Walter Kirn!

Welcome to Piece Of Advice!

Good morning! Today we are diving into the life and career of famed author, Walter Kirn!

Walter Kirn has lived a life as colorful and compelling as the characters in his novels. Born in Ohio and raised in Minnesota, Kirn has always had a sharp eye for the quirky, the absurd, and the deeply human. He studied at Princeton and then Oxford, but it wasn’t long before his talent for storytelling pulled him into the world of literature and journalism. Whether he’s writing fiction or nonfiction, Kirn brings a mix of wit, grit, and razor-sharp insight that keeps readers turning the pages; and thinking long after.

His breakout novel, “Thumbsucker” (1999), introduced the world to Kirn’s signature style: heartfelt, offbeat, and totally unforgettable. The story follows a teenage boy trying to navigate adolescence, addiction, and self-discovery; all while sucking his thumb. It might sound odd, but Kirn makes it work in a way only he can. The book was even turned into a cult-favorite film, featuring stars like Tilda Swinton and Keanu Reeves. It’s a perfect example of how Kirn blends vulnerability and dark humor in a way that resonates with readers.

Then came “Up in the Air” (2001), perhaps his most well-known work thanks to the Oscar-nominated film adaptation starring George Clooney. The novel centers on a frequent flyer obsessed with collecting miles and escaping commitment. It’s sharp, timely, and eerily relevant in today’s world of endless travel and digital detachment. Kirn nailed the tone of a man disconnected from everything except airport lounges and loyalty points, and the result was a story that felt both funny and haunting.

But Kirn’s talents go beyond fiction. His 2013 nonfiction book “Blood Will Out” is a true-crime memoir that reads like a thriller. It tells the unbelievable story of his friendship with a man who turned out to be a con artist claiming to be a Rockefeller. Kirn was duped; but instead of hiding the story, he laid it bare, showing both the charm of the imposter and his own blind spots. It’s a bold, self-aware dive into trust, deception, and identity that earned critical acclaim.

Today, Walter Kirn continues to write and speak with the same edge and curiosity that launched his career. Whether he’s covering politics, pop culture, or the human condition, his voice remains distinct; smart, funny, and always fearless. He’s a writer who’s unafraid to explore the strange corners of American life and ask the big questions, and that’s exactly what makes his work so enduring. If you haven’t read Kirn yet, now’s the time to dive in. There’s never a dull moment with Walter behind the wheel.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Walter Kirn: “If you can speak, you can write.”

Thank you for the reading, everyone! Have a great week and we will see you Monday for a really cool one!

-Giancarlo