In this Daily: A Longtime Friend of Las Catalinas Has Published a New Book
Kent Alexander, a longtime friend of Las Catalinas, has just published his first book, which is titled The Suspect: An Olympic Bombing, the FBI, the Media, and Richard Jewell, the Man Caught in the Middle. The book covers the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park Bombing that took place during the Olympic Games in Atlanta, as well as the ensuing media frenzy and investigation that turned a heroic security guard, Richard Jewell, into the number one suspect.
The book offers a glimpse into the rise of the 24/7 news cycle its affect on justice | PC: Abrams Books
From Attorney to Author
Kent debuts as an author amidst a long career as an Atlanta-based attorney, one that saw him deeply involved with the U.S. Attorney’s office on the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park case. Kent uses his firsthand knowledge of the case to weave a gripping narrative nonfiction story that touches on Jewell’s history leading to the event, the first journalists to break the story, and the rushed search for a culprit that saw Jewell placed in the spotlight while allowing the true bomber free.
Kent's firsthand experience with the case provides a new perspective on an old case in this narrative nonfiction story | PC: Abrams Books
A collaboration with former Wall Street Journal reporter Kevin Salwen, this novel is a glimpse into the true events of a case surrounded by a whirlwind of opinion and overcoverage, and captures the rise of the 24/7 media cycle in the U.S. as well as one man’s attempt to prove his innocence.
Reception, Adaptation, and Where to Find It
Reception for the book so far has been very positive, including 20th Century Fox's decision to option The Suspect for a future motion picture. Jeffrey Toobin, legal correspondent for CNN and the New Yorker, was among the praise for the book, and had this to say:
"Meticulously reported, bracingly written, full of memorable and bizarre characters, the book casts a wary eye on the worlds of law enforcement and journalism, and their multiple failures in this tale. It’s a story with no winners – except for readers of this terrific book.”
As of today, The Suspect: An Olympic Bombing, the FBI, the Media, and Richard Jewell, the Man Caught in the Middle is available through hardcover and mp3 CD on Amazon and in select bookstores.
Congratulations to Kent for his debut novel.
Kent with co-author Kevin Salwen | PC: Abrams