Howell Raines

Howell Hiram Raines is a prominent American journalist and author who served as executive editor of The New York Times from 2001 to 2003. His tenure at the Times ended following the Jayson Blair scandal, though his career spans decades of significant journalistic work at various publications. Beginning his career in Southern newspapers, Raines joined The New York Times in 1978 and held several key positions, including Atlanta bureau chief, White House correspondent, and Washington editor. His work in journalism earned him a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 1992 for a personal essay about his childhood fishing instructor. Beyond journalism, Raines has established himself as an accomplished author with works spanning multiple genres. His published works include a novel, two memoirs, an oral history of the civil rights movement, and a historical account of Union soldiers from Alabama during the Civil War.

Readers view Howell Raines' work with some ambivalence. His memoir "Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" draws both appreciation and criticism - fishing enthusiasts praise his technical knowledge and descriptions of streams and techniques, while others find his personal reflections self-absorbed. Positive reviews highlight: - Clean, direct writing style - Deep understanding of Southern culture - Strong reporting in his journalism work Common criticisms: - Focus on personal grievances - Self-important tone - Political bias in news coverage On Goodreads, "The One That Got Away" averages 3.6/5 stars from 89 reviews. Readers note that the fishing metaphors work well but can become repetitive. "My Soul Is Rested," his oral history of the civil rights movement, rates higher at 4.2/5 from 156 reviews, with readers praising his interview techniques and historical documentation but critiquing his narrative choices. Amazon reviews are limited, with most titles having fewer than 20 ratings.

My Soul Is Rested (1977) An oral history documenting the American Civil Rights Movement through first-hand accounts of participants, activists, and witnesses from 1954 to 1968.

Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis (1993) A memoir exploring life lessons and personal reflection through the lens of fly fishing experiences.

Whiskey Man (1977) A novel set in Alabama that follows the story of a moonshine maker during the Great Depression.

The One That Got Away (2006) A memoir chronicling Raines' experiences at The New York Times, including his rise to executive editor and subsequent departure.

The Dream House of Words (2021) A collection of Raines' writings about literature, politics, and Southern culture spanning his career as a journalist and author.

David Halberstam His journalism career paralleled Raines' at major newspapers and he wrote extensively about civil rights and American politics. His blend of historical research and journalistic insight mirrors Raines' approach to examining Southern culture and American politics.

Rick Bragg His writing focuses on Southern culture and family history with roots in Alabama journalism like Raines. His memoirs and narrative non-fiction explore similar themes of Southern identity and coming-of-age experiences.

Willie Morris His work as both journalist and memoirist chronicles life in the American South during periods of social change. His career path from Southern newspapers to national prominence reflects experiences similar to Raines'.

Gay Talese His career combines newspaper journalism with long-form narrative writing about American culture and society. His attention to detail in reporting and ability to weave personal stories into larger historical contexts matches Raines' approach.

Tom Junod His feature writing career includes both journalism and personal essays that examine complex social issues. His work combines elements of memoir with investigative journalism in ways that parallel Raines' writing style.