New Books in Journalism

Alex Vernon, "Peace Is a Shy Thing: The Life and Art of Tim O'Brien" (St. Martin's Press, 2025)

Jul 5, 2025
Alex Vernon, M.E. & Ima Graves Peace Distinguished Professor of English at Hendrix College and a Persian Gulf War veteran, dives deep into the life and work of Tim O'Brien, an iconic American novelist. He shares insights from his extensive research, including over one hundred interviews and previously unseen materials. Topics include O'Brien’s transformative experiences in Vietnam, the evolution of his literary voice, and unpublished anecdotes that reveal the intersection of personal history and major historical events. The conversation beautifully unpacks how these elements shaped O'Brien’s narrative style.
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ANECDOTE

Genesis of Writing the Biography

  • Alex Vernon met Tim O'Brien in 2003 and developed a trustful relationship over many years.
  • O'Brien personally asked Vernon in 2018 to write his biography, opening himself as a resource for the book.
INSIGHT

Historical Context Shapes Lives

  • People are products of their times, and historical context shapes personality and decisions.
  • Placing O'Brien's life within Cold War events gives readers a deeper understanding of his influences and era.
INSIGHT

Beyond the War Writer Label

  • Tim O'Brien resents being labeled solely a war writer because he values exploring the human condition.
  • His work spans war and non-war themes, focusing on character and moral conflict across all his texts.
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