Will Allison's "Long Drive Home"

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Will Allison's debut novel, What You Have Left, was selected for Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers, Borders Original Voices, and Book Sense Picks, and was named one of 2007's notable books by the San Francisco Chronicle. His short stories have appeared in magazines such as Zoetrope: All-Story, Glimmer Train, and One Story and have received special mention in the Pushcart Prize and Best American Short Stories anthologies. He is the former executive editor of Story.

Here he explains his choice for director and star of an adaptation of his new novel, Long Drive Home:

I occasionally daydream of Zach Braff directing a film version of Long Drive Home. Braff grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, which is where I live and where the book is set. I thought he had such a perfectly light touch in his only movie, Garden State, not to mention an inspired performance. Natalie Portman was a revelation, too.

I also like the idea of Braff playing the protagonist, Glen Bauer. The novel walks a fine line, inviting readers to identify with a character who makes some terrible decisions with disatrous consequences. I find Braff, as an actor, naturally sympathetic. I think his appeal would create an interesting tension onscreen--a guy you want to like, even root for, against your better judgment.

At any rate, I hope Braff directs another movie soon.

Learn more about the book and author at Will Allison's website.

The Page 69 Test: Long Drive Home.

Writer's Read: Will Allison.

--Marshal Zeringue