Author Ann Soon Choi’s new book, set to be released on April 22, delves into the scandalous legacy of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the renowned pathologist behind the autopsies of Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, and Natalie Wood. Choi’s interest in Noguchi’s story was piqued when she stumbled upon his memoir in a dollar bin at a New York City bookstore in the 1990s.
Choi was immediately drawn into Noguchi’s world, immersed in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the high-profile cases he handled. She found herself captivated by his memoir and the intriguing details of his career. Despite her prior knowledge of these historical events, she had never heard of Noguchi before.
Years later, in 2017, while working on an academic project that involved travel, Choi realized that a local project on Noguchi would be a better fit. She began researching his life and career, amassing a wealth of archival material by the time the Covid-19 lockdown hit.
During the lockdown, Choi dedicated herself to delving deeper into Noguchi’s story and decided to turn her research into a comprehensive biography. However, she faced challenges along the way, as many key figures from the 1960s and 70s were no longer alive, and numerous county records had been lost or destroyed.
With the help of librarians and activists, Choi persevered and unearthed some surprising discoveries, such as a scathing letter from Frank Sinatra to Noguchi. Despite facing scrutiny throughout his career, which ultimately led to his exit from office, Choi believes it is crucial to remember multifaceted Asian American figures like Noguchi – flaws and all.
When it came time to publish the book, Choi encountered obstacles as many publishing houses were more interested in celebrity cases than telling Noguchi’s full story. However, she remained steadfast in her commitment to sharing Noguchi’s complete narrative and eventually found a home for her project at Third State Books, a publishing house dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and stories.
Choi’s book, “L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood,” not only explores the high-profile cases Noguchi handled but also delves into the racial politics of the 1960s and 70s, the postwar history of Japanese Americans, and the rise of forensic science. She believes that readers deserve more complex narratives and hopes to provide a deeper understanding of Noguchi’s legacy beyond the celebrity cases he was involved in. As an advocate for writers of color, author Judy Choi emphasizes the importance of exploring identity in writing. She believes that writers of color should have the same freedom as their white counterparts to write about whatever they want. However, she acknowledges that there is still room for improvement in the publishing industry when it comes to promoting diverse voices.
Choi, who is a U.S. immigration historian, has focused her work on Asian American history as a way to navigate her own identity as an immigrant in the United States. She finds it empowering to delve into the stories of immigrants and their experiences in a new country.
In her latest book, “L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood,” Choi delves into the life and work of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, a groundbreaking figure in the field of forensics. She is particularly excited to showcase Noguchi’s rise to prominence despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks in his career. Choi also highlights Noguchi’s impact on the popularization of forensic science, noting that without his contributions, our understanding of death investigation would not be as advanced as it is today.
Choi’s passion for storytelling shines through in her writing, as she delves into complex and messy narratives that reflect the complexities of real life. She is drawn to subjects that she feels a personal connection to, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the stories she tells.
In “L.A. Coroner,” Choi explores Noguchi’s legacy as a pioneering figure in the field of forensics, shedding light on his groundbreaking work and the challenges he faced along the way. The book is a tribute to Noguchi’s lasting impact on the world of forensic science and his role as an influential figure in popular culture.
For readers interested in delving into the life and work of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, “L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood” is now available for purchase. Choi’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this biography a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, science, and popular culture. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is revolutionizing industries across the board, from healthcare to finance to transportation. But what exactly is artificial intelligence, and how is it changing the way we live and work?
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