Reporter: A Memoir

The world of journalism is constantly evolving. The written column or story researched with constant scrutiny has been usurped by the quick scrolling news flash or soundbite. Seymour Hersh is a writer who has managed to keep relevant and hard working for over 50 years. His toughness and thick skin developed in the south side of Chicago. Hersh lost his father at a young age, he helped run the family business. His foray into journalism was nudged along by chance encounters with writers and professors who noticed what Hersh didn’t. He had a voice that needed to be heard. Hersh would throw himself into reporting, cultivating high-level sources in government. His coverage of the My Lai massacre and the subsequent cover-up won him accolades and established his credentials in the news world. His willingness to tackle the controversial topics, whether they be abuse of power, corruption, war crimes, or organized crime, placed Hersh atop the pantheon of great reporters.

“Reporter” is an honest, critical autobiography of a writer who has never shied away from the dark side of the world. Hersh’s critique of his life and work never talks down to the reader, goes in depth to the writing of a story and those who make the work appear front page or deep inside the paper. A refreshing and candid read.