Reading my first Jack Reacher novel (61 HOURS) and I am knocked out by the plot, but even more so by Childs' evocation of Jack Reacher. Of course, no one as sure-footed and unstoppable as Jack ever existed, but I don't mind that at all. We have plenty of Jim Rockford's who get bounced off walls.
Please don't tell me Tom Cruise is going to play him.
Who was the last fictional character who knocked you out? I don't mean romantically but rather as a unforgettable creation?
30 comments:
I know Cruise bought the rights to at least one of the books years ago but the pipsqueak would get laughed off the screen if he ever tried to play the 6'5" Reacher.
Fictional characters who knocked me out? Here are five who jump out:
Flavia de Luce (Alan Bradley)
Abel Jones (Owen Parry/Ralph Peters)
Salvo Montalbano (Andrea Camilleri)
Dr. Siri Paiboun (Colin Cotterill)
Emma Caldridge (Jamie Freveletti)
Jeff M.
I had a similar reaction to Travis McGee that you're having with Jack Reacher, Patti.
Oh, I had it with him too. And Spenser. Apparently I like he-man types. Good thing I married one.
Oh, I do have to say Lisander Salander is one. Despite my so-so attitude towards the books.
Patti - No doubt about it; Jack Reacher is one of a kind. For me, Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch floored me. Still does.
I saw the trailer to the new Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie (due out at Christmastime). Noomi Rapace, who played Lisbeth Salander in the GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO and its sequels, will be reading Tarot cards in that film. Just thought you'd like to know, Patti.
I guess it's just me. Jack Reacher and Lee Child leave me cold.
But I do like Travis McGee. I heard a rumor that Downey Jr. might play McGee in a movie...
My all-time favorite fictional character, though, is Richard Stark's Parker. You want bad-ass? If he and Jack Reacher went toe-to-toe, Reacher wouldn't know what hit 'em...
Ree Dolly in Winter's Bone for me. I can't stand Reacher, I tried several of the books and only made it through "The Killing Floor". I hate male characters that are so perfect, but I hate even more that they just "ride off into the sunset" instead of actually engaging with anyone.
It is possible that another book would be too much but this one is fun.
Thanks, George. I really doubt anyone can replace her. But in the book, I had pictured her differently so who knows.
I love Downey but not as Travis. He plays too many iconic figures.
Interesting. I wonder if Reacher is a character who actually appeals more to women than men. I have a friend, a woman who loves Reacher as a character and reads all the books. I read one and thought it was OK but haven't had a great urge to read more. Some characters that I like the pop into mind, Rye Tyler, Dominic Flandry, Bran Mak Morn, Travis McGee,
Travis certainly strikes a chord.
I´m not bowled over very easily, but I agree with Jeff that Flavia de Luce is a terrific novelty. Not quite realistic, but who cares? I love writers who take bright book nerds seriously (that´s also why I love Rowlings´ Hermione). Bookworms should be allowed to have some positive role models, too!
I think Travis McGee strikes a chord in readers because of John D. MacDonald's skill at giving McGee a unique, first person, voice. I've always found the first person to be more intimate than third person narration.
Yes, Dorte.
And yes, George.
Claire DeWitt. Melted my heart.
http://www.amazon.com/Claire-DeWitt-City-Dead-Sara/dp/0547428499
I'm thinking short story level: Zeltserman's Katz and Archie, Weddle's Oscar Martello, and Evan Lewis and his Skyler Hobbs character.
Thanks for the reminder, David.
I loved Gran's character in DOPE.
You know, David Cranmer being here reminded me about Cash Laramie... definitely one of the more intriguing newer characters to emerge in a while.
But I stick by my man Parker. Heh.
I'm not as crazy about the last couple books featuring him, but the first time I read Stephen Hunter's character - Marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger -I was pretty blown away.
Do tv characters count? For the past few months HBO On Demand has been running "Deadwood" for the first time since it was on originally, and I've taken that opportunity to watch it again. I don't know that I've ever encountered a more fascinating character than Al Swearengen. This time around I've also been very impressed with George Hearst. I think if he'd been in the entire series instead of just the last 14 episodes he'd have given Al a run for his money. And, yes, I realize both of these guys actually existed.
I liked the early Reacher books, but lately Child has seemed to be on automatic pilot.
Very true, DA. SOme characters are good for a book or two and wear out their welcome.
If we are counting TV characters, I resubmit the name of Jim Rockford, of course. And the entire cast of BREAKING BAD, DEADWOOD and THE WIRE.
Emily Tempest in Adrian Hyland's Australian outback crime novels is a wonderful character. Half white/half aborginal she inhabits two worlds whilst not really fitting in in either.
I also like Omar Yussef in Matt Benyon Rees Palistine based crime novels.
Both, I think, are unique and very engaging.
Having just finished Neil Smith's Choke On Your Lies I have to throw Octavia VanderPlatts into the mix. One of the most memorable characters I've read in years.
I'm not a fan of Reacher either, having read Killing Floor.
Himes's Coffin Ed and Gravedigger Jones are great too.
I guess one book is not enough to declare love.
How about Easy Rawlins?
I read one Reacher/Child and was left cold. Makes me feel a little guilty about accept those free drinks Child stands at Bouchercons. As for a character that resonates with me, I'd say Sgt. Joe Friday. If you want from from books only, Archie Goodwin.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Ken Bruen's Jack Taylor.
Definitely a keeper and I have read three Jack books. I never tire of him. Or Hoke Mosley for that matter.
Not a huge fan of Reacher either. And, since no one else has mentioned it, Tom Cruise has already been confirmed as playing Reacher(unless things have changed again).
Parker probably did it for me. I was bowled over when I first read him in the edition put out with the Mel Gibson movie.
Little did I know that he was much better than that.
Jack Taylor, Matt Scudder,Travis McGee,Phillip Marlowe, and Parker...not necessarily in that order, but these are my top five. I've always thought Fred Ward or Robert Forrester would make an excellent Travis McGee, though I suppose they would be too old now for the earlier stories.
Heath, much as I like Parker I'm afraid you're dreaming. The only way he'd take down Reacher is with a very big gun.
Jack Taylor is a great character, but one I'd rather observe at a distance. Anyone who gets close to him doesn't come out of it too well. I also have a sneaking admiration for Bruen's less than admirable Sgt. Brant. What a maniac!
Fred ward played Hoke Moseley in MIAMI BLUES, and did a good job.
Jeff M.
Post a Comment