Tin Roof Blowdown

[jamesleeburke]

I'm glad you liked the book, Mike.

All the best,

Jim

[Anne]

Dear Jim,
I don't normally write "fan" letters, but I've had so many imaginary conversations with you that I figured it was time to get real -- what an amazing book this is -- beautiful, tragic, timely, timeless -- one of the great books of the 20th and 21st centuries. In fact, I cannot get enough of your books. My preferred "reading" method is by audiobook -- that's how I was introduced to your writing, and in my opinion, like the great epics, your books are so incantatory that the oral experience is almost a necessary component. Will Patton is an inspired reader, and he treats the long, powerful descriptive passages with great respect -- they have a rhythm that is mesmerizing. But I also love the reading of "Jolie Blon's Bounce," which in my opinion is perhaps your most powerful book. The battle between good and evil, the biblical allusions (and the allusions to mythology in all your books! amazing!), give this book a quality rare in "popular" literature. But, also in my opinion, "The Tin Roof Blowdown" should be required reading for all citizens, all voters, and all candidates. A dose of reality might lead to a modicum of humanity in today's world.
Anyway, that's what I've been wanting to say ever since I first heard this book. Thank you for your beautiful and courageous writing.
--Anne

[jamesleeburke]

Thanks, Anne. Those are great words to receive.

Best wishes,

Jim

[randyb]

Great job Jim!

I was just there for my first post Katrina visit. Spent some time helping re-furbish a middle school in the lower 9. Even after two years, I was humbled by what I seen on our ride from the quarter down to the school. It still is unfathomable how our government was so completely ignorant and unresponsive. During my stay, I finished the book and it seemed like I was in the middle of the novel itself. Great portrayal of the people, sounds and the way you can paint a mental picture of everything is amazing. Thank you!!

Randy Burgess, Anacortes, Washington

[jamesleeburke]

Thanks, Randy, and God bless you for your volunteer work, noble mon.

Best,

Jim

[oquinlan]

Thanks, Sue. The next Dave Robicheaux novel is titled "Swan Peak" and is set in Montana. It's due out July 8 of '08.

Happy New Year,

Jim

ALLRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lone Star Tweety]

I’ve just completed reading Tin Roof Blowdown and was myself “blown away” by the story as has been the case since my son introduced me to the JLB works. When Katrina hit, the thought crossed my mind that you would include it in one of your plots. You made some interesting observations about the horror of the disaster that hadn’t been addressed in media coverage and I hadn’t thought about. I’ve read all but two of the Robicheaux offerings. I love the recurring characters, Clete being especially dear to me because he is just so darn unique and predictably unpredictable. Last night, I awoke in the middle of the night with the horrible thought that Robicheaux will bite the dust or perhaps get too decrepit for Molly to handle and have to be placed in a nursing home. I can’t bear the thought of him being retired no matter how it happens. I’m only hoping that maybe the “home” would be the better of the two so that Dave can reminisce about past cases during his time with Batist and the fishing camp which, by the way, I will be in search of the next time I make it to New Iberia. When I read, I mentally put faces with the characters and have always invisioned Tommy Lee Jones as Dave. I’m delighted that he has been cast for the Electric Mist movie and can only pray that I will live long enough to see it. Jim, your imagination is without rival as far as I’m concerned. I think you received a double dose of the talent.
Linda from Texas.... The Lone Star Tweety

[brandon]

Thanks, Sue. The next Dave Robicheaux novel is titled "Swan Peak" and is set in Montana. It's due out July 8 of '08.

Happy New Year,

Jim

ALLRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A new Dave Robicheaux coming out in July, thats great news!!!! Pre-ordering NOW!

[jamesleeburke]

Thanks, Lone Star and Brandon. Keep the faith and stay in E-major.

Best,

Jim

[siderussianlegsweep]

Finished the book last night, truly brilliant writing, I can see why the critics are saying that this is the best Burke book ever written (which is truly something to be proud of as so many talented authors find a great series character and after a few years tend to shift into cruise control and write the same book over and over again).

Living overseas I didn't know the sheer magnitude of Katrina or the effect on the people. Little things in the book stood out like the insurance companies being loathe to pay up and the government being slow to respond with aid.

Thank you, Mr Burke.