Gather the Olives is an achingly lovely essay collection that celebrates the multiculturalism of Israel and Palestine, lifting up those whose generosity and kindness lights the way to lasting peace.
―Foreword Reviews
Lott is one of the most important and imaginative writers in America today. His eye for detail is unparalleled; his vision—where he looks—is like no one else’s in this country.
—The Los Angeles Times
An emotionally charged thriller that places the reader in the labyrinth of the human heart, where such qualities as devotion, greed, love and dishonesty standout with near-terrifying clarity.
—Chicago Tribune
Bret Lott is one of America’s finest writers and editors; this book reveals him to be one of our greatest mentors to writers of faith, as well. Letters and Life brims with wisdom and advice to all who bear the call toward an authentic journey of a writer.
―Makoto Fujimura, artist and author
Captures the rough-and-tumble of men growing up, through his honesty, lyricism and eye for the telling detail. Some powerful moments in these essays are also the most emotionally charged, as Lott tries to make sense of an uncontrollable world.
—The New York Times Book Review
An affecting novel about the slow workings of forgiveness and redemption.
—National Public Radio
Superb . . . Lott’s depictions of life are nothing short of extraordinary.
—Chicago Tribune
Lott advances a case for a new and radically more hopeful genre of fiction. He imparts his own brand of wisdom on writing and the world of publishing with resounding candor and sincerity.
—Publisher’s Weekly
A smooth, uncompromising novel about learning to live with both the defeat of old dreams and the obligation to fashion new ones.
—The Boston Globe
A Dream of Old Leaves is a haunting, memorable collection…immediately sympathetic, highly resonant, and sometimes quite funny….Lott makes the mundane sing.
—San Francisco Chronicle
Lott captures the delicate interplay of past and present, the way that memories have of breaking into our thoughts; he understands the need to accept those memories as a source of joy, not pain, in the wake of unimaginable loss….Beautifully paced.
—Washington Post Book World
The Man Who Owned Vermont is a moving first novel….Bret Lott knows how ordinary people work and love…how intractable human feelings can be…and he shows us, as well, the redemptive powers of love.
—The New York Times
Recommended Fiction. A vivid example of mind and spirit grappling with oppressive fates.
—Time
The best book Bret Lott has ever written—by far. He creates a Charleston that has never been written about in the history of that remarkable city. It is a literary thriller of the highest order—like something John Le Carré would write. I couldn’t put it down.
—Pat Conroy
Bret Lott’s writings tell us about the value of family, even when those relationships burst at their psychic seams. Mostly, though, Lott’s fiction takes us into a world marked by traditional values of lasting love, honor and respect.
—The Charlotte Observer
The undercurrents, both numinous and tragic, in the lives of grocery-store clerks, salesmen, janitors and other ordinary folk are revealed in this breathtaking second story collection from novelist Lott.
—Publishers Weekly