
Jonathan Alter, left, discussed his latest book with John Hendrickson of The Atlantic on Nov. 15.
Patrick L. Sullivan
Jonathan Alter, left, discussed his latest book with John Hendrickson of The Atlantic on Nov. 15.
Journalist Jonathan Alter combined the personal and the political in a discussion of his latest book, “American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial — and My Own” at the White Hart Thursday, Nov. 15.
Alter was interviewed by John Hendrickson, a senior editor at The Atlantic magazine.
The book, published in October, is an account of the “hush money” trial of Donald Trump, which ended in May 2024 with a Manhattan jury finding Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
He said he was one of a handful of reporters who attended all 23 days of the trial. The trial was not televised, and cameras were not allowed except briefly at the start of proceedings.
Alter said binoculars were allowed, and he spent time looking at one juror, who looked back at him as if to ask “What are you looking at?”
He said he was mindful of the importance of the trial to the recent election, and what it would mean for the book.
If Democratic candidate and Vice-President Kamala Harris won the election, the book would be similar to Jimmy Breslin’s “How the Good Guys Finally Won,” about Richard Nixon and Watergate.
If Trump won, the book would be more akin to William L. Shirer’s “Berlin Diary,” about the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazis in Germany, Alter said.
He said he felt compelled to cover the trial, saying it was unlikely curious citizens would “go to the transcripts.”
Alter said his previous book, about former president Jimmy Carter, took five years to write. “American Reckoning” had to be done in five weeks.
He described writing the book as “the process of nine years of dealing with this odious man.”
Alter said he interviewed Trump in the late 1990s for the “Today Show.”
“He had forgotten he’d sued me,” he said with a grin.
Alter wasn’t impressed.
“He was a New York celebrity, kind of a clown. Not a lot of presence.”
But by the time Trump announced he was running for president in 2015, he had acquired a certain quality of being a leader.
Hendrickson recalled talking with a community college student in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before the 2016 election and being surprised when the young man said half his classmates were Trump supporters.
Alter said ”People think he’s entertaining,” adding “I find his louche lounge act unbearable.”
Asked what he thinks will happen regarding sentencing, given that Trump is now president-elect, Alter said one scenario is a suspended sentence that doesn’t go into effect until 2029, when Trump is no longer president.
Asked how Trump survived the multiple legal problems of the last four years, Alter said “There’s something feral about Trump. He survived in a tough world in New York.”
He said Trump is very experienced when it comes to media.
“He took those skills national,” Alter said. “There’s a lot he understands intuitively about America.”
Alter was cautiously optimistic about the next four years.
“Democracy is not dead,” he said. “We will survive this.”
The Falls Village Children’s Theater’s production of “Dinosaurs Before Dark” played topacked houses March 28-30. Directed by Michael Siktberg, with choreography from Amber Cameron and Darcy Boynton, the lively show featured shadow puppets, tree houses, lots of dancing and singing, and of course dinosaurs, including a splendid Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Helen Sung’s lyrical and virtuosic playing filled The Tall Barn at Troutbeck in Amenia.
Renowned pianist and composer Helen Sung took the stage for a rescheduled performance of Music Mountain’s Winter Concert Series at Troutbeck in Amenia on Sunday, March 30. Sung led the audience through a thrilling solo program that traced her journey from classical to jazz. Performing works by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, and one of her own original compositions, Sung’s artistry and distinctive touch captivated listeners. She brought her dynamic interpretations and deep musical storytelling to each piece, seamlessly blending technical mastery with emotional depth. From the rich harmonies of Ellington to the angular brilliance of Monk, Sung’s performance showcased both reverence for jazz tradition and her own inventive spirit. The intimate setting of Troutbeck’s Tall Barn provided the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of inspired musicianship, leaving the audience mesmerized and eager for more.
Music Mountain’s 96th season opens on June 1 with a benefit concert and reception of Benjamin Hochman & Friends from the Met Opera playing Beethoven and Brahms.
More info at musicmountain.org
Aidan Armilio plays midfield for Kent School lacrosse.
KENT — The Northfield Mount Hermon School Hoggers defeated the Kent School Lions 22-6 in the first boys varsity lacrosse game of the season Saturday, March 29.
NMH, located in Mount Hermon, Massachusetts, traveled to Kent for the game. The Hoggers displayed offensive strength immediately by scoring twice in the first two minutes. Kent attackman Tripp Christman managed an early goal, but the Lions trailed 8-1 by the end of the first period.
NMH dominated possession and put pressure on the Kent defenders. The second period showed no change in dominance: Kent scored again but NMH increased its lead to 18-2 at halftime.
Tripp Christman scored three for Kent March 29.Lans Christensen
Kent goalie Trey Lalonde was injured in the second period. His replacement, Varen Aggarwal, subbed in for the remainder of the game.
Kent kept battling in the second half and cut into the lead with more goals by Tripp Christman and Hayden Santry, but NMH maintained an insurmountable advantage.
The final score of the game was 22-6 for NMH. Kent’s next three games are on the road before hosting Trinity-Pawling School on April 11.
EAST CANAAN — Judith Luella “Judy” (Blass) Green, 85, of 7 Locust Hill Road, died Tuesday morning, March 25, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.She was the wife of the late Joseph A. Green.Judy was born in North Canaan, on Nov. 20, 1939, a daughter of the late William Smith and Luella Frances (Cudney) Blass.
She is survived by her son, Joseph W. Green of Colebrook, and her daughter Lisa Allyn of Norfolk; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren with a third on the way, along with many nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her six siblings; William Blass, Larry Blass, Robert Blass, Eleanor Day, Priscilla Stanton, and John Blass.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martin of Tours Immaculate Conception Church 4 North St. Norfolk, CT 06058.A collation will be held immediately following the mass in Klauer Hall located in the rear of the church.There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Barkhamsted Senior Center 109 W River Road, Pleasant Valley, CT 06063.
Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.