Meryl Gordon

Meryl Gordon is an award-winning journalist and tenured NYU journalism professor. She is the author of four biographies; two have been New York Times bestsellers. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times.

A native of Rochester, New York and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Gordon has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, TV and radio reporter. She has covered a wide array of topics including national politics, influential New Yorkers, police and courts, economics and business, fashion, food, celebrities, pioneering women and book reviews. She is based in New York City.

Gordon's new book is The Woman Who Knew Everyone: The Power of Perle Mesta, Washington's Most Famous Hostess.

Recently I asked the author about what she was reading. Gordon's reply:

Since I am a biographer, people expect me to read a lot of biographies and sometimes I do, to see how other authors frame their subjects and deal with the ambiguities. But for pleasure, I’m much more likely to read novels, mysteries, fantasy and books recommended by friends.

A few high points of this year: Martin MacInnes’ stunning novel In Ascension. Riveting, beautifully-written futuristic book, kept me up late at night, made me think. Satisfying ending, which rarely seems to happen.

Ian Rankin’s latest in the Inspector Rebus series: Midnight and Blue. I am addicted to this series, and in this new book, the writer is in top form.

My favorite book gifts to friends continues to be Rachel Joyce’s trilogy, beginning with The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. So surprising, so meaningful, so fascinating to hear the same story from the perspective of three characters. Reminder of how we all experience life in different ways.

My reading has taken a different turn since the July death of my husband, political columnist Walter Shapiro. Another widow recommended, How to Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies, by Therese Rando. I initially resisted the suggestion but ultimately found the book to be tremendously helpful. It made me understand that I wasn’t going crazy, that a lot of my reactions are normal.

I also rediscovered the work of Anne Lamott, especially Traveling Mercies. She is so wise and honest and even funny at times, writing about loss and grief and healing. A comforting companion on life’s journey.

Visit Meryl Gordon's website.

The Page 99 Test: The Phantom of Fifth Avenue.

Writers Read: Meryl Gordon (October 2017).

The Page 99 Test: Bunny Mellon.

My Book, The Movie: Bunny Mellon.

My Book, The Movie: The Woman Who Knew Everyone.

--Marshal Zeringue