World Literary Awards

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David Goodwillie

デイヴィッド・グッドウィリー

Deividdo Gudduwirī

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
Paris, France
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Paris (birthplace) → London (grew up) → Montclair, New Jersey → Baltimore, Maryland → Washington, D.C. → New York City (including time in the Chelsea Hotel)

Career

Occupations
novelist, memoirist, journalist, private investigator, auction house specialist, entrepreneur
Active Years
1997-

Education

Kenyon College
Year of Graduation: 1994
Country: United States
Served as captain of the college baseball team; drafted in 1994 by the Newark Buffalos of the Frontier League.
St. George's School

Awards

New York Times Notable Book
2010
Work: American Subversive
Organization: The New York Times
Result: 選出
The New York Times Editors' Choice
2020
Work: Kings County
Organization: The New York Times
Result: 選出
Gotham Book Prize (finalist)
2021
Work: Kings County
Organization: Gotham Book Prize
Result: ファイナリスト

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

2006 memoir / nonfiction

A memoir recounting Goodwillie's years in downtown Manhattan, including time at the Chelsea Hotel, chronicling his struggles to become a writer.

urban lifecoming-of-agestruggles of writing

American Subversive

2010 fiction (political thriller)

A political thriller centered on conspiracy and surveillance; received critical acclaim and was named a New York Times Notable Book.

politicssurveillancemoral choices

Kings County

2020 fiction (literary / suspense)

A Brooklyn-set novel blending character-driven drama and suspense, focusing on moral decisions and interpersonal relationships.

urban relationshipsethical dilemmasfriendship and betrayal
Adaptations
  • [TV series (optioned)] Kings County

Bibliography

  • Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
  • American Subversive
  • Kings County

Adaptations

  • 'Kings County' was optioned for a TV series (announced 2022).

Style & Themes

Literary Style
stylish, witty prosedialogue- and character-driven writingreportage-influenced descriptive detail
Recurring Motifs
urban shadowsmoral choicesyouthful failure and redemption

Legacy

Recognized for portraying urban life and moral dilemmas, Goodwillie has received critical acclaim and multiple notable selections. 'Kings County' being optioned for TV brought additional attention in both commercial and critical spheres.

In Popular Culture

  • Increased public attention following the TV optioning of 'Kings County'.

Quotes

  • "a suspenseful read... Goodwillie is a stylish writer, smart and witty without being a show-off."
    Source: Adelle Waldman (New York Times review) (2020)

Trivia

  • Born in Paris, raised in London, later moved to the United States.
  • Drafted in 1994 by the Newark Buffalos of the Frontier League.
  • Worked at Sotheby's and as a private investigator for Kroll.
  • Parts of 'Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time' were written while staying at the Chelsea Hotel.
  • 'Kings County' was optioned for TV in 2022.