In 'The Night of the Gun', David Carr confronts his tumultuous past as a substance abuser, journalist, and an often unreliable narrator. With vivid recollections and interviews with those who knew him, Carr reclaims his story from the murky depths of addiction and memory. The book oscillates between tragic and comical moments, revealing the fine line between the two in Carr's life. As he navigates through different realities of his past, readers are left pondering the complexities of truth and self-perception. This gripping memoir not only examines one man's struggle for redemption but also challenges us to question the authenticity of our own narratives.
By David Carr
Published: 2009
"In the end, the only thing that can save you is the truth, not just the truth you tell others, but the truth you tell yourself."
From David Carr (1956–2015), the “undeniably brilliant and dogged journalist” (Entertainment Weekly) and author of the instant New York Times bestseller that the Chicago Sun-Times called “a compelling tale of drug abuse, despair, and, finally, hope.” Do we remember only the stories we can live with? The ones that make us look good in the rearview mirror? In The Night of the Gun, David Carr redefines memoir with the revelatory story of his years as an addict and chronicles his journey from crack-house regular to regular columnist for The New York Times. Built on sixty videotaped interviews, legal and medical records, and three years of reporting, The Night of the Gun is a ferocious tale that uses the tools of journalism to fact-check the past. Carr’s investigation of his own history reveals that his odyssey through addiction, recovery, cancer, and life as a single parent was far more harrowing—and, in the end, more miraculous—than he allowed himself to remember. Fierce, gritty, and remarkable, The Night of the Gun is “an odyssey you’ll find hard to forget” (People).
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“In the end, the only thing that can save you is the truth, not just the truth you tell others, but the truth you tell yourself.”
The Night of the Gun
By David Carr
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
David Carr was a renowned American journalist and author, celebrated for his incisive commentary on contemporary media and culture. Known for his candid and often personal writing style, Carr's work reflects a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of journalism. His notable works include the memoir 'The Night of the Gun,' where he recounted his struggles with addiction, and 'Media Stylistic,' which critiques the interplay between media and public perception. Carr's unique blend of personal narrative and sharp observation has made him a prominent voice in discussions about the future of news.
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