In this labor-of-love documentary, director-writer-producer Mark Moskowitz tackles a project he had been wanting to pursue since he was 18 years old. In 1972 he read a New York Times book review of THE STONES OF SUMMER by Dow Mossman, a title which would later became an object of obsession for Moskowitz. Though he shelved the book for 25 years, Moskowitz finally did read it and was amazed at its ingenuity. He was shocked that its onetime author never penned another book. Determined to solve this mystery, Moskowitz made THE STONE READER, documenting his research project in finding the forgotten author and getting to the bottom of the publishing mystery of how so many great works of literature, and great authors, just disappear.

Moskowitz's infectious excitement about literature--reading it, collecting it, understanding it, enjoying it--comes through loud and clear in this inspiring film. He interviews some fascinating characters on his search for Mossman, including Frank Conroy, an author and the head of the Iowa University Writer's Workshop; Robert Gottlieb, the editor of Joseph Heller's CATCH 22 and former Editor-in-Chief at Simon & Schuster; and Leslie Fiedler, a literary critic and author of LOVE AND DEATH IN THE AMERICAN NOVEL.

Theatrical Release: February 12, 2003 (NY)

DVD Features:

Region 1
2-Disc Set
Keep Case
Widescreen
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Mark Moskowitz - Director, Dow Mossman - Writer
Featurette - 1. "What Happened Next"
Deleted Scenes
Original Theatrical Trailer
Writer Panel
Betty Kelly Interview
Leslie Fiedler: More From Stone Reader
Leslie Fiedler: From Firing Line
A.S. Byatt w/ Toni Morrison
Further Conversations
Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival
Text/Image Galleries:
Book Lists
Photo Gallery
Interactive Features:
Scene Selections
Web Links

Mark Moskowitz: Director, STONE READER (2003)

Mark Moskowitz: Director, STONE READER (2003)
Robert Goodman: Producer, THE STONE READER (2003)

Mark Moskowitz: Director, STONE READER (2003)

"...A filmed chronicle of the way books stack up, literally and metaphorically, in people's lives..."
"...Moskowitz has made a wonderful film about readers and reading, writers and writing..."
"[T]he all-time movie for book junkies....The wrap-up warmly rips up the heart."
"This heartwarming and engrossing documentary is a must-see for any literature fan."
"A lively and intriguing literary quest, STONE READER also examines the publishing industry while conveying with deep feeling the enduring effect of a memorable book."