strong." -- Publishers Weekly "A triumphantly preposterous fish-out-of-water campus caper." -- Elinor Lipman - The Washington Post "Addictive.... A delightful take on writing programs and American life." -- Alan Cheuse, "All Things Considered" "[A] plucky caper." -- Texas Monthly "A fun-filled literary romp." -- Shelf Awareness "Ridiculously entertaining." -- John McMurtrie - SFGate "Tantalizing ... Magnuson nimbly keeps the wheel spinning, neither condemning the whole enterprise of creative writing programs, literary awards and the ambition that drives them, nor fully embracing them. He seems content to simply observe, reflect and entertain." -- Edward Nawotka - Dallas Morning News "[A] gleeful look at literary affectations." -- Adam Woog - Seattle Times