Vestal: Making memoir into art

Over the years, Spokane has attracted quite a few good writers. Some have gone (Sherman Alexie long ago moved to Seattle), but many have stayed put, whether because of loyalty, because of work or because Spokane is their home.

Put Jess Walter among that latter category. In various other categories, you can add Bruce Holbert, Sharma Shields, the poet Tod Marshall, John Keeble, the poet Nance Van Winckel … and so on. The list grows every year.

And it includes Shawn Vestal. On the basis of a short story collection ("Godforsaken Idaho"), a Kindle memoir ("A.K.A. Charles Abbott") and a debut novel ("Daredevils"), the Spokesman-Review columnist has proven to be the real thing. And his fame has spread.

Click here to read a short memoir of the time he cleaned out the house of his just-deceased father. It was published by the British publication The Guardian. And then go out and find copies of his book, buy them (or borrow a copy from the library), and begin reading.

You're likely to be surprised that such a talent has chosen to stick around. And we're lucky he has.