In this memoir, journalist-turned-professor Linda Kay discusses a time in her life as a young reporter. She meets famous author Nelson Algren who is researching the conviction of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter for murder. Her relationship with Mr. Algren happens at a formative time in her career, and her work on Mr. Carter's story opened several opportunities for her.

The book is also about truth: what is it? How can it best be portrayed in reporting, in biography, even in fiction? Is objectivity possible? The conviction, retrial and subsequent release (without a finding of innocence) of Rubin Carter helps the reader to more fully understand the issues the author is struggling with in defining truth and objectivity. ( )