When Creative Non-Ficiton Becomes Too Creative

If you've ever wondered what separates creative non-fiction from fiction, please listen to this broadcast by This American Life on the retraction of a story they broadcast January 6, 2012, titled, "Mr. Daisey Goes to the Apple Factory." I want you to pay attention particularly to the agonizing prologue by Ira Glass, and then the even more agonizing exchange with Mike Daisey, the man who wrote the story and then "performed it" on stage.

Apple Harvest

These are Pink Lady apples growing in Kennewick, Washington. They are a sweet, crisp, delicious apple. Best for eating right off the tree. For pies, use Granny Smith apples (I just gleaned a big bucket of 'em).

Apple Pie Recipe

pastry for 9-inch double crust pie
6 cups thinly sliced and peeled Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoon butter, cut in small pieces
Preparation:
Line a 9-inch pie pan with pastry. Mix next 8 ingredients and fill pie shell, laying apple slices flat. Dot with the butter. Roll out top crust and cut slits in several places for steam to escape. Moisten edges of crust well with cold water and adjust top crust. With fingers or fork, pinch two crusts together to make a tight seal around pie. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of pie. Bake at 450° 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and bake 45 to 50 minutes longer.

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And here's the pie, right out of the oven. Want a slice?