Assessing How We Define Diversity - Seattle University

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Bookmarks
The King of Methlehem by Mark Lindquist, ’95 (Simon & Schuster).
A conniving, repugnant meth cook—who operates under the aliases of various famous
folks—is the self-proclaimed “King of Methlehem,” an elusive dealer one step ahead
of veteran detective Wyatt James. Unable to nab the dealer, James becomes more and
more obsessed, leading to a tumultuous finale. The King of Methlehem, Mark Lindquist’s
fourth novel, features the author’s trademark fast, free-flowing prose and sharp dialogue.
Telling the story from shifting points of view, Lindquist sets his two main characters on a
collision course and gives the reader a tour through the meth subculture.
Lindquist’s cinematic writing style and portrayal of a likable, determined detective make
the pages fly, but the novel ends too quickly and lacks the proper setup work to deliver
an emotional payoff at its climax; nevertheless, there’s much to like, including numerous
entertaining pop-culture references. Characters quote P.J. O’Rourke and play poker while
listening to Sid Vicious doing a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
Those who call Tacoma, Wash., home will be happy to see an author give props to
T-Town. As Lindquist writes, “Coolness, like freshness, fades, and as it ebbed from
Seattle, it flowed into Tacoma.”
—Nick Gallo
Best New American Voices 2007, edited by Sue Miller, with John Kulka
and Natalie Danford (Harcourt Books).
The latest edition of the Best New American Voices showcases the works of
some of the best young writers and writing programs in the country.
The series, which began in 2000, prides itself on discovering future literary
stars, with a track record that includes writers Julie Orringer, Maile Meloy,
Jennifer Vanderbes, John Murray and David Benioff. And now add Alice
J. Marshall, adjunct professor of English at Seattle University, to that list.
Marshall’s short story, “By Any Other Name,” opens the book and is a
tight, if too brief, piece on shared bonds and unexpected outcomes.
When Mr. Smith notices that his neighbor, Mrs. Martin, has inexplicably
neglected her garden—particularly her cherished roses—he volunteers
his services to tidy things up. When he learns the reason behind the
lapse in care, he is compelled even further to pitch in, though perhaps
Mrs. Martin isn’t as receptive to the gesture as one might expect.
Marshall packs a reasonable amount of detail into a slim 20 pages.
Her conversational style makes this a pleasant read and sets the
stage for a continuation of the story, perhaps? —Tina Potterf
Editor’s Note: If you have a book published, Seattle University Magazine wants to hear about it. We review
*books released within the past two years by alumni, faculty and staff. Send notice to: sumagazine@seattleu.edu.
36 | Alumni Focus