2001 - the year in review - more or less.........

This was definitely a strange year. Most obviously defined by most by the events of September. Also a recession seems to have hit the land, meaning less work and less money. However, there were many good things in 2001 also. So let’s see how that relates to me, Jon Jordan.

Bouchercon was a big event for Ruth and I. We had planned on going to Denver in 2000, but opted for the wedding idea instead. So going this year was really a must. We saved, and planned, and saved. And we did indeed go. With out to much detail, which is already in another column, we had a great time, a memorable time, and plan to go again, and often.

Weird things happening on the work front. A lay off has meant a bit of free time, which at first seemed kind of cool, is now making me nuts.

Lots of good books this year! I discovered some new authors and read books by old favorites. I know I’ll never remember them all, but here’s a bunch: Mark Billingham’s Sleepyhead, Stephen Booth’s Black Dog and also Dancing With The Virgins, Keith Snyder’s The Night Men, I read my first books by Paul Johnston (loved ‘em!). John Connolly’s The Killing Kind, James Lee Burke’s Purple Cane Road, George Pelecanos’s Right as Rain, A new Pronzini, Dennis Lehane’s Mystic River, Sean Doolittle’s Dirt, John Sanford, George Chesbro had a new book!!!!, Michael Connelly’s latest was great, Rick Riordan’s Devil Went Down To Austin, I read John Baker for the first time- great stuff!!!!. Jim Fusilli’s Closing Time, The New Eleanor Taylor Bland was wonderful, The New Barb D'Amato- Hard Road, Jeff Deaver’s latest rocked, Charles Todd came through again!!!, Ian Rankin’s The Falls, Val McDermid’s Killing The Shadows, Karin Slaughter’s Blindsighted.

The list goes on and on. Let’s just say that I’m reading three or four books a week again, and I really did not read any duds. I’ve also been interviewing like crazy! I’m getting to know some really great writers because of it. And hopefully, you are finding some new authors to read.

I also got to meet some great people this year, either through the net, or in person. Maggie Griffin is one hell of a nice lady, and I’m glad I got to know her. Mark Billingham, Sean Doolittle, Stephen Booth; all new writers and very nice guys. I met a lot of my on line friends in DC, and it was so nice to put faces to names.

I’ve adjusted quite well to married life as well. Ruth and I really do seem just right for each other. Whether we’re walking (which she thinks we should do more of) or just watching a movie or reading in bed, I can’t imagine not having her with me. She makes me happy all the time.

Good movies this year too. Most we saw on the home system, but good movies. We did see Spy Game in the theater. (Thanks Dick!) Great movie with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, and true to the title, it was games with spies. Very fun.

Blow with Johnny Depp was great, Snatch, Remember the Titans, Unbreakable, Traffic, The Way Of The Gun.... many more, but all great flicks. The new DVD player got a real work out. I even got a great Cheap Trick DVD.

So when looking back on 2001, yes, I will remember the thoughts going through my head as I saw a plane hit the second tower. I’ll remember being glued to the news for two weeks and wondering if the people I know were okay. I’ll remember Keith Snyder e-mailing updates during this time, and making it easier to understand the depth of what was happening.

But, I’ll also remember the country pulling together. I’ll remember not being afraid to fly and going to DC anyway, along with a whole lot of other people.

And, I’ll remember spending some really good time with great friends, and new friends. I’ll remember reading some damn good books, seeing some damn good movies. Walking around downtown during Bastille Days with my wife and sister and the going to the Circus Parade.

I short...............2001 was a good year.

And I get the impression that 2002 will be even better.