Tod Goldberg's latest novel, "Only Way Out", delves into the darker side of human nature, where characters are driven by poor decisions and morally ambiguous choices. Set in a dying resort town on the Oregon coast, the story revolves around a group of misfits - a failed lawyer, his child-prodigy sister planning an audacious heist, a corrupt cop, and an ex-con with secrets to hide.
For Goldberg, exploring this world was not only a departure from his long-running "Gangsterland" series but also an opportunity to hone his craft. Writing for this novel required him to adopt different voices and styles, allowing him to experiment with the complexities of these characters' stories.
The author's love for crime fiction is evident in his admiration for Daniel Woodrell's work, particularly his debut novel "Winter's Bone". Woodrell's ability to balance gritty realism with lyrical prose has inspired Goldberg's own writing style. On the other hand, novels that have left him underwhelmed include Moby Dick, which, he admits, may simply not be his cup of tea.
Goldberg's own reading habits are as eclectic as his writing style. He often discovers new authors through sheer chance or word-of-mouth recommendations. Some recent reads include "The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War with Forbidden Literature" and Susan Straight's enchanting novel, "Sacrament". His preference for audiobooks has led him to enjoy the narration of Colin Firth in Graham Greene's classic novel, "The End of the Affair".
When asked about his favorite books or authors, Goldberg offers a diverse list that includes "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo and Mary Yukari Waters' poignant "The Laws of Evening". These recommendations showcase his appreciation for well-crafted storytelling across various genres.
In terms of upcoming reads, Goldberg has already begun devouring Maggie St. Thomas's new release, "Subject: Punk", and Lou Berney's gripping novel, "Crooks".
For Goldberg, there is no substitute for the allure of complex characters navigating intricate plots. He finds himself drawn to books that explore the human condition in all its complexity - whether it's a crime novel or a literary masterpiece. Whether he finishes every book he starts is beside the point; his love for reading is an ongoing journey that takes him through diverse genres and narratives, often leaving him with more questions than answers.
For Goldberg, exploring this world was not only a departure from his long-running "Gangsterland" series but also an opportunity to hone his craft. Writing for this novel required him to adopt different voices and styles, allowing him to experiment with the complexities of these characters' stories.
The author's love for crime fiction is evident in his admiration for Daniel Woodrell's work, particularly his debut novel "Winter's Bone". Woodrell's ability to balance gritty realism with lyrical prose has inspired Goldberg's own writing style. On the other hand, novels that have left him underwhelmed include Moby Dick, which, he admits, may simply not be his cup of tea.
Goldberg's own reading habits are as eclectic as his writing style. He often discovers new authors through sheer chance or word-of-mouth recommendations. Some recent reads include "The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War with Forbidden Literature" and Susan Straight's enchanting novel, "Sacrament". His preference for audiobooks has led him to enjoy the narration of Colin Firth in Graham Greene's classic novel, "The End of the Affair".
When asked about his favorite books or authors, Goldberg offers a diverse list that includes "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo and Mary Yukari Waters' poignant "The Laws of Evening". These recommendations showcase his appreciation for well-crafted storytelling across various genres.
In terms of upcoming reads, Goldberg has already begun devouring Maggie St. Thomas's new release, "Subject: Punk", and Lou Berney's gripping novel, "Crooks".
For Goldberg, there is no substitute for the allure of complex characters navigating intricate plots. He finds himself drawn to books that explore the human condition in all its complexity - whether it's a crime novel or a literary masterpiece. Whether he finishes every book he starts is beside the point; his love for reading is an ongoing journey that takes him through diverse genres and narratives, often leaving him with more questions than answers.
just finished reading this interview with Todd Goldberg and I gotta say, the dude's got some amazing taste in books 
he's always on the lookout for complex characters and intricate plots, which is totally relatable to me too 
I love how he mentioned Daniel Woodrell as an inspiration - his writing style is so unique and captivating 
and it's cool to see him appreciate Susan Straight's work too 
audiobooks are definitely a thing now, I'm a fan of them myself, especially when Colin Firth is narrating 
gotta check out some of the books on his recommended list, Empire Falls sounds intriguing 
. Dying resort town on the Oregon coast sounds like a great setting for some dark drama...
And what's up with the author's love for Daniel Woodrell, but not Moby Dick? Doesn't he think Melville is a bit too deep for his taste? 
Plus, his reading habits seem pretty random - "The CIA Book Club" and "Sacrament" out of nowhere? 
I need some sources or context before I believe this guy's literary tastes are genuine. 
. The way he weaves together these complex characters is pure magic 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to read about a group of misfits trying to escape their demons in a dying resort town? It's like the ultimate drama fest 
. And Goldberg's style reminds me so much of Daniel Woodrell - have you read "Winter's Bone"? That's some deep stuff 
his writing style is so different from what I'm used to but in a good way? It's like he's trying out all these different voices and styles like they're experiments or something 
I love how he says that Daniel Woodrell is his go-to guy for gritty realism with lyrical prose - same here! I mean, have you read Winter's Bone? It's a masterpiece 
but Goldberg's writing style is so unique that it's hard to compare. Anyway, I need to get back to reading ASAP because this one left me wanting more 
And have you read "The Laws of Evening" by Mary Yukari Waters? It's such a beautiful, poignant novel that explores the human condition in so many ways 
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so i was thinking have you guys ever been to the oregon coast? it's like so beautiful there 
i always wanted to visit but never had the chance 
. What about you guys? Got any must-reads to share?
. Goldberg's influences are showing, from Woodrell to Greene, but he's still got his own unique style 
I'm intrigued by Goldberg's eclectic reading habits, from crime fiction to literary masterpieces. Who knew there was a "CIA Book Club"? 
. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a bunch of misfits in a dying resort town? It sounds like a real page-turner 
. I'm sure the themes of poor decisions and morally ambiguous choices will keep me on the edge of my seat... not. I've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (which, coincidentally, I found at a thrift store in a dying resort town). Anyway, Goldberg's fans might enjoy his latest effort, but I'll stick to reading about the lives of complex characters navigating intricate plots. At least then I can relate 
it's not just about crime fiction for me, i love how he weaves together intricate plots and morally complex characters that make you question everything 
the story's so convoluted it'll keep u guessin til the very end 
his writin style's evolved so much since gangsterland i think he's finally found his groove 
. Woodrell's writing style is def one of my faves too 