Heroes for My Son

I’m of a firm opinion that Brad Meltzer is always writing, be it in his head or actually writing–or thinking about writing. Known for his numerous bestselling works of fiction, Heroes for My Son, is Meltzer’s first non-fiction book. Here is how the book (released May 11)  is described at the project’s blog: “When Brad Meltzer’s first son Jonas was born eight years ago, the bestselling writer and new father started compiling a list of heroes whose virtues and talents he wanted to share with his son. Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Jim Henson, Amelia Earhart, Mohammed Ali…and so many more, each one an ordinary person who was able to achieve the extraordinary. The list grew to include the fifty-two amazing people now gathered together in Heroes for My Son, a book that parents and their children—sons and daughters alike—can now enjoy together as they choose heroes of their own.” It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a chance to interview Meltzer, the first time for this blog in fact, and I’m always happy when I get to pick Meltzer’s brain.

Tim O’Shea: Sometimes when folks make “best of” or ranking books of any kind, they have to brace for the readers who ask “why didn’t you include?”. Not only are you braced for it, in fact you are inviting folks to tell you about their heroes. This did not surprise me as you always have figured out ways to get your audience involved in your work. Two questions, are you enjoying getting people’s stories about heroes even more than you expected? When did you first decide it was a priority to get the audience so engaged?

Brad Meltzer: The idea of including a spot in the back of the book for people to include their own heroes solely came from my belief that there are heroes everywhere. I love that fact. And I want to hear more. Why not use the hive mind?

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