A Whore's Profession

Book excerpt: In his previous volumes of notes and essays, David Mamet has touched upon many aspects of his life as a writer. In 'Writing in Restaurants' he reflects modestly on his career, while 'Some Freaks' discourses loudly and entertainingly on aspects of contemporary culture - like the movies, Disneyland and on being a tourist. 'On Directing Film' shows his ebullient and practical approach to his own film-making. Central to these essays is Mamet's own work as a writer, and it is in 'The Cabin' that Mamet comes closest to defining himself. Included are autobiographical vignettes from childhood and youth describing the gamut of human emotion, from childhood fear to adult nostalgia in the re-creation of the past.