Book Club: Alive in Necropolis

Discuss Doug Dorst's Alive in Necropolis—Once City One Book #5 (2009)

A fresh, imaginative debut novel about a young police officer in northern California struggling to keep the peace and maintain a grip on reality in a town where the dead outnumber the living. Colma, California, is the only incorporated city in America where the dead outnumber the living. The longtime cemetery for San Francisco, it is the resting place of the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Wyatt Earp, and aviation pioneer Lincoln Beachey. It is also the home of Michael Mercer, a rookie cop trying to go by the book as he struggles to navigate a new realm of grownup relationships including a shaky romance with an older woman; a growing alliance with his cocky, charismatic partner, Nick Toronto; fading college friendships; and an aching sense of responsibility for a local rich kid who Mercer rescues from a dangerous prank in the cemetery. But instead of settling comfortably into adult life, Mercer becomes obsessed with the mysterious fate of his predecessor in the police unit, Sergeant Featherstone, who seems to have become confused about whether he was policing the living or the dead. And as Mercer delves deeper into Featherstone's story, it appears that Mercer's own sanity is beginning to slip either that, or Colma's more famous residents are not resting in peace as they should be. With all the playful sensitivity of Haruki Murakami and the haunted atmosphere of Paul Auster, but with a voice all his own, Doug Dorst has crafted an irresistible, compelling debut.

Celebrate 20 years of great authors. Together, we read them all. This fall, SFPL will announce the 20th One City One Book selection, continuing a cherished tradition of bringing the community together through shared reading and discussion. To celebrate these powerful stories that have connected us over the years, we will host dedicated book clubs for each title throughout the summer—offering thoughtful conversations and a chance to reflect on two decades of collective reading. Pick up a commemorative bookmark at any SFPL location to track your progress on this literary journey.  Join us in celebrating 20 years of One City One Book, and stay tuned for the exciting reveal of this year’s selection.