On "24" the TV show...and the novel
January 15, 2009
The television show 24 is, for me, a brilliant page-burning novel – a thriller. I recently watched the four-hour kick-off of the show (the first four episodes over two nights), and I am so well hooked that it’s a testament to the quality of the writing. Oh, it’s not deep by a long shot, but it is thought provoking…it presents incredibly complex moral quandaries that have currency in the present day. It’s a show that speaks to our fears – my fears anyway. And the characters are so well drawn. We get hints about the new characters – it’s a beautiful, slow unraveling. I wasn’t a fan of the show until this year. I’m probably not a true fan now because I’m not really a fan of anything…but I can hardly wait for the next episode. I compare this TV show to the novel because I just finished reading “The Gargoyle” and experienced the same “I-have-to-get-back-to-the-story-NOW!!!” sort of excitement with this book (which I highly recommend, by the way). When is the next 24? Anybody know? Oh, I’ll look it up.
*NOTE: We have a new title for the Columbus book. After months of trying on titles and discarding all but a short list of possibilities, the good folks at Knopf-Doubleday in New York offered up a winner. It’s simple and beautifully reflects the essence of the book. I’m very pleased to announce the new title:
Waiting for Columbus
September 1, 2009 is the Canadian AND US release date for “Waiting for Columbus.” Early in 2010, Waiting for Columbus makes its European debut in the UK. And for those of you who have heard of the band “Little Feat,” this is also the title of an absolutely seminal live recording by this band, and the title of the work of art that acts as album cover.