Fred Waitzkin

Fred Waitzkin is an American author and filmmaker best known for his book Searching for Bobby Fischer and The Dream Merchant, and the movies based on them. Waitzkin's books are popular among chess enthusiasts as well as general readers interested in exploring family relationships. Waitzkin was born in 1954 in New York and grew up in Greenwich Village, attending a variety of public and private schools in the city. After completing school, Waitzkin worked a number of jobs, many related to the arts, before settling into a career in writing and filmmaking.

Waitzkin says that he discovered his storytelling ability early in life and was encouraged by his teachers, who praised his understanding of the power of language. He states that his books and films attempt to capture the struggles of life in an honest way, emphasizing complex relationships and the myriad of talents, joys, and sorrow associated with all families.

Waitzkin's first, and most well-known, work is Searching for Bobby Fischer, a novel based on the true story of his son Josh Waitzkin's rise to international chess fame. The narrative follows the Waitzkin family, Josh, Fred and Bonnie, on their journey to find a mentor who can teach Josh the necessary skills to be a great chess player. The story focuses on the family’s emotional and psychological states as they navigate the complex world of chess and look for guidance from the world's best players. The book has been adapted into a popular film, in which Fred Waitzkin was awarded a shared screenplay credit.

The Dream Merchant, Waitzkin's second work, is a novel set in Manhattan, and tells the story of a young man's journey toward fulfillment of his dreams. This novel has also been adapted into a movie and centers around the main character Saul, as he attempts to reconcile with his unconventional past, start a relationship with a new girlfriend, and find success in the business world.

Since publishing Searching for Bobby Fischer and The Dream Merchant, Waitzkin has continued to write fiction. In addition to his novels, he has also written and directed several movies, beginning in the early 1990’s with Mad Dog Time. Waitzkin has collaborated with a variety of actors, directors, and production teams and has won a number of awards for his work in the film industry.

Waitzkin is also the author of three non-fiction books, including The Last Marlin: The Story of a Father and Son and a Vanishing Way of Life. In this autobiographical work, Waitzkin tells the story of his family’s experiences as outdoorsmen, fishermen, and adventurers. Through vivid descriptions of the Bahamas and the people he encountered, this beautifully written book is an absorbing and thoughtful exploration of a time and a way of life that is quickly disappearing.

Fred Waitzkin is a talented storyteller who has written both fiction and non-fiction works that have been adapted into movies and enjoyed by readers around the world. His works explore family relationships and life’s struggles with honesty and poignancy, and his books and movies are sure to remain popular for many years to come.