It’s always a sad day when we have to announce additions to the frieze that borders the wall of our store, the Literary Pantheon of notable local writers who have passed away. But we’re also proud to honor them and celebrate their accomplishments. Two new members joined this year.
Barbara Ehrenreich (1941-2022) was a prolific author of politically charged non-fiction, with more than twenty books and numerous essays and exposes to her credit. Her best-known book, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America, describes her experiences in trying (with little success) to get by while earning a living in minimum wage jobs.
Ehrenreich had a home on Sugarloaf Key for many years and a wide circle of friends in the Key West literary community. She fittingly began her Nickel and Dimed quest right here. “I could have had more stability” she says, “if I’d stuck to science or teaching. But I chose adventure and I’ve never for a moment regretted it.” Spoken like a true Key Wester.
Stuart Woods (1938-2022) was a prolific writer of mysteries, sometimes publishing as many as four novels a year. His Stone Barrington series with sixty-four titles is his best known, and contributed to his fifty New York Times bestsellers.
A long-time homeowner in Key West, he maintained this as his primary residence, along with other homes in Maine and Connecticut.
For fuller biographical info and to learn of the full fifty person cast of the Pantheon, check out the newly updated edition of the Guide to the Key West Literary Pantheon, for sale in the store or online.
~ George Cooper, store co-founder