Four Seasons with Anthony Doerr

Courtsey photo.

The current writer in residence for the state of Idaho, Anthony Doerr, is kind of a big deal.

His first book, a collection of short stories entitled, “The Shell Collector,” won the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, two O. Henry Prizes, and was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. His second book, “About Grace,” was listed as a “Best Book of 2004” by the Washington Post. The Guardian concurred, writing:

To say this book is beautiful, extraordinary or moving is futile. In comparison with Anthony Doerr’s word-perfect prose, any description of his first novel seems trite. Just buy ‘About Grace,’ call in sick, switch off the phone and see for yourself how good contemporary fiction can be.

In 2007, Granta, a British literary magazine placed Doerr in the big leagues, calling him one of the top twenty-one Best Young American Novelists. Not too shabby, especially coming from the Brits.

His newest work, “Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World,” is drawn from his year living in Rome, Italy with his wife and six-month-old twins. He reads from the great writers before him, spends days in piazzas people watching, and witnesses the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

So far, reviews have all been absolutely stellar. Booksense wrote: “This is a wonderful book: it’s funny, insightful, tender, and wise.”

Doerr will read from “Four Seasons in Rome,” at Iconoclast Books in Ketchum at 5:30 on Saturday, September 29. If you love travel, Italy, fabulous prose, or rearing children, this is an event you cannot miss.