Upstairs at the Strand: Writers in Conversation at the Legendary Bookstore

Book excerpt: Revelatory conversations between renowned writers at New York City’s legendary bookstore. For nearly ninety years, the Strand Book Store has been a New York institution, a legendary mecca for readers throughout the five boroughs, across the country, and around the world. Featuring freewheeling and behind-the-scenes conversations between renowned novelists, playwrights, and poets on how they work, think, and live, Upstairs at the Strand captures the happy collision of books and ideas in the Strand's famed reading series in its Rare Book Room. Upstairs at the Strand is indispensable for aspiring writers, readers of contemporary literature, and devoted fans of the 18 Miles of Books at the Strand Book Store. Contributors include: Renata Adler • Edward Albee • Hilton Als • Paul Auster • Blake Bailey • Alison Bechdel • Tina Chang • Junot Díaz • Deborah Eisenberg • Rivka Galchen • A. M. Holmes • Hari Kunzru • Rachel Kushner • Wendy Lesser • D. T. Max • Leigh Newman • Téa Obreht • Robert Pinsky • Katie Roiphe • George Saunders • David Shields • Charles Simic • Tracy K. Smith • Mark Strand • and Charles Wright.