Adventures in Journalism from the former editor of Woodstock Times, with illustrations by Will Lytle
“Brian Hollander has long been at the center of Woodstock and Hudson Valley life. His experiences as a journalist, musician, and elected official have given him a unique understanding of our community. His insightful observations and reflections place a firm stamp on our shared identity. A wonderful collection of essays.” –Richard Heppner, Woodstock Town Historian
“His voice is honest, warm, generous, and there’s something musical about it, which is no surprise considering that he’s a devoted musician. He’s also got a good, good heart, and it shows.” --Sigrid Heath, author of Far Cry
From his very first article, a profile of a pool hall legend in Kingston, Brian Hollander has searched out the unexpected stories that give our community its character. He drives a doctor’s treasured sports car, plays with his bluegrass band at a reception for Bill Clinton, hangs out in a boxing gym above a police station in Catskill that trained Mike Tyson, joins with Woodstockers driving relief supplies to lower Manhattan in the wake of 9/11. With his great eye for detail and his empathetic heart, Hollander reveals people to be at their best when they pursue their passions, be it a lingerie shop owner who moonlights as a baseball umpire or a Woodstock artist who fulfills a commission for the San Francisco Giants. He profiles famous figures such as Sonny Rollins, William Kennedy, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, and Philippe Petit. Yet ordinary people also have extraordinary stories. From 30 years of journalism with Woodstock Times and Kingston Daily Freeman, Hollander has chosen 40 of his favorite pieces. He wants to know how the world works. In middle age he even donned the pads to try semi-pro football. You’ll smile as you read how that turned out.
Brian Hollander was Woodstock Times editor for 19 years. Before that he was a founding DJ at WDST and town supervisor for two terms. He has played in local bands since he arrived in the early 1970s.
