Picture a storyteller who spun tales of gritty thrillers, heartfelt poetry, and even teamed up with a basketball legend—meet Raymond Obstfeld! Born in 1952, this American author has danced between genres, from mystery novels to non-fiction, all while teaching English at Orange Coast College. His knack for weaving sharp wit and human truths into his work has earned him a quiet but loyal following.
With a career spanning over four decades, Obstfeld’s versatility shines through his pseudonyms, award-nominated novels, and collaborations with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Ready to dive into the world of a writer who’s as dynamic as his stories? Let’s explore Raymond Obstfeld’s journey!
The Making of Raymond Obstfeld
Born on January 22, 1952, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Raymond Obstfeld grew up in a family of German immigrants. His parents ran Obstfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen, but their business faced hate crimes, from swastikas to arson, shaping young Raymond’s perspective on justice and identity. These early experiences fueled his later political activism and writing. After graduating from Loyalsock High School in 1969, he briefly attended Lycoming College before transferring to the experimental Johnston Center at the University of Redlands, earning his degree in 1972.
Obstfeld’s writing career kicked off in his early 20s. After studying poetry under Karl Shapiro at UC Davis, he sold his first poetry collection, The Cat with Half a Face, and his debut novel, The Goulden Fleece, by age 24. Balancing teaching at Orange Coast College with writing, he found his groove, embracing both passions despite early plans to focus solely on writing.
Raymond Obstfeld’s Unforgettable Stories
Obstfeld’s bibliography is a genre-hopping adventure, with nearly 50 books ranging from thrillers to non-fiction. His Harry Gould Thriller series, starting with The Goulden Fleece (1979), follows a diminutive conman navigating dangerous schemes with sharp humor and cunning. Dead Heat (1981), a standout, earned an Edgar Award nomination for its taut suspense. Under the pseudonym Laramie Dunaway, Obstfeld wrote Hungry Women (1990), a literary novel from four women’s perspectives, which became an international hit without readers knowing the author’s true identity.
His collaborations with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, including Becoming Kareem (2017) and On the Shoulders of Giants (2007), blend history and personal narrative, exploring the Harlem Renaissance and African-American inventors. Obstfeld’s style—marked by a satiric bite, as praised by Ross MacDonald—tackles human struggles with wit and empathy, whether in gritty mysteries or reflective non-fiction.
As a screenwriter, Obstfeld adapted novels like Dead Heat for Michael Keaton and wrote scripts across genres, though only Whatever It Takes (1998) made it to the screen. His instructional books, like Fiction First Aid, guide aspiring writers with practical wisdom, cementing his role as a mentor.
Why Raymond Obstfeld Matters
Raymond Obstfeld’s impact lies in his chameleon-like ability to cross genres while staying true to themes of identity, resilience, and justice. His work with Abdul-Jabbar amplifies underrepresented voices, making history accessible to young readers. As a professor, he’s shaped countless writers, blending academic rigor with real-world storytelling savvy. His pseudonyms and genre experiments reflect a fearless creativity that inspires authors to break molds.
Though not a household name, Obstfeld’s quiet influence endures through his diverse catalog and teaching legacy. His stories, whether thrilling or introspective, invite readers to see the world through fresh, compassionate lenses.
- Born: January 22, 1952, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Goulden Fleece, Dead Heat, Hungry Women, Becoming Kareem
- Awards: Edgar Award nomination for Dead Heat, NAACP Image Award win
- Pseudonyms: Laramie Dunaway, Jason Frost, Pike Bishop, Carl Stevens
Snag Dead Heat or Becoming Kareem and dive into Raymond Obstfeld’s thrilling, thought-provoking world!