David Corbett is one of those writers that other writers respect. His strong prose style, social awareness, and ability to give true humanity to those on society’s fringe have many comparing him to Graham Greene and James Crumley. His books are also highly entertaining; peppered with realistic, humorous dialogue, and strong, cleanly described, plausible action scenes. On Wednesday, March 31st, BookPeople is lucky to have him for two events.
At 6PM, on the third floor, our Hard Word Book Club will host a special reception and discussion for his second book, Done For A Dime. In the novel, Corbett writes about the murder of a soul sax player in California’s North Bay area and it’s affect on the victim’s musician son and the investigating officer. Corbett exposes the mechanization of political and business corruption, and how the powers that be can get away with the crime as long as long as they pick the right victim. He also creates a realistic and entertaining look at the camaraderie and life of working musicians- providing just enough poetry to the nuts and bolts of their work.
When the clock turns to 7PM, we move the party downstairs for Mr. Corbett’s discussion and signing of his latest, Do They Know I’m Running. The story concerns a young Salvador-American’s attempt to help get his illegal uncle back into the states through the South and Central American smuggling routes. Along the way, he has to trust some pretty untrustworthy people, including a mysterious Iraqi. The book breaks down the business of human trafficking – putting us in the emotional shoes of those in that last act of desperation, who get exploited and vilified at the same time. It could be his most epic and intimate work.
— Scott Montgomery
BookPeople 