There is no question that the literary world has been deeply saddened by the recent passing of Robin Williams. He was among the most talented and prolific writers of all time, and his literary legacy will live on for many years to come. But the loss of such an iconic figure has also inspired many writers and fans, and they have taken the opportunity to express their love for his work and work ethic in books that pay tribute to his genius.
The Night Watch
One of the first and hands-down best books written in response to Robin Williams’ passing is The Night Watch by Glen Goehring. The book was published earlier this year, and it is the highly anticipated and long-awaited literary tribute to the late comedian, actor, and all-around legendary genius.
The Night Watch is a collection of linked short stories about various people and organizations involved in the fight against crime and corruption in modern-day Tokyo. The stories are told from the perspectives of varying characters, including an undercover cop, a young boy who witnessed his father being murdered, an elderly man who has devoted his life to studying ghosts, a high-ranking member of the yakuza gang, and more.
The Night Watch is an essential read for anyone who is interested in Japanese culture, the yakuza organization, or just want to read a story about one of the most iconic figures in modern history. And, let’s be honest, who isn’t?
Million Dollar Arm
Another incredible literary feat that pays homage to Robin Williams is Million Dollar Arm by Joe Hartwick. According to the publisher’s website, this true story “follows the inspirational tale of how a sports agent and his client, a journeyman baseball pitcher, became a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.”
The book has received universally rave reviews, with praise going to Hartwick for masterminding such an enthralling narrative and to Joe DiGenova for his portrayal of Tom Seaver, the agent in the story. It was originally published last year, and it went on to become a New York Times bestseller.
What makes Million Dollar Arm so special is that it not only evokes the life and work of Robin Williams but also compares it to the story of Joe DiMaggio and his remarkable 56-year career. Like DiMaggio, Tom Seaver started out as a very talented ballplayer but eventually became well-known for his leadership and ability to negotiate advantageous contracts for his clients. The book, however, is much more than just a tale of two ballplayers who rose to fame and fortune during the golden age of sports. It also weaves in the often-haunting tales of Seaver’s family, specifically his father, who was also a professional baseball player. The book is an incredible piece of work and will, no doubt, continue to be cited as a masterpiece for years to come.
Vince Vaughn Movie Guide
Vince Vaughn is one of the most unique and talented directors working today. Known for his fastidious research, encyclopedic memory, and off-beat sense of humor, Vaughn’s movies are always original, funny, and full of memorable moments.
This cinematic virtuoso has put his spin on classic stories such as The Odd Couple and White House Down. He has also written and directed a feature-length adaptation of Will Durant’s The Story of Philosophy, and the acclaimed A Better Man. For those who want to learn more about the fascinating life and mind of Vince Vaughn, there is a brand new book entirely devoted to the subject: The Vince Vaughn Movie Guide.
The Vaughn Movie Guide is a definitive reference tool, packed with insider tips on how to watch and interpret the great director’s films. It is also a veritable who’s who of stars, including Neil Patrick Harris, Woody Harrelson, and Kevin Spacey, who all appear here in character and talk about their experiences working on Vaughn’s films. This is an encyclopedia that will be prized by fans and movie scholars alike.
What We Love About You
If you are a longtime reader of this blog then you will know that we often spotlight movies that fall under the heading of romance. And, although we usually associate that genre with big studio spectaculars and Oscar-winning campaigns, there is an entire world of independent film focused on love, emotions, and the complexities of being in a relationship.
One such film is What We Love About You by director Anna Boden. The story focuses on three women who form an unlikely friendship in a New York City coffee shop. They discuss their exes, their love lives, and the ups and downs of being single. What We Love About You is the type of film that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in love or just wants to understand better what their friends are talking about when they bring up their boyfriends or girlfriends. It is a warm, compassionate film that proves sometimes the simplest gestures can have the greatest impact. If you’ve ever felt like a spare part in someone else’s life, then this is the movie for you.
We also want to give a special mention to director Jason Reitherman’s The Last Stand, which also focuses on the subject of romance. Reitherman is best known for directing the 2015 movie House of Gucci and making his directorial debut with The Last Stand. It was a passion project for Reitherman, who initially made the film as a homage to his late father’s favorite Westerns. He saw it as a chance to explore and challenge himself as a director, and he did not disappoint. The Last Stand is a Western that takes place in 2019, where the United States has turned into a chaotic world of violence and gangs. After a fashion designer is gunned down in front of his family’s Italian restaurant, his three children find themselves the target of a vicious turf war between two rival street gangs. With the future of the family’s business and their very survival in doubt, the children must learn to prioritize their safety over their passion for fashion.
These ten books are just a small selection of the wonderful literature being written in Robin Williams’ honor. There is an entire world of literature and other forms of art that have been inspired by his talent and legacy, and we look forward to seeing what else writers and artists can come up with in the future.