Wright Thompson Knihy

"Whether it be Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods or Pat Riley or Urban Meyer, Wright Thompson strips the away the self-serving myths and fantasies to reveal his characters in full. There are fascinating common denominators: it may not be the case that every single great performer or coach had a complex relationship with his father, but it can sure seem that way. And there is much marvelous local knowledge: about specific sports, and times and places, and people. Ludicrously entertaining and often powerfully moving, The Cost of These Dreams is an ode to the reporter's art, and a celebration of true greatness and the high price that it exacts"--

"The story of how Julian Van Winkle III, the caretaker of the most coveted cult Kentucky Bourbon whiskey in the world, fought to protect his family's heritage and preserve the taste of his forebears, in a world where authenticity, like his product, is in very short supply ... Julian Van Winkle, the third-generation head of his family's business, is now thought of as something like the Buddha of Bourbon--Booze Yoda, as Wright Thompson calls him. He is swarmed wherever he goes, and people stand in long lines to get him to sign their bottles of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, the whiskey he created to honor his grandfather, the founder of the family concern ... Forty years ago, Julian would have laughed in astonishment if you'd told him what lay ahead. He'd just stepped in to try to save the business after his father had died, partly of heartbreak, having been forced to sell the old distillery in a brutal downturn in the market for whiskey. Julian's grandfather had presided over a magical kingdom of craft and connoisseurship, a genteel outfit whose family ethos generated good will throughout Kentucky and far beyond"--

Set against the backdrop of Mississippi, this book intricately explores the complexities of the region, highlighting both its beauty and brutality. Through powerful reporting, it delves into the intertwined nature of the state's best and worst qualities, offering a profound reckoning that emphasizes the importance of understanding its multifaceted identity. The narrative promises to be both layered and impactful, making it a significant read for those interested in the deep cultural and historical context of Mississippi.

The investigation into Emmett Till's murder uncovers a complex web of historical and societal forces that culminated in a pivotal moment for civil rights in America. Wright Thompson reveals significant inaccuracies in the widely accepted narrative, highlighting the involvement of multiple individuals and the true location of the crime. Through meticulous research, he explores the transformation of the land from Choctaw territory to a site of racial violence, offering a profound examination of white supremacy and its enduring impact on American society.