Julie Salamon

Julie Salamon is an American journalist, critic, and author known for her extensive work as a film critic for The Wall Street Journal and her later non-fiction books exploring various cultural and social topics. She wrote for the Wall Street Journal from 1983 to 2005 and later contributed to The New York Times. Her 1991 book "The Devil's Candy" became a landmark study of Hollywood filmmaking, chronicling the troubled production of Brian De Palma's "The Bonfire of the Vanities." The book is considered one of the most insightful examinations of the modern film industry and is frequently taught in film schools. Salamon has written several other notable works including "Hospital," an in-depth look at Brooklyn's Maimonides Medical Center, and "Wendy and the Lost Boys," a biography of playwright Wendy Wasserstein. Her book "Facing the Wind" explored a complex true crime story, while "Rambam's Ladder" examined the nature of charitable giving through a Jewish perspective. Salamon's background as the daughter of Czech immigrants who survived the Holocaust has influenced her work, particularly in her memoir "The Net of Dreams" which traces her family's history. She has served on the board of directors of the National Book Critics Circle and continues to contribute to various publications.

Readers praise Salamon's journalism background and research depth, noting her ability to capture complex institutions and personalities. Her book "The Devil's Candy" receives particular attention for its detailed look into Hollywood production. Readers appreciate: - Clear, accessible writing style - Deep research and insider access - Balance between factual reporting and narrative flow - Ability to handle sensitive topics with care Common criticisms: - Some books contain too much detail - Occasional slow pacing - Complex narratives that can be hard to follow On Goodreads: - "The Devil's Candy" - 4.1/5 (2,000+ ratings) - "Hospital" - 3.8/5 (500+ ratings) - "Wendy and the Lost Boys" - 3.7/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon reviews highlight her "meticulous reporting" and "engaging storytelling." One reader noted of "Hospital": "Salamon brings humanity to an institution that often feels impersonal." A criticism of "Wendy and the Lost Boys" mentioned "getting lost in the details of peripheral characters."

Rambam's Ladder: A Meditation on Generosity and Why It Is Necessary to Give (2003) Explores Maimonides' eight levels of charitable giving, examining modern philanthropy through historical and contemporary examples.

Hospital: Man, Woman, Birth, Death, Infinity, Plus Red Tape, Bad Behavior, Money, God, and Diversity on Steroids (2008) Chronicles one year at Brooklyn's Maimonides Medical Center, documenting the complex workings of a major urban hospital.

The Devil's Candy: The Anatomy of a Hollywood Fiasco (1991) Detailed account of the making of the film "The Bonfire of the Vanities" and its journey from bestselling book to box-office failure.

Facing the Wind: A True Story of Tragedy and Reconciliation (2001) Investigates the case of Bob Rowe, who killed his family in 1978 and later rebuilt his life after being found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Net of Dreams: A Family's Search for a Rightful Place (1996) Traces the author's family history from the Holocaust through their immigration to America.

Wendy and the Lost Boys: The Uncommon Life of Wendy Wasserstein (2011) Biography of playwright Wendy Wasserstein, examining her life, career, and impact on American theater.

An Innocent Bystander: The Killing of Leon Klinghoffer (2019) Examines the 1985 hijacking of the Achille Lauro cruise ship and murder of Leon Klinghoffer, exploring its lasting impact on terrorism and geopolitics.

Cat in the City (2014) Fiction story following a street cat's adventures in Greenwich Village as he finds a community among various city dwellers.

Janet Malcolm writes investigative journalism and biographical works that examine complex personalities and institutions. Like Salamon, she delves into the psychology of her subjects while maintaining journalistic objectivity.

Calvin Trillin produces narrative non-fiction about American culture and Jewish life in New York. His writing style combines reporting with personal perspective in a way that parallels Salamon's approach.

Adrian Nicole LeBlanc creates immersive narratives about social issues through long-term reporting projects. She shares Salamon's commitment to understanding institutional systems and their impact on individuals.

Susan Orlean writes detailed character studies and explores specialized subcultures through narrative non-fiction. Her work, like Salamon's, reveals the deeper stories within organizations and communities.

Lawrence Wright investigates institutions and power structures through deep reporting and character-driven narratives. His methodology of embedding himself within organizations to understand their inner workings mirrors Salamon's technique.