SKU: 68716785739

The Lifespan of a Fact

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Description

The Lifespan of a FactHow negotiable is a fact? In 2003, after publishing his book of experimental essays, Halls of Fame, John D'Agata was approached by Harper's magazine to write an essay for them, one that was eventually rejected due to disagreements related to its fact checking. That essay which eventually became the foundation of D'Agata's critically acclaimed About a Mountain was accepted by another magazine, the Believer, but not before they handed it to their own

How negotiable is a fact? In 2003, after publishing his book of experimental essays, Halls of Fame, John D'Agata was approached by Harper's magazine to write an essay for them, one that was eventually rejected due to disagreements related to its fact checking. That essay which eventually became the foundation of D'Agata's critically acclaimed About a Mountain was accepted by another magazine, the Believer, but not before they handed it to their own fact-checker, Jim Fingal. What resulted from that assignment, and beyond the essay's eventual publication in the magazine, was seven years of arguments, negotiations, and revisions as D'Agata and Fingal struggled to navigate the boundaries of literary nonfiction.

This book includes an early draft of D'Agata's essay, along with D'Agata and Fingal's extensive discussion around the text. What emerges is a brilliant and eye-opening meditation on the relationship between "truth" and "accuracy" and a penetrating conversation about whether it is appropriate for a writer to substitute one for the other.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 02/27/2012
ISBN: 9780393340730
Pages: 123
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.90w x 0.40d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2011
Publishers Weekly 12/12/2011
New York Times Book Review 02/26/2012 pg. 1
New York Times Book Review 03/04/2012 pg. 22
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SKU: 68716785739

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4.8 ★★★★★
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Clair Brendel
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 3
flawed and sweet
Format: Kindle
While the premise of the book was endearing, it quickly felt under-researched and over-represented. Giving characters mental health diagnoses while describing only surface level or self-diagnosed criteria makes the characters feel stereotypical and under-developed. The manic-like decision making of one of the main characters is often used as a plot point, making it feel like a gimmick to blame the character’s “neurodivergence”. Had there been better research and understanding into mental health diagnoses, and less stereotypically representation, it would have been easier to enjoy. Aside from that I liked the premise of the plot and found the build of found family, friendship, and love to be sweet.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mia Evans
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect spring romcom!
Format: Paperback
What a beautiful story about finding the life and partner that works for you. I may need to go buy a flower farm and come right back! If you want a book with the most perfect spring vibes this is it! I loved that Opal and Pepper had such complementary skills when it came to the flower farm. Opal bought a flower farm for the vibes and without Pepper would have had absolutely no hope of maintaining it. Honestly relatable. I loved seeing them working together and learning to understand one another. I also loved how this story explored neurodivergence and the different strengths and struggles it can bring. Opal's experience of being neurodivergent is dissimilar to other descriptions I have read and I really appreciated it. I became a reader because I love seeing how people's minds work differently but with how much I read it's unusual that I come across a character who really stands out. Opal is one who does. If you want a story that is the perfect escapism while also being very grounded in issues and experiences people have then this is the perfect fit! I love reading books about things that sound so incredibly cool, like owning a flower farm, but I would be completely terrible at! I'm over here like maybe I do need a flower farm and my half-dead houseplants are judging me. Thanks to St. Martins Press!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
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Nerdy-Birdy101
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
Good!
Format: Paperback
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC! I love Mazey’s writing and character-building! The setting of a flower farm was splendid. The sapphic romance was lovely. You go to see inside both of the character’s heads and understand their viewpoint and reasoning. My girl Lizzie and her cake-making were mentioned!! I think it would be lovely if Opal’s sisters were able to have their happily ever afters told in the future.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
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E
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Neurospicy and queer spicy
Format: Paperback
I absolutely love this book. If you're looking for lesbian, spicy love but realistic with healthy relationship principles, and relatable neurodivergent characters, you'll love it too.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2026
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Verified Purchase
CJ
Draper, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute + Cozy Read
Format: Paperback
This was a super cute + cozy. quick read! The characters were sweet + relatable. It made me happy as I read it. If you're looking for a light book to read that still gives you the feels, I highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024

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