A Book That Goes Beyond Its Pages

Last week I started a new job and it has been, so far, an exhausting experience, with his pros and cons (more on that later).

The very interesting part though, is that on my very first day there was a little celebration at the company because one of the guys that works for the firm just published a novel.

During the toast, the author, J.C. Hutchins, explained why his novel wasn't a typical one. His thriller, "Personal Effects: Dark Art" goes beyond the printed pages and the information related to the investigation of a possible serial killer can be enhanced through the web, by phone and by analyzing the art and material that comes with the book. A real interactive experience that allows you to decide how much you want to know (or not) about the main suspect and the notes of the therapist that interviews him.

Obviously, these unusual details really caught my attention. Several attempts have been made to make "interactive" novels before, but this is the first time I heard about a thriller that includes so many other media.

I was intrigued but I wasn't sure it would be a plot I may like, so I made my own research at home. One of the first Amazon's recommendations (that, ok, they are not always trustworthy but they can be an indication) really caught my attention...

The review reads: "Add equal parts House, CSI, and The X-Files. (...) Then light some dynamite under the box most novels live in and watch the pieces land outside the pages—in art, on websites, in e-mails, and in phone numbers that give you answers when you call". I have to admit that just the first line was enough for me: House, CSI and X-Files all mixed up? That seems like my dream come true!

I ordered the book today. Just the fact that there is a creative attempt to make a real interactive novel should have been a good excuse for me to buy it, but in reality you can't read a book only because there is a creative attempt behind it (well, at least I can't). Now the promise of a mix between X-Files and House is too much for me to pass.

So the book is on its way already... I will let you know how much I liked it or not, but if you are into reading and into what I would call "the online world" you may not want to wait for my review (that will take some time for sure, considering that I have my biological clock all screwed up!) and you may want to get your own copy.

Uhmmm... The new job? Well, I have been there for just a week, so the jury is still out. I love, love, love the product and I like the team overall. I totally hate the hours, though. Funny enough this single week made me realize that I have not been out of my bed so early (on daily basis) since... high school!

What can I say... I was looking for a new challenge and I got a very unexpected one, a.k.a. "the early morning". Only time will tell if a little bat like me can overcome such a challenge!