Walter’s ‘Poets’ Takes To Stage

Spokane author Jess Walter, pictured, expects an “out-of-body experience” when he attends Book-It Repertory Theatre’s new production, “ The Financial Lives of the Poets .” It is based on Walter’s rollicking novel of the same title, about a laid-off reporter’s quixotic attempt over five sleepless days to save his home from foreclosure and his marriage from ruin. It just so happens Walter is now crafting a screenplay from the novel (Jack Black may star), and wonders how Book-It director Myra Platt’s adaptation differs from his. (He gave Book-It the rights for the show, but isn’t involved in it.) Matt Prior, Walter’s frantic protagonist, has a dizzying series of adventures to dramatize. He spies on his wife’s Internet dalliance, hangs with slacker teens a third his age, cares for his very confused dad, visits a pot farm and fails spectacularly at rescuing his unsustainable yuppie lifestyle. And, oh yeah: He also tries his hand at dealing pot/ Misha Berson , Seattle Times. More here.

DFO: In my 43 years in the news biz, I’ve only been out of work for 3 months. Spent my time collecting unemployment checks and painting my house for sale.

Question: Have you read any books by my former SR colleague Jess Walter?