BLOG
BORDERS PICKS LAST ORACLE AS ONE OF THE BEST OF 2008
Thursday, January 22, 2009
With the holidays packed away and New Year’s resolutions still fresh, the turning of the calendar is often a time to reflect on the past year, which often means a deluge of Best of 2008 lists. I always enjoy reading the various newspapers’ list of best books. I usually find a new title or two or a new author to try out of those lists. So it came as quite a surprise when I heard (thanks, Earl!) that The Last Oracle was selected by Borders Books as one of its best books of 2008 in the category of mystery/thriller/horror. I was blown away by that…really made my day.
I also saw on that list a few of my favorite authors and friends, including Lee Child, Jon Land, and Douglas Preston. Also two debut authors whose books I really enjoyed: Tom Rob Smith (Child 44….thanks again to Earl for sending me that book) and Mark Alpert (Final Theory).
And speaking of good books, I started the New Year by reading through two extensive graphic novel series, both dealt with post-apocalyptic worlds. Not sure why I was on such an end-of-the-world kick…maybe it was because of the title of this summer’s Sigma book (The Doomsday Key). Either way, I spent many long nights reading until the wee hours of the morning.
The first series was Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead. It was sort of a cross between a George Romero zombie flick and the deep character study of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. It’s bloody, gut-wrenching, and all too human a story. The series is still continuing, but the first 54 issues have been collected into nine graphic novels.
The second series was Brian K. Vaughan’s award winning epic, Y: The Last Man. This series has completed its run, so the entire story arc can be read across the breadth of ten graphic novel collections. The premise of this series is that all mammals with a Y chromosome (ie., male) die off around the world at exactly the same moment…except for one man and his pet monkey. It’s hard to put into words how great this series is. What could be a comical farce (and sometimes is indeed VERY funny) ends up being a wonderful epic journey into the human condition. And two pages at the end of series are probably the two saddest and sweetest pages ever written. But to say anything more would ruin things. I was sad to see the story end, but I’ve heard that Brian Vaughan has moved on to write one of my favorite television programs: LOST.
And yes, I could write lengthy missives on why I will be glued to my television each Wednesday night as LOST runs through its current new season. But I think this post is running long already.
So signing off for now.
More to come!
Jim
Comments
Name: Gabrielle Macklin Date: 2009-01-24
Haha so my dad loves watching Lost, and when I saw the island dissapear (I don't watch the show at all), all I could say was "Was that a zero point energy bomb going off?" My dad didn't get it, but after just finishing Black Order (again), I thought it was great.
Name: Kevin Concannon Date: 2009-01-24
Hey Mr Rollins, I am a huge fan from Ireland I have read all your books cover to cover, and numerous times, I can't wait to hear more about the new sigma book!!! If you have any planned trips to Ireland or the UK on a tour put them up as soon as you can so I can be there. Keep up the amazing work. Kevin
Name: Cherei M. Date: 2009-01-24
Wowzers! You've really managed to cram several years of work into a VERY short timeframe. 'Lost' is one of our absolute favorite shows to watch! No explanation needed! The island traveling through time... BRILLIANT! Now to explain that polar bear! from seasons past! lol Look forward to reading your latest novels with great anticipation! You amaze me by continuing to grow as you spread your wings even further and delve into new arenas! May this year of 2009... bring you much happiness and accomplishments.
Name: Marlene G. Date: 2009-01-24
Hi Jim, Wow, never thought I would be actually adressing a "world know author" this is incredible. I picked up my first "James Rollins" about three months ago, I WAS HOOKED, and I have read everyone of them. I am 62 and granny to 4 and mom to 3. Your books are that wonderful array of past, present, future and way beyond with all the beautiful and wonderful historical facts inbetween. You are amazing, and I have now hooked my best friend on you as well. Cannot wait for the next Sigma adenture. God bless you and keep you, you are true gift. Marlene G.
Name: Stephanie Timiney Date: 2009-01-25
I have read every one of your books. I still remember picking up Subterranean in 1999 and have been a rabid fan since. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are two of my other top favorite authors. Riptide and Relic are my two favorites with The Codex and Cabinet of Curiosities coming in close second from them. I know some authors hate this, but I would absolutely love to see your Sigma Force novels hit the big screen. I wish you the best and look forward to your two new books coming out this year!!
Name: Catherine Date: 2009-02-03
I must confess You're my favourite writer among the representatives of modern literature. I've read only one of your books 'Map of Bones' & I extremely enjoyed it. Now I'm eager to read your 'Last Oracle' because I'm Russian. All the best to you!
Name: Dawn Ius Date: 2009-02-10
Great blog Jim. Thanks for the tips on a couple of new books - I'm on hold waiting for something too as I join the legions of fans hankering for the latest Rollins masterpiece. Perhaps your picks will tide me over.
Name: Arlie Date: 2009-02-10
Hi again Jim I was wondering if you were a Lost fan and read it here. Great to know you are, so am I since day 1. How many hours are in your day/night anyway? wow you are a busy man. Cheers Arlie
Name: Erin Hall Date: 2009-01-23
Wahoo! Of course you made our "Best of" list!, you are hands down my favorite author to read & handsell- and I'm a chick! I'm definitely thrilled to hear you are in progress on the next Sigma and refreshed to hear that the fantasy set is back on (not to mention completely jazzed about the new YA foray)! I can't help but be amused that outside your own writing, we uncannily share other favorite writers. Give us a holler up in Reno when you want another visit! Keep up the amazing work- we love it!