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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · 11d

A midnight blue LaSalle, circa 1940

John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · 23d

I’m biking on a beautiful afternoon, the trees alive with the setting sun, and I see an older man in saffron robes on the sidewalk, his gentle gait and head held low making me think, “This guy gets it.” Then, passing by him, I see his forefinger, just as gently, scrolling down the face of his phone.

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Aug 27

Behold the 2025 Kirkus Prize finalists!
lithub.com/here-are-the...

Here are the finalists for the 2025 Kirkus Prize.

Today, Kirkus Reviews announced the 18 finalists for the 2025 Kirkus Prize, in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Readers’ Literature. Finalists are chosen from the pool of writers wh…

lithub.com

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Aug 21

So many of us are indebted to Malcolm Margolin, who did much to celebrate the culture and history of California. I’ll miss his passion, his wisdom and his wit — and his endearing Boston accent. May his memory be a blessing.
www.berkeleyside.org/2025/08/20/m...

‘A mighty redwood of a man has fallen.’ Remembering Malcolm Margolin, founder of Heyday books

Writer, editor and publisher Malcolm Margolin, who promoted Indigenous cultural renewal across California, died Wednesday. He was 84.

www.berkeleyside.org

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Jul 27

Farewell to a master satirist. #tomlehrer

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Reposted by John McMurtrie

MIT Press @mitpress.bsky.social · Jun 1

Kirkus Reviews nonfiction editor @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social recommends "More Butch Heroes" in a Pride Month round-up of new standout LGBTQ+ titles:

Pride Month Reads: 5 New LGBTQ+ Nonfiction Books | Kirkus Reviews

These essential titles shed light on queer lives, past and present.

www.kirkusreviews.com

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Apr 19

These lines from Dawn Staley’s “Uncommon Favor” (Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, May 20):
“Every fiber of my soul screamed sports, sports, sports. Before long, my family nicknamed me ‘Dirt’ because it became clear I’d rather play ball than bathe.”

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Apr 7

Wayne Thiebaud’s delicious “Nine Books,” 1991-92, at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Mar 29

San Francisco beach artist (with rake)

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Mar 11

Hanging out with my buds.

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Mar 8

Randomly met this beauty today: a 1968 Citroën DS.

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Mar 6

Oakland

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Mar 1

The Women of the Black Panther Party Mural, Oakland

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Feb 20

Beautiful day in the neighborhood

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Reposted by John McMurtrie

MIT Press @mitpress.bsky.social · Feb 18

"A creative resurrection of people around the world who broke gender norms." — Kirkus Reviews

Ria Brodell's ingenious project celebrating queer lives continues in "More Butch Heroes," coming this April:

MORE BUTCH HEROES | Kirkus Reviews

Living as themselves—and often punished for it.

www.kirkusreviews.com

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Feb 13

I found a redwood branch that fell during a storm. I brought it home, where it now shines.

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Jan 29

And the best book title of the year (so far) goes to…

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Jan 14

I so enjoyed speaking with Pico Iyer about his outstanding new book, “Aflame: Learning From Silence.” @Riverheadbooks.bsky.social is publishing it today.
www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-fea...

Pico Iyer Talks About the Power of Silence | Kirkus Reviews

In his latest book, ‘Aflame,’ the peripatetic writer extols the virtues of the contemplative life.

www.kirkusreviews.com

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Jan 14

The richness of redwoods at sunset.

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John McMurtrie @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social · Dec 29

Rest in peace, Jimmy Carter. I had the honor of interviewing him twice. He was lighthearted and laughed easily and was as warm as anyone I’ve ever met. In 2015, he played along with me for this photo I took of him.