Exploring Narrative Techniques in "Killers of the Flower Moon"

October's Book Club Pick

Welcome, writers! I’m very excited to begin our journey into reading books with our writer hats on. I’ve always loved to read, but only once I began editing, coaching, and writing full time, did I realize how important it is to always be reading. Reading is the only way you’ll improve on the craft of writing. Which is why I felt the need to start this club.

I struggled over the last few days to find the perfect fit for our first book. Do I go with what BookTok says is popular? Do I go with something off the NYT Best-seller list? A classic? Something controversial?

In the end, I settled on Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a compelling dive into the shocking and dark history of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma during the 1920s. This non-fiction book reads like a thrilling mystery novel, with a cast of real-life characters and a web of conspiracy and murder that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Grann's ability to craft such a narrative in the realm of non-fiction is truly remarkable.

Why is this our first book?

First and probably the most obvious, Killers of the Flower Moon is set to be released as a movie this year, with renowned director Martin Scorsese at the helm.

Second, I live in Oklahoma, where a significant part of the story unfolds. The book paints a vivid picture of the state's history and the struggles faced by the Osage people, making it all the more resonant for me as a resident.

Third, this book is narrative non-fiction. Non-fiction narrative writing can be a daunting task. Authors must balance the responsibility of presenting facts accurately with the artistry of storytelling. Killers of the Flower Moon serves as an excellent example of how to tackle this challenge effectively. Grann not only presents historical events but also paints vivid portraits of the people involved, making them come to life on the page.

In this month's book, we will explore how Grann masterfully navigates these difficulties and manages to make history read like an engaging novel. It's an opportunity for us, as writers, to learn from his techniques and appreciate the skill required to craft compelling narrative non-fiction.

As we embark on this journey with Killers of the Flower Moon, we have the privilege of exploring the fascinating narrative techniques used by David Grann, learning from the challenges of non-fiction storytelling. Moreover, for those of us who reside in Oklahoma, this book strikes a chord as it uncovers a dark chapter in our state's history.

So, cozy up, sip on your favorite fall beverage (FINALLY), and get ready to discuss the twists and turns of this extraordinary narrative at our next book club “meeting.” "Killers of the Flower Moon" promises not only to be a compelling read but also a catalyst for insightful discussions and reflections on the power of storytelling in non-fiction.

Please feel free to post and chat. I want this to be a place where we can talk shop and have a great time doing it!

Happy reading, everyone!

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