Man of the Century

by James Stewart Thayer

The acclaimed author of such suspenseful novels as "White Star" and "Pursuit" now turns to his real love--a grand novel of a man awash in history who has done almost everything, and been almost everywhere. The rollicking story of 105-year-old Woodrow Lowe is filled with romance and lust, intrigue and creative violence--all against a background of impeccable historical accuracy.

Genres: Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

James Thayer is the son of a wheat farmer, and he was raised in Spokane and the farm country in eastern Washington. He graduated from Washington State University and the University of Chicago Law School, and now teaches novel writing at the University of Washington extension school where in 2015 he received the Excellence in Teaching Award in the Arts, Writing and Humanities. The New York Times Book Review says his "writing is smooth and clear. Deceptively simple, it wastes no words, and it has a rhythm that only confident stylists achieve.” His The Essential Guide to Writing a Novel is a leading manual for fiction writers. Thayer is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the International Thriller Writers. He and his family live in Seattle.

Reviews

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal story telling. Sucks you right in, I felt like I was sitting in the room with Woodrow listening to him tell his life story. I laughed out loud several times while reading, it's just so fantastical, but at the same time totally believable. A great underdog story, with plenty of stories of loyalty and adventure and friendship and love. I only wish we could have heard more of his story.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to give this 4 stars to honor the imagination it took to come up with this story. It is the life story of a guy who is 105 years old who has been everywhere and done everything and has the scars to prove it. As he tells about his life he takes you through history which is accurate but his tales are incredible and fantastic.

[Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this book yet. Stop everything, and get this book.

The amount of dark humor is almost in every paragraph. I've never read a book that made me laugh so much.

Good story, amazing chars, must read.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great humor-filled read. It is the memoirs of 105-year-old Woodrow Lowe. It is told with background historical accuracy and littered with historical figures including Teddy Rooseveltm John L Sullivan, Diamond Jim Brdy and many others. If you want to know who really started World War I, this book is a must read.

[Aubrey Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this at Borders when they were closing because it was cheap and it sounded interesting. The man of the century is a very wild ride and cool as hell Story about one man. Definitely worth the read.

[Steve Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastical Story

Thayer is a great story teller. This tale is a fantastical story that pushes you beyond where you are familiar and takes you to some really entertaining places in your mind

[Chapter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot like Forest Gump. Likable main character.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters, funny story, a great read!

This book hooks you from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading his book I lost track of time. To me that is a mark of a good book.