As it has for me in the past, the Washingtoniana room of the MLK Library provided the tools and atmosphere I needed to write this novel. Ten Blocks from the White House, by Ben Gilbert and the staff of the Washington Post, provided the time line and factual backbone of the riot section of the book. Peter Guralnick’s Sweet Soul Music and Mark Opsasnick’s Capitol Rock gave me the music details I needed. The recordings of Otis Redding, O. V. Wright, the Impressions, James Carr, Wilson Pickett, Johnnie Taylor, and others gave me inspiration.
This one goes out to all the good people—workers, parents, children, volunteers, teachers, clergy, and police—of Washington, D.C., and to my family: Emily, Nick, Pete, and Rosa. Much love and respect to you all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Pelecanos is a screenwriter, independent-film producer, award-winning journalist, and the author of the bestselling series of Derek Strange novels set in and around Washington, D.C., where he lives with his wife and children.