I've come to find that living in the Takoma Park area I'm surrounded by writers. So I made a list of my favorite authors that live in Takoma Park. This list is certainly not comprehensive so comment or e-mail with your favorites, and I'll check them out for future lists.

1. David Corn – Political journalist extraordinaire, Corn is someone I've looked up to as a reporter since college. His columns for The Nation, Politics Daily and Mother Jones are part of my daily digest of news and opinions. There has been no dearth of tomes excoriating former President Bush, but Corn's book on the millennium's first president isn't a partisan screed. The "The Lies of George W. Bush" is a study in muckraking, regardless of your politics.

2. Alison Fitzgerald – This Takoma Park resident is a recent author, though she has been a financial reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Palm Beach Post and most recently Bloomberg News. This month she published her first book (as far as I know), which was co-authored by financial news stalwart Stanley Reed. The book, titled "In Too Deep: BP and the Drilling Race That Took It Down," is a multilayered investigation into the drilling mistakes BP has made over the years and how they affected both the company and the people who live near the wells. Beyond the reporting, the narrative yarn is expertly spun.

3. David Zirin – When you're named the first sports editor in The Nation's 150-year history, you must be good at what you do. And Zirin is good. He seamlessly blends progressive politics and sports fanaticism. The bio page on his website says he's a Mets fan. He's good enough that I, a Phillies fan, can forgive him for it. His newest book, "Bad Sports," explores the big business and professional sports. 

4. Howard Kohn - You've probably read his stories in the Takoma Voice, but Kohn is better known to people outside of the city for his book "The Last Farmer: An American Memoir."

5. Abigail Grotke – Need dating advice? God knows I do. Well, Takoma Park, you have an expert in your backyard. Miss Abigail, as she is known to readers, has written a classic book of advice that has been turned into a play in New York. Miss Abigail, I think I might need to solicit your advice soon, so be on the lookout.