My Mistake

By Daniel Menaker

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice
 
“At the epicenter of literary New York, Menaker is an irreverent guide to the publishing world’s inner workings . . . His own journey, compelled by his self-knowledge and sense of humor, elevates this memoir into more than witty chatter.” — Chicago Tribune
 
“Impossible to resist.” — Jennifer Egan, author of A Visit from the Goon Squad
 
In these pages Daniel Menaker brings us a “ruefully funny insider’s tour of the publishing world” (Vogue.com). Haunted by a self-doubt sharpened by his role in his brother’s unexpected death, he offers wry, hilarious observations on publishing, child-rearing, parent-losing, and the writing life. But as time passes, we witness a moving, thoughtful meditation on years well lived, well read, and well spent. Full of mistakes, perhaps. But full of effort, full of accomplishment, full of life.
 
“Tender, smart and witty, this book is truly unputdownable.” — Real Simple
 
“Energetic and exhilarating  . . . [Menaker’s] clever, fast-paced prose makes you stop and think and wonder.” — New York Times Book Review
 
“At once jaunty and erudite . . . The writing simply shines.” — San Francisco Chronicle

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Nov 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9780547794242

Daniel Menaker

DANIEL MENAKER (1941- 2020) began his career as a fact checker at The New Yorker, where he became an editor and worked for twenty-six years. A former book editor, Menaker authored of six books and wrote for the New York Times, the Atlantic, Parents, Redbook, and many others.

Reviews for My Mistake

[piemouth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

He worked for the NYer for years and later was in publishing. He has a wry sense of humor and I like how the book blends him talking about his family history and some tragedy and insights into himself with descriptions of work and the interesting people he worked with. He confirms that Shawn was an asshole and that William Maxwell was wonderful (I'd have cried if the latter wasn't true - So Long, See You Tomorrow is one of my favorite books.)

[bobbieharv · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very charming, honest and well-written book. Sad that his whole life is haunted by the title of the book - he feels responsible for the death of his brother. Very interesting inside look at life inside the New Yorker - the second book I've read that confirms what an insular (albeit wonderfully erudite) place it is.With many memoirs, you end up being sick of the person, or at least realizing how narcissistic memoir writing is. Quite the opposite here - I really liked Menaker.