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In Memoriam: The Writers Lost in 2019
Remembering the best, brightest, and most beloved authors who passed this year.
Published on January 13, 2020
Gentle Rogue
Johanna LindseyIt was announced at the end of 2019 that bestselling romance novelist Johanna Lindsey died after battling Stage 4 lung cancer. Her most beloved novel is “Gentle Rogue,” about a woman disguising herself as a man who’s caught the eye of an insatiable and irresistible ex-pirate.
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
Ernest J. GainesAward-winning novelist Ernest J. Gaines, who was honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2013, died November 5 at the age of 86. Gaines wrote many stories about African Americans living in Louisiana, including this book about a former slave who goes on to work once again at a plantation, before seeing the start of the civil rights movement.
Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation
Cokie RobertsCokie Roberts, a veteran broadcast journalist who reported for NPR and ABC News, died on September 17. She was 75. Michelle and Barack Obama called Roberts “a trailblazing figure” and “a role model.” “Founding Mothers,” her engrossing history about the Revolutionary War, illuminates how women helped found a fledgling nation.
The Hurricane Sisters: A Novel
Dorothea Benton FrankDorothea Benton Frank died on September 2 after complications from cancer. She grew up in South Carolina, and set many of her novels there. In this heartwarming story, there’s a faith in the strength of family and an undying hope in rebirth after destruction that shines brighter than the sun on the hottest South Carolina summer day.
Bettyville: A Memoir
George HodgmanGeorge Hodgman, former editor for Simon & Schuster and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and author of this tender and witty memoir about his relationship with his aging mother, died July 21. His story is a quintessential tale of growing up gay in a small town and of bonds that can never be severed, no matter the setbacks.
The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss
Anderson CooperGloria Vanderbilt accomplished much in her 95 years: She entertained us as an actress, she made sure we were fashionable with her line of jeans, and she wrote beautifully. In this emotional memoir, she and her son, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, share the lessons they learned over a year of consciously getting to know one another better. Vanderbilt died on June 17 from stomach cancer.
One Day I Will Write About This Place: A Memoir
Binyavanga WainainaKenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina became widely known as an LGBTQ+ activist, speaking out against Kenya’s laws making homosexuality illegal. In 2014, the year that Wainaina came out as gay, he was named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME. He died on May 21.
Sailor and Fiddler: Reflections of a 100-Year-Old Author
Herman WoukHistorical novelist Herman Wouk left behind a massive legacy after living to be 103 years old. Unlike the memoirists of today who seemingly write about their life in stages and starting at age 25, Wouk wrote his memoir after accruing a century’s worth of observations and experiences. He passed on May 17, only 10 days before his 104th birthday.
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church
Rachel Held EvansIn a time where many lament the ever-increasing divides between red and blue, faithful and and faithless, the haves and the have-nots, Christian writer Rachel Held Evans’ words were a binding balm. With compassion, she critiqued the church from within and touched the hearts of people on both sides of the aisle. She died at the age of only 37 on May 4.
What Makes a Terrorist: Economics and the Roots of Terrorism - 10th Anniversary Edition
What Makes a Terrorist: Economics and the Roots of Terrorism - 10th Anniversary Edition
Alan B. KruegerEconomist Alan B. Krueger advised presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and in his book tackled one of the biggest global concerns that plagues our modern society: the rise of terrorism. You’ve probably heard much about terrorism in the past several decades, yet Krueger’s deep dive will give you new perspective on our collective fears. His died by suicide on March 16.
Growing Up
Russell BakerIn his long career, Russell Baker wore many hats, from journalist to columnist at The New York Times to host of PBS’ “Masterpiece Theatre.” He is one of only a handful of people to have won Pulitzer Prizes in both the Arts & Letters and Journalism categories. He passed on January 21 at the age of 93.
Dream Work
Mary OliverIf you’re the type to find solace in nature, to linger in the sun’s last light, or to stretch your toes in the sand, Mary Oliver’s poetry might just make you cry. She was one of America’s favorite poets even at a time when appreciation of the form was fading. Oliver died on January 17 at the age of 83.