Seldom Disappointed by Tony Hillerman

I enjoyed reading this memoir although I confess to not having read very many Tony Hillerman books. (A quick database check reveals I've read three Leaphorn & Chee novels, one nonfiction anthology, and one fiction anthology that he edited). It's a true memoir, meaning it's based on his complete life, up until the age of 75 when he wrote it. That means there is a lot of material that does not directly relate to his books or writing process. Lots on his WW2 experiences where he earned recognition as well as some nasty wounds in battle. There is also quite a bit from his post-war journalism career followed by his his time in academia. 

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM and so I have many memories of Tony Hillerman's celebrity status for New Mexicans. While it's interesting to read of his life, I wish more of this memoir was devoted to his writing. He does make the point quite well, that all of his lifetime experiences did, in fact, feed his writing. Characters, even Joe Leaphorn, were based on people he'd encountered along the way. Probably more importantly were the plots and situations that his characters encounter which almost always grew from experiences in his own life. His insights on modern-day Indians (and yes, I deliberately use that term -- not "Native Americans" or "Indigenous Peoples" which many Indians consider derogatory) are especially interesting. Throughout the book, he is humble and isn't afraid to be self-deprecating. The book comes across as honest, even when he looks bad in hindsight from time to time. 

It's always fun for me to read autobiographies by authors and this one is a good one. And of course it served its purpose in that I now really feel the need to read more of his fiction.