Reading Moore
I discovered my love of reading and fiction at a very young age, and my mother would often say that she rarely saw me in my room without a book in my hand. The habit continued through my years as a student and, subsequently, as an English Professor. Though my love of reading is as strong as ever, the habit subsided significantly when I decided to change my career. I still don’t read nearly as much fiction as I used to, but more time spent at home over the last two years has allowed me to tap into the old habit to some extent, and I would like to share with you one of my favorite contemporary authors, Graham Moore.
Graham Moore writes historical fiction, and my favorite of his novels is The Sherlockian, a must-read for anyone who enjoys suspenseful mysteries, particularly fans of Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. In The Sherlockian, Graham Moore seamlessly weaves together two plots about the death & resurrection of Sherlock Holmes, the murder mystery that takes place over a century later, and a missing diary. Moore captivates his readers with intriguing historical references, imaginative fiction, and delightfully witty and skillful writing.
The Last Days of Night is Moore’s latest novel. It too is based on actual events and depicts the historic rivalry between George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison. It is a story about “the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America.” It is a legal thriller that also sheds light on the great inventor, Nikola Tesla.
“Let us read, and let us dance; these are two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.“ -Voltaire
Graham Moore wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for the historical film, The Imitation Game, which I have watched three times. Needless to say, I highly recommend Moore’s work to all those who have yet to have the pleasure of getting to know it. The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, tells the remarkable and tragic story of Alan Turing, the English genius who led the efforts to crack the German Enigma Code during World War II.
Graham Moore is from Chicago, he graduated from Columbia University, and he currently lives in Los Angeles.
As much as I hope to inspire many of you to read more and Moore, I too am looking for inspiration. Have you recently read a book that is so good, that it motivates you to share it with others? If so, please send me a note with your recommendation.