Lee Child

Which author would you love to have dinner with?

I chose this image because I love Malcolm Goodwin, on the left, as an actor. He has that amazing power to dominate a screen quietly so prevalent in black actors. I also love Alan Ritchson because he is Reacher. They’re a great partnership.

When Tom Cruise played Reacher we all smiled, way too short, but credit where it’s due, he was Reacher in character. Humans need to allow someone to live out a dream.

He also put Reacher on the map, which is very likely why we have this wonderful series with so many crazily good actors. Especially Maria Sten as Francis Neagley. Or just Neagley, like just Reacher.

I love that simplicity. They are who they are, no need for two names. No need for fuss. Do what needs to be done. Yet they both care very deeply, especially Reacher. There is a true, genuine kindness to that stone cold killer.

He kills only those who would kill others, take advantage of the weak, or because they killed or caused the death of an innocent.

His drivers are clear, and unequivocal. No umming and ahing. Do what needs to be done because these people won’t back off and see the light, no regrets because his why makes sense.

I’d love to spend time with the man who wrote the Jack Reacher books, Lee Child. To discover how he came up with such a multi-layered character. In last night’s episode Reacher rescued a kitten that would have been left to starve. Huge guy, tiny white kitten. But it was right so he did it.

I like that unequivocal way of being. I try to aspire to it, but I don’t always succeed. It’s the success mindset – whatever the focus – and maybe a bit would rub off and blast past my hang ups.

Lee Child now co-authors the books with his brother Andrew, a British born writer. His real name is Andrew Grant, but he uses the Pseudonym Child when he writes with his Brother. He will one day take over entirely.

There has been outrage, but I can’t think of a lovelier thing to do than pass on such a legacy to your brother.

Many say the books aren’t as good, but Andrew Grant is a truly good writer, his own books are well worth reading. He’s bought a little softness to Reacher that compliments his brother’s plot that Reacher does care. In truth the books have barely changed. Plus he’s taking time to get into it, he didn’t just step in and take over.

People are always ready to criticise, not wait and see how things develop. To find fault because something has changed a bit. Lee is older, he’d written so many books, how can you resent him for wanting a little support and a fresh eye on things?

There was one book that wasn’t quite as good, but for heaven’s sake, can’t a writer wobble once? We still bought the next book and the next book. Because Lee has given us so much enjoyment we will stick with him. Reacher is always worth it.

He reminds us to stand up for what matters.

One thing I would say to Lee is thank you, and to Andrew. So much entertainment, a pick me up that allows you to lose yourself for a few minutes (okay hours). What’s not to love?

I think the message of this situation is, don’t look for the cracks between the paving, keep following the road. As Reacher does at the end of every book. You can forgive the cracks and just step over them.

It’s canyons such as war, disease, starvation, violent crime, that should make you stop and worry. Not a small failure in a human being.

Thank you Lee.

Best love

Amorah – Deb