Circle Way: A Daughter's Memoir, a Writer's Journey Home

Mary Ann Hogan's memoir, Circle Way, explores her relationship with her late father, Bill Hogan, a prominent literary editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. It is a bittersweet reflection on identity, family, and the creative calling, featuring Bill Hogan's original sketches and watercolors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Wonderwell

In this captivating and deeply personal lyric essay, Mary Ann Hogan delves into the tapestry of her life, woven intricately with the threads of her relationship with her late father, Bill Hogan, a renowned literary editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. Renowned author John Steinbeck once hailed him as an "old and valued friend." Circle Way, a poignant memoir, explores the intricate bonds of a father, daughter, and a prominent California family. Written in an evocative and expressive style, this work of creative nonfiction gracefully straddles the realms of journalism and poetry.

At the core of the narrative, journalist Mary Ann Hogan embarks on a profound exploration of identity, family, and her artistic calling. As she sifts through her father's notebooks after his passing, Mary Ann uncovers a man whose unrealized dreams resonate with her own. Driven by a deep desire to learn more about her family, even as she confronts the looming shadow of terminal illness, Mary Ann delves into the fascinating cast of characters who shaped her lineage.

We meet her great-grandfather, an Oakland lumber baron who weathered the devastating crash of 1929, and her great-uncle, who found himself incarcerated in San Quentin for two alleged murders, although some believe his guilt may be questionable. Throughout her journey, Mary Ann's writing is adorned with Bill Hogan's original sketches and watercolors, adding a visual richness to the narrative that enhances its emotional impact. Circle Way serves as an immersive feast for anyone with a passion for literature, history, and the enigmatic intricacies of family.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637560129