Writing is, at its heart, an act of faith. The physical reality of writing is very boring to witness. (For me, it consists of sitting for a prolonged period in one spot and taking frequent naps.) But it requires an openness of heart, a willingness to give and to receive, something I sometimes refer to as a suspension of disbelief. You must accept that there are people unlike you and that they, too, have a heart and a soul and a reason to exist. There are realities that are not your realities, and, as a writer, you must open yourself to those realities. They don’t necessarily alter your thinking or your character – although they might – but what is writing if not trying to see the world as others see it, with the hope (perhaps vain, perhaps not) that we will all come to see something different? In the end, I hope it is something beautiful, more just, and less violent.
If I did not think this, I would not bother to write because, let’s face it, the actual act of writing is inglorious. It takes time from those I love. The dog begs for walks; the garden, for water. I could be taking even more naps.
All this is to say that I owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone who helped this book come to fruition. Not just those who helped me write, edit, and fact-check (although they are a very important part of the book!) but also all of the people who shared their stories with me. Not everything made it into the book, of course, but please know that I carry them with me and that they informed the writing.
Most of all, the people I want to thank are the tireless advocates, community members, and those who strive for a more peaceful world. I owe so much to you and your work. Without your efforts to seek justice for loved ones, for communities, for entire peoples, I would have nothing to write about.
I am also very grateful to everyone who has read and commented on the book. Pictures of the book and people reading it bring me great joy. Who would have thought anyone would read 400 pages on sheriffs? Thank you all.
(Also if you emailed me and I didn’t email you back, this is a graceful way of saying thank you!)
Events
I have some upcoming events I am pleased to announce.
September 25 (Wednesday), I will be in conversation with John Ganz at The Word is Change. (Please note the new location!)
The first week of October will be my own small “Texas tour.” I will be at the Univerisity of Texas on October 2 and at Interabang Books in Dallas on Friday, October 4, in conversation with Steve Montacelli.
I also have upcoming events at Vanderbilt and Tulane, and, hopefully soon, in Los Angeles.
Reviews
In addition to this stunning review from Linda Greenhouse at The New York Review of Books, The Highest Law in the Land was also reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, which called it “a feat of investigative reporting and astute legal analysis of how such sheriffs make their counties into fiefdoms.”
You can order the book at many places here. (It’s also available as an audiobook.) You can also read an excerpt here.
Is there a way to buy a signed hardback?
Can't wait to read it. Pinellas County Sheriff needs a comeuppance and I am sure I will be inspired.