I have to admit, the marketing behind "S" is unabashedly cool. The book trailer is perhaps one of the finest ever produced (embedded below and with over 2 million views), which is worthy of the likes of someone who makes his living pleasing nerds with special effect laden extravaganzas featuring edgy and compelling stories. For one, "S" is only one letter. Anyone that hears it that's not in the know instantly asks..."What do you mean? Is that a book?" Why yes it is. And second, it comes in a beautiful black slipcover: a distinguishing trait usually reserved for only the most successful authors after a career of writing best sellers. But J.J. doesn't need to be known as a writer who sells books. These days, authors dream of only Hollywood. Having someone that's already conquered Hollywood turn to the arguably banal medium of print is something that the editors of the Big Houses would fall over themselves to acquire. So yeah, it received the best treatment possible.
So am I going to buy "S"?
So what's in this book that has a title only one letter long?
Not many people know, and that's just like J.J., is it not? That's the hook that brings you back. That's why LOST was so successful. He's a master of withholding information and frustrating people. A review posted on USA Today said it was filled with paranoia, conspiracy theory, love, and mystery. But there's also (apparently) way too much going on in the narrative (another J.J. trait).
For the bargain savvy book hunter looking for an excuse, "S" has two books in one! The reason for this is that Mr. Abrams wanted "S" to be a celebration of "the book as an object." To elaborate, here's a bit from an expose printed in The New York Times:
Inside a black slipcover stamped with the title, there’s an old library edition of a novel titled “Ship of Theseus,” published in 1949 by a certain V. M. Straka. The author and novel are the fictional creations of Mr. Abrams and Mr. Dorst, but the book’s edge-worn spine, labeled with a faded Dewey decimal sticker, is scuffed, and its corners dented. In used-book selling parlance, the condition of “Ship of Theseus” might be rated “good,” were it not for the tens of thousands of words tattooed in the margins of its yellowed pages by at least two different hands, both in pencil-lead gray and a riot of inks: black, blue, red, orange, purple and green.
Tucked among the pages, readers will find handwritten letters and notes, a college newspaper clipping, a purple mimeographed telegram, photocopied book pages, postcards, an old photograph, a map scrawled on a coffee shop napkin, and even a throwback decoder ring.So basically, the fun of "S" is having the book itself; to physically hold it and stroke its cover saying, "My preciousss." Okay, maybe that goes a bit far, but you get the picture. I guess I have only one question: Is S by J.J. Abrams the One Ring for nerds, or is it just the biggest money grab in literature for this Christmas season? Ultimately and somewhat unfortunately, I think this is the "true" fun of "S": that it's going to make coffers overflow with coins (but they won't be your coffers). And who doesn't like the sound of a register ringing when you're the seller and not the buyer?
Well played J.J., well played.
Everything else he touches turns to gold, so why not?
ReplyDeleteAbrams can almost make my books into movies anytime.
I admit I wasn't taken by del Toro's attempt at writing fiction though. If you pick it up, let us know what you thought of it when you finish.
Ugh, that sounds way too precious for me.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of him, I'm afraid. And not because I live in a narcissistic bubble. Or maybe I do...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it's frustrating not knowing what the book is about. Silly actually.
JJ wrote a book? I saw the teaser for that when it popped up a few months ago and had no idea what in the world that was supposed to be about. I didn't know it was a novel.
ReplyDeleteI have a love hate thing with JJ. He makes stunning movies and really gets the human drama aspect of storytelling - probably the most important thing - but sometimes he's shown some plotting problems, or in the case of Lost, a lack of interest in how things end.
Interestingly enough, my cousin's boss is married to JJ's sister (I think I got that right). So he's pretty much family I guess.
I must be a narcissist then. I had a sneaking suspicion, but now I have confirmation. Thanks for opening my eyes Oh Wise One, I'll have to pick it up :)
ReplyDeleteI would not have known about this book if I had not read your blog. Not because I am unaware of the world, but because I'm doing other stuff.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it will be good? My husband would love it.
There was a time when I was a book addict and I might have purchased this one, but I've downsized my library and rarely make purchases anymore. I've moved too much and books are so darn heavy.
ReplyDeleteI'm unconvinced. As Rusty said, he often leaves shows unfinished (Lost, Alias, Fringe) because he loses interest before he gets there. I would hate to read the book, have the first 2/3-3/4 be awesome and have the ending just be sort of tacked on because he was finished with the story before the story was finished.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with JJ is that he can't do endings. Always comes up short in that regard, so don't have faith in him as a novelist. Can you imagine reading all the way to the end and finding out it was all a dream? I wouldn't put it past him.
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Well. I'm narcissistic. But will totally have to check this out. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat hype, ingenious! Good luck to him! Especially if the rumor changes to S stands for SEX! LOL
ReplyDeleteYep, you caught me. I'm a terrible narcissist. I had not heard of this (yet I'm a big Abrams fan, so what does that tell you?).
ReplyDeleteI miss my nerd card. I used to think I was one, but I have been shown otherwise.
I'm not
ReplyDeleteMight be a gift for my impossible to buy for football coaching/nerdy oldest son.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea JJ had written a novel. But as lover of books (the kind that has pages and you hold in your hand), I like that it's printed and library-style beaten-up. Some books are works of art, and I want to see if S is one of them.
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