ALL OF IT Podcast Summary: NYC Summer Read - "The Doorman"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: WNYC
• Description: ALL OF IT explores culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to discuss the what and why of their work. The show fosters a diverse community, celebrating the myriad cultural experiences that define New York City.

Episode Overview:

• Title: NYC Summer Read: 'The Doorman'
• Release Date: July 11, 2025
• Guest: Chris Pavoni, Best-Selling Author
• Book Discussed: The Doorman

In this episode, Alison Stewart delves into the latest summer beach read, The Doorman, with renowned author Chris Pavoni. Pavoni, known for his thrillers set in exotic locales like Paris and Lisbon, presents a fresh take by setting his newest novel in a prestigious co-op building on Central Park West, reminiscent of iconic structures like the Dakota or the San Remo.

Interview with Chris Pavoni:

1. Introduction to Chris Pavoni and His Work

[00:00 – 02:00]
Alison Stewart introduces Chris Pavoni and his latest novel, The Doorman. She highlights Pavoni's shift from international settings to a quintessential New York City backdrop, focusing on the intricate dynamics within a wealthy co-op building named the Bohemia. The narrative promises suspense and intrigue, characteristic of Pavoni's style, featuring residents with double lives and life-threatening situations.

2. Pavoni’s Appreciation for the Platform

[01:41 – 02:05]
Chris Pavoni begins by expressing gratitude to Alison Stewart and the show:
"There is such a fire hose of horrible emergencies going on right now and it's easy to neglect the things that are important but not urgent. And I'm so grateful that you continue to provide this space for people to talk about things that are not necessarily urgent but still important parts of our cultural conversation."
This appreciation underscores Pavoni’s recognition of the podcast’s role in discussing meaningful cultural topics amidst current crises.

3. The Significance of a Doorman in New York City

[02:04 – 03:38]
Pavoni reflects on his upbringing in Brooklyn during the 1960s-1980s, a period marked by adversity, including the crack epidemic and high murder rates. He contrasts this with the present-day perception of doormen:
"There are a lot of security guards sitting in buildings in New York City who are there to make sure that no violence happens, really. But a doorman is a very different thing... to be the nice person in the world."
This distinction emphasizes the doorman's role as a constant, positive presence rather than mere security.

4. Tribute to Johnny, the Doorman

[03:38 – 04:59]
Pavoni shares a heartfelt story about Johnny, a long-serving doorman whom he dedicated his book to:
"Johnny was one of the first people you meet when you moved into this building... He had the type of magnetic warmth that you could feel from across the street... he continued to hail cabs and carry bags and hold the door while also definitely dying."
Johnny's unwavering dedication and warmth left a lasting impact, embodying the essence of the doorman’s role in fostering community.

5. Exploring Social Dynamics and Class in "The Doorman"

[04:59 – 06:21]
Pavoni explains his intent to examine the "upstairs, downstairs" environment in New York City, highlighting the interactions between residents and doormen within co-op buildings:
"A lot of people shuttle themselves around in town cars and live in fortress-like buildings like my own... the fascinating intersection... to talk about race and racism and class and income equality and money and its corrupting influence on everything."
This setting provides a microcosm for exploring broader societal issues through personal relationships.

6. Choosing New York City as the Setting

[06:21 – 07:28]
Discussing his motivation to set the novel in New York City, especially during the COVID pandemic:
"For a lot of people, New York is that [destination]. The Upper West Side of New York City is just as far in as Lisbon."
Pavoni emphasizes the city's diverse and complex nature, making it an ideal backdrop for a thriller that resonates with both local and global audiences.

7. Inspirations and Literary Influences

[07:34 – 08:38]
Pavoni cites Bonfire of the Vanities as a significant influence:
"Bonfire of the Vanities... a book about race and class and money and crime and adultery and murder... I wanted to do an updated version of that to try to address a lot of the same things, but with a more contemporary sensibility."
This reference indicates Pavoni’s ambition to tackle enduring themes with a modern perspective.

8. Plot and Character Development

[08:38 – 10:28]
When asked about the plot, Pavoni describes The Doorman as:
"A thriller about a doorman who gets caught up in a web of adultery, robbery, and murder... The journey that the reader is on is to figure out who that is and when and where and how. And actually, most interestingly, I think why."
He further delves into character nuances, highlighting Chickie Diaz, Emily Longworth, and Julian, each embodying different facets of privilege, race, and personal struggles.

Chickie Diaz:
Relentlessly upbeat and always happy to greet residents, Chickie strives to make himself smaller, navigating the world with non-confrontational grace.
Emily Longworth:
A self-identified liberal grappling with her identity and marital challenges, Emily represents the complexities of navigating wealth and personal integrity.
Julian:
An art dealer confronting his purpose amidst changing societal dynamics, Julian embodies the quest for relevance and the impact of privilege on personal ambition.

9. Addressing Contemporary Social Issues

[10:28 – 17:12]
Pavoni discusses how The Doorman weaves in themes of race, class, income inequality, sexism, and homophobia seamlessly into the narrative. He emphasizes that these issues are not mere backdrops but integral elements that drive the plot and character interactions:
"These are the things that actually drive the plot, that these are the conflicts that put these characters onto these collision paths that all converge at the end, where not all of these people survive."
He aims to present a realistic portrayal of New York City, where societal challenges are ever-present and influence every aspect of life.

10. Writing Process and Editorial Influence

[17:12 – 18:24]
Reflecting on his background as an editor, Pavoni outlines his disciplined approach to writing:
"I write a page of description about a book before I start writing the book to make sure that I have the protagonist, I have the antagonist, I have the main conflict. I know the general shape of the story."
This meticulous preparation ensures that his narratives are coherent, purposeful, and meaningful within the literary landscape.

11. Engaging with Readers and the Creative Community

[18:24 – 19:42]
Pavoni encourages creators to reach out and express appreciation:
"Especially social media has created the opportunity for people to very easily reach out to people and tell them that they created something that you really enjoyed. So I do that all the time."
He underscores the importance of positive engagement in an era often dominated by negativity, highlighting the value of community and mutual support among creators and their audiences.

Conclusion: In this insightful episode of ALL OF IT, Chris Pavoni reveals the depth and complexity of his latest novel, The Doorman. Through his exploration of New York City's elite co-op dynamics, Pavoni addresses pressing social issues while crafting a suspenseful and emotionally resonant narrative. His dedication to character development and thematic richness offers listeners a compelling reason to add The Doorman to their summer reading lists.

Notable Quotes:

1. Chris Pavoni on Cultural Conversations:
   "There is such a fire hose of horrible emergencies going on right now and it's easy to neglect the things that are important but not urgent."
   [01:41]

2. Pavoni on the Role of a Doorman:
   "It is to be a person there for the residents all the time, every day, to interact with and to be nice to. And it's a very unusual relationship that's not really about providing a tangible service a lot of the time, but simply being the nice person in the world."
   [02:04]

3. Tribute to Johnny:
   "He continued to hail cabs and carry bags and hold the door while also definitely dying."
   [03:45]

4. On Writing and Justifying the Story:
   "If a book can't be justified as its place in the world, then it doesn't actually belong in the world."
   [17:17]

Recommendation: The Doorman by Chris Pavoni is a gripping thriller that not only promises suspense and intrigue but also offers a profound commentary on the societal structures that shape our interactions and personal identities. Whether you're a long-time fan of Pavoni or new to his work, this novel is a compelling addition to any summer reading list, particularly for those interested in the intricate social fabric of New York City.