Doug Dorst

Doug Dorst is an American novelist, short story writer, and creative writing instructor who gained recognition for his innovative literary works and collaborations. He received his education from prestigious institutions including the Iowa Writers' Workshop and completed the Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University. His debut novel "Alive in Necropolis" (2008) earned significant acclaim, becoming a runner-up for the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award and winning the Emperor Norton Award. The book was also selected as San Francisco's One City One Book selection in 2009. Dorst's literary career expanded with the short story collection "The Surf Guru" and most notably, his collaboration with J.J. Abrams on the experimental novel "S." (2013). The latter work garnered attention for its unique format and multimedia storytelling approach. Beyond his literary achievements, Dorst serves as the director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Texas State University in San Marcos. He has also demonstrated success outside of writing, having competed as a three-time Jeopardy! champion and participant in the Tournament of Champions.

Readers praise Dorst's experimental storytelling and character development, particularly in "S." Many reviews highlight the physical craftsmanship and attention to detail in "S.", with readers noting the authentic feel of margin notes and inserted documents. One Goodreads reviewer called it "a love letter to physical books." "Alive in Necropolis" readers appreciate the blend of supernatural elements with police procedural, though some found the pacing slow in the middle sections. A recurring comment mentions the strength of the protagonist's internal struggles. Common criticisms include: - Complex narrative structures that can be difficult to follow - Time investment required to fully experience "S." - Price point of "S." ($35+ at release) Ratings across platforms: "S." - Goodreads: 3.9/5 (22,000+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,800+ reviews) "Alive in Necropolis" - Goodreads: 3.5/5 (1,100+ ratings) - Amazon: 3.8/5 (50+ reviews) "The Surf Guru" - Goodreads: 3.7/5 (200+ ratings)

Alive in Necropolis (2008) A police officer in Colma, California patrols both the living and the dead while investigating a teenager's suspicious death and confronting personal demons.

The Surf Guru (2010) A collection of short stories exploring diverse characters including a surfing mogul, a Russian vegetable-smuggler, and various individuals facing moments of change.

S. (2013) An experimental novel created with J.J. Abrams that tells multiple stories through marginalia and inserted artifacts within a fictional library book.

Mark Z. Danielewski creates experimental novels that challenge traditional narrative structures and incorporate multimedia elements. His works like "House of Leaves" utilize typography, footnotes, and physical book design to tell complex stories.

David Mitchell constructs interconnected narratives that span multiple time periods and genres. His novels feature intricate plotting and nested stories that often connect in unexpected ways.

Jennifer Egan builds narratives that experiment with form while exploring technology and human connection. Her work combines unconventional storytelling methods with examinations of contemporary culture and relationships.

Steven Hall writes novels that blend literary fiction with elements of mystery and metafiction. His work "The Raw Shark Texts" demonstrates similar attention to visual presentation and experimental structure as Dorst's projects.

Robin Sloan integrates technology themes with traditional storytelling in his novels. His work combines elements of mystery, technology, and literary experimentation while maintaining narrative cohesion.