NPR's Book of the Day Jason Mott’s new novel ‘People Like Us’ is metafiction that was almost memoir
Aug 13, 2025
Jason Mott's new novel dives into the complex interplay between authors and their narratives, reflecting on personal identity in America. He explores love, imperfection, and the emotional ties to national identity. The discussion includes dual narratives that intertwine memoir with fiction, revealing truths while protecting privacy. Gun culture's influence on personal trauma is also examined, using a character's experiences to highlight societal challenges. Mott considers how literary accolades shape public perception and our collective storytelling responsibility.
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Two Authors, Two Americas
- Jason Mott uses two novelist characters to explore different American perspectives and tensions.
- One views America from abroad after fame while the other confronts gun violence at home, revealing layered national identity.
Started As A Memoir
- Mott says the book began as an attempt at a memoir before fiction took over.
- The two characters returned and became split pieces of himself, both aspirational and reflective.
Fiction As Protective Buffer
- Mott explains fiction creates a protective buffer that memoir lacks.
- That distance lets him reveal personal truth while avoiding feeling overexposed.
