1966: Truman Capote – known for his short stories and extensive social life – publishes a mostly true accounting of the Clutter family murders in Holcomb, Kansas. This non-fiction novel and the process of its writing caused controversy across the literary community and inspired Richard Brooks’ 1967 crime flick of the same name. 2026, some 60 years later: You’re reading what’s considered the second-bestselling true crime novel (Helter Skelter takes top prize) with your BookPeople buddies. Despite whatever liberties Capote took with this small-town crime, there’s no denying its staying power as a piece of literary history. Watch the movie, read the book, and discuss. – James Scott
