On Monday, January 27th, New Rochelle High School Intro to College Writing, Journalism, and other interested students gathered in the library during seventh and eighth period for the opportunity to hear author Jeff Hobbsr discuss his book, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace. Students had been given the task of reading a book for class, only this time, they were able to meet and fire questions at the author of their assignment. Additionally, a more intimate gathering took place in the library conference room during sixth period, in which a few select students were chosen by their teachers to have lunch with Jeff Hobbs to ask personal, one-on-one questions before the larger-scale presentation. 

About eight students gathered to eat lunch with Hobbs, conversing over pizza and salad. Students found the experience of a personal conversation with the author of a book they spent weeks reading to be unique and exciting. Students were able to ask questions in a manner they never thought possible when reading Hobbs’ work. This experience allowed them to immerse themselves in and understand the book they read with a perspective they never could have attained previously. Discussing the book with its own author allowed students to see the work as not simply words on a page, but as the lives of real people and genuine stories and experiences. 

The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is a biography that gives the intense, detailed life story of Hobbs’ beloved friend and college roommate Robert Peace. Peace grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, and was gifted enough to attend Yale University for an undergraduate degree. His time at Yale took him through complex hardships, familial troubles, experiences with drugs, and tragedy. After the sudden death of Robert Peace, Hobbs decided that his story must be told. He  traveled to Peace’s hometown, and began the extensive, meticulous journey of representing the entirety of his best friend’s life. Hobbs had many moral reservations, responsibilities, and doubts upon beginning to write this book. Many of these internal struggles–such as Peace’s mother’s occasional anger–was discussed at the sixth period lunch. Hobbs said that he initially wasn’t planning on writing this book, but realized the impact he had on so many people, and truly believed that it needed to be shared with the world. He specifically mentioned that he “wanted to speak more to his life than to his death.” Compiling so many slightly varying tellings of Peace’s story from so many different people in his life was not at all an easy task. “Because Rob wasn't there to tell his own story, things were complicated,” Hobbs said. “This was not a typical journalistic endeavor–I mostly just trusted my feelings.” 

Hobbs continued to detail his writing process in great detail, answering every students’ questions. He discussed the experience of going around to as many people in Peace’s life as possible to hear their stories and experiences with him. This aspect of the writing/journalism process was extremely meaningful to Hobbs and those he spoke with, as it truly brought the community together around Peace in a new way. Tensions occasionally came up as tellings differed, but overall, the community atmosphere was strengthened around a shared passion and love for Peace. Having these conversations gave Hobbs a new life perspective. He said, “What is wonderful about it is the way it draws you out into the world. You start to learn that it's okay to be uncomfortable–having a real conversation with a person sometimes brings out discomfort or awkwardness.” This discomfort was a unique but impactful part of his dive into Peace’s life. Hobbs attaches great value to his time spent simply chatting with people who meant a lot to Robert Peace over food and drinks, getting to know their story for not just the book he would write, but for his own sake and personal connection to Peace. When reflecting on the experience of writing and the vast impact his book has had as a whole, Hobbs said “You don't get a lot of chances to be a part of something bigger. People seem to really resonate with the book and can apply it to their own experiences. After all, the most meaningful books can be situated in your own life.” 

After the lunch, Hobbs addressed the larger classes altogether in the main area of the library.

Hobbsfelt compelled to write about Rob not only because of their friendship, but because of Rob's unique and heartbreaking story. Hobbs describes the challenges he faced in writing the book. He recounts how, with the help of people who genuinely cared about Rob and encouraged him, he stayed motivated to continue. He would often sit on the porch steps of Rob’s friends, listening to their stories about him. As he did so, people would suggest others he should talk to, which helped Jeff gain different perspectives on Rob’s life. These conversations were crucial in providing the depth of understanding needed to write the book, allowing Jeff to present a more complete picture of Rob’s journey and the forces that impacted his life. Even after writing the book, Hobbs wishes he could have added more, as many people who read it shared with Hobbs they knew of Rob. He shares how he later discovered a woman who had access to a lot of Rob's things, such as letters his dad had sent him and documents in his dad's voice that weren't available anywhere else. 

One of the most difficult aspects of writing this book was the responsibility of telling Rob's story accurately and respectfully so it would be conveyed in a way that all people would get a chance to get to know Rob as a person.Hobbs spoke out on the challenge of what to include and what to keep out.. There were moments he felt that were too emotional to add in, to respect his family. 

Students were also curious about the recent movie adaptation of the book, which is currently playing on Netflix. Hobbs explained that while he had little involvement in the creative process, his wife had some oversight when the film rights were first secured. He shared that he found it surreal to see a version of himself portrayed on screen and even joked about questioning the director’s decision to have his character wear cardigans throughout the film. He also mentioned how, since the movie’s release, many people who knew Rob have reached out to him, sharing their own memories and reflections, which has been a freeing experience for them.