Dan Baum

Dan Baum was an accomplished American journalist and author known for his in-depth reporting and narrative non-fiction works. During his career, he contributed to major publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times Magazine. His book "Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans" (2009) became his most recognized work, telling the story of New Orleans through the experiences of nine residents before and after Hurricane Katrina. He also wrote "Smoke and Mirrors" (1996), an examination of America's drug policy, and "Citizen Coors: An American Dynasty" (2000), which explored the history of the Coors brewing family. As a staff writer for The New Yorker, Baum covered significant events and wrote about complex social issues. His writing style combined detailed reporting with narrative storytelling techniques, particularly evident in his coverage of post-Katrina New Orleans and gun culture in America. Born in Orange, New Jersey, and educated at New York University, Baum worked alongside his wife Margaret Knox, who served as his writing partner and editor throughout his career until his death in 2020 in Boulder, Colorado.

Readers praise Baum's reporting depth and storytelling ability in "Nine Lives," with many highlighting how he captured New Orleans' culture through personal narratives. One Amazon reviewer noted: "He lets his subjects speak for themselves without judgment or commentary." "Smoke and Mirrors" readers value its detailed research on drug policy evolution, though some point out the data is now dated. A Goodreads user writes: "The historical documentation is thorough, but perspectives from the 90s feel incomplete today." Common criticisms include occasional narrative wandering and dense policy details that slow the pacing, particularly in "Citizen Coors." Ratings across platforms: - "Nine Lives": 4.3/5 on Goodreads (7,000+ ratings), 4.5/5 on Amazon (300+ reviews) - "Smoke and Mirrors": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (800+ ratings) - "Citizen Coors": 3.8/5 on Goodreads (200+ ratings) Most critical reviews focus on structural issues rather than content accuracy or reporting quality.

Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans (2009) A narrative following nine New Orleans residents across 40 years, culminating in their experiences during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Smoke and Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure (1996) An investigation into the history and consequences of America's drug policy, examining its political origins and societal impact.

Citizen Coors: An American Dynasty (2000) A detailed account of the Coors brewing family's history, their business empire, and their influence on American politics.

Gun Guys: A Road Trip (2013) An exploration of American gun culture through conversations with gun owners across the country, written from the perspective of a liberal gun owner.

Robert Caro focuses on deep institutional analysis and biographical narrative, particularly evident in his LBJ series and "The Power Broker." His work shares Baum's commitment to exhaustive research and the examination of power structures in American life.

Katherine Boo chronicles the lives of people affected by social and economic forces, as demonstrated in "Behind the Beautiful Forevers." Her immersive reporting style and focus on multiple interconnected narratives parallels Baum's approach in "Nine Lives."

Adrian Nicole LeBlanc spent years following subjects for "Random Family," documenting urban life and social issues. Her dedication to long-term reporting and attention to personal stories mirrors Baum's method of understanding communities through individual experiences.

Gary Krist writes about American cities and their defining historical moments, including "Empire of Sin" about New Orleans. His focus on place-based narrative history and urban transformation aligns with Baum's exploration of city dynamics and cultural change.

Alex Kotlowitz examines social issues through personal stories, as in "There Are No Children Here" and "An American Summer." His combination of journalism and storytelling to illuminate broader societal challenges reflects Baum's approach to narrative non-fiction.