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Tell J.G. Sandom what you think of his work.  Share your thoughts with other readers.  Suggest new additions to the website.

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Comments

[E.M.S. Cohen]

Just read you for the first time.

Thrilled!

Enjoyed it.

[J.G. Sandom]

Hi, George. Yes, I've seen your review at Amazon.com (it's posted here on this site), and your response to N. Trachta's review.

Given the amount of Comments generated by Mr. Trachta's review, and since most of those who have Commented have not even read THE GOD MACHINE, I think this matter is best discussed via my CyberSibyl blog. After all, the Comments deal with how the book is being promoted, not the work itself. Please feel free to post your comments at http://www.CyberSibyl.com henceforth.

Thanks for your very kind review of THE GOD MACHINE, and for coming to my reading at Head House Books! I appreciate it.

Best wishes,

J.

[George Smith]

You probably don't remember me but I attended your reading at Head House Books in Philly a few weeks ago. I'm the guy who asked you about Tesla.

Anyway, I recently wrote a review of your book, The God Machine, at amazon. You may have seen it. I also took the time to rebut N. Trachta's comments, which I thought were really picky and kind of silly. Then I saw the blog entry at your CyberSibyl site where you call him out for not being objective.

I enjoy your writing and can't stand when folks take potshots for personal reasons.

Got your back!

George

P.S. Have startd Gospel Truths now. So far so good.

[J.G. Sandom]

Francis:

What a trip down memory lane! Yes, I remember "The Visit" well. But I am flabbergasted that you do. That was almost 40 years ago -- the period of testing. Incredible.

I am actually already a fan of yours, having enjoyed "Meditations and Remembrances" and "The Cloud of Unknowing" (great title!)...without even knowing that the Francis Pott responsible for these great choral works was someone I knew as a boy. [For those of you who don't know Mr. Pott's work, check out http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Name/Tristan-Russcher/Conductor/139616-3 and http://www.signumrecords.com/catalogue/sigcd105/index.shtml respectively.]

I did consider a career in acting for a while, but I found it very difficult to break out of a role once I had become immersed...something that was, at times, rather disturbing for those around me; i.e. my family and loved ones.

Writing gives me the chance to enter multiple roles, to think and feel as my characters do, with just the right distance to pull away when I have to. Being a novelist is not performance art, after all.

Anyway, thanks so much for reaching out to me. And I am thrilled, and grateful, that you have become the artist you have.

Best wishes,

J. (not John any longer)

[Francis Pott]

JGS won't remember me but we coincided at Winchester College in UK (early 70s) and I have just become aware of his work via its own website for alumni. What I remember is a production (in English) of Friedrich Durrenmatt's play 'The Visit': JG (I think the initials are preferred?) was a central character; I was writing some of the music for the production. He was riveting - it is still a clear memory after some 37 years (the pivotal moment where his character whispered 'I'm lost' has remained with me ever since) - and I had always assumed a stellar career awaited in the theatre. If this doesn't embarrass, JG, then I suspect your readershiup might find it an interesting gloss on your talents as a novelist! All power to your elbow and I shall now start reading with great interest.

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks so much, Marcia. I'm glad you liked THE GOD MACHINE. Franklin is such a rich and textured personality that it was wonderful to see him come to life in this novel. Of all the characters in the book, he was the first to refuse to move along the narrative arc I'd contrived for him, encouraging me to try another path. You always know when a book -- and character -- is working. It's that time when those you're scribbling about push you aside and grab the wheel.

Best wishes...and thanks again.

J.

[Marcia M. Zand]

Although I loved Gospel Truths, you really hit it out of the ballpark with this book. It has the perfect balance of history, intrigue and action to leave the veteran reader sated. And the way you bring Ben Franklin to life is extraordinary. It is a book I will read again and again.

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks for posting such a kind note about THE GOD MACHINE at www.jgsandom.com. I’m glad you enjoyed the book.

Yes, I did a lot of research for the novel, and tried to anchor everything you read about Franklin, and Edison and Tesla in fact. What I find most startling is what I learned about George Boole.

Best wishes,

J.

[John Moore]

I simply cannot believe this was a paper back. Way too good! I researched a lot of the stuff in the book; it's correct. This book is as good as any Dan Brown has written. Thanks to the author for all the true history in the book! I could not put it down...This one needs movie deals from everywhere! I do not want to wait years for the sequel!

[J.G. Sandom]

Hey, thanks, Adam. Glad you liked my new thriller.

I can't wait to come onto your show--Breezin' with Bierman--on May 29th to talk about it. (See Readings & Signings)

Best wishes...and thanks for your support.

J.

[Adam Bierman]

The God machine is a mixture of Grisham and Crichton. Sandom knows his science and history. Highly entertaining, and yet you don't leave your brain at the front cover. It makes you think.

I want to see a movie made of this novel. Sandom has done it again!

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks, Muriel. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Please feel free to post your review at Amazon.com and enter THE GOD MACHINE Readers' Contest.

I'm working on a sequel to THE GOD MACHINE now. Koster and Savita and, of course, Franklin will return. So will Nigel Lyman and Nick Robinson, and the Countess Irene Chantal de Rochambaud...as a young woman.

Best wishes,

J.

[Muriel Falvey]

I absolutely adored 'Gospel Truths' and have been haunting Amazon.com since I first read it for a sequel. I was not disappointed! I love history, I love religious thrillers, and 'The God Machine' is one of the best I've read, and believe me; I've read just about every Da Vinci Code-type book out there. Who needs Dan Brown when you have J. G. Sandom? When's the next sequel due?

[J.G. Sandom]

The books are on their way, Nadine. Although, when you get them, you may change your mind! Like the Gnostic gospels themselves, some clergy consider my work to be rather controversial, if not altogether heretical. But you be the judge.

God bless you, and may His love and beneficence continue to shine on your school.

[Nadine Thangluai]

Dear Sir:

We are a Christian mission school in Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern part of India. God gave us a vision and burden to reach the unreached tribals of this backward region with the Gospel of Jesus Christ since 1999. We have been involved in outreach programmes, distribution of tracts and Bibles, conducting children's Sunday Bible classes and various other activities.

We started a literature/library ministry on a small scale (1) in order to better train, equip and help the Christians grow spiritually and also (2) present a more informed case about Jesus Christ and Christianity to non-believers. Christian resource materials from generous and concerned donors have been put up in a small library. It is our earnest endeavour to build up the library and make it a useful Christian resource centre where people can come and enjoy the materials free of cost; and learn and also grow in their faith.

In order to build up the library and replenish them with new resources, we are making this appeal to you to prayerfully consider donating your materials as the Lord leads. We are very keen to have your books.

Your gifts may be sent to the following address:
Ruth Foundation English School,
Model Village, Bhalukpong,
West Kameng District,
Arunachal Pradesh 790114,
INDIA.

I trust you'll do what you can today to help us to continue to be an effective tool in the hands of God in a spiritually needy area like ours. Thank you in advance for your partnership and encouragement. May our efforts together bring glory to Christ and His Kingdom.

His richest blessings to you and your ministry!

Blessings,
Nadine Thangluai

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks, Maria. I'm so glad that you remembered the books.

You're right about that movie. Two knock-offs were made of THE HUNTING CLUB: "Very Bad Things," which was a very bad movie, with Cameron Diaz and Christian Slater; and something called Stag, a made-for-TV. The screenplay that Ron Bass wrote for Lee Rich and Warner Bros., based on my novel, went into turnaround.

It's available again, if anyone's interested?

Thanks for thinking of me, and for ordering my new books. I hope you'll also check out the novels I've written under the name T.K. Welsh -- THE UNRESOLVED and RESURRECTION MEN, both from Dutton. Welsh is the name I use for my young adult novels. They're appropriate for adults too. They just happen to have young protagonists.

Enjoy!

J.

[Maria Varecka - New York]

Hi J. - I read "The Hunting Club" and "Gospel Truths" back in 2000, definitely before 9/11. The reason I googled you this morning is because my husband was telling me about a movie he watched last night that sounded exactly like the plot in "The Hunting Club." Well, I'm glad I did because now I know that you've resumed your writing career. Excuse me, but I have to go to Amazon to order your books!!! Always your fan.

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks, Lee. I'm so glad you enjoyed GOSPEL TRUTHS.

I am only a few weeks away from finishing THE GOD MACHINE. If you liked the thesis of GOSPEL TRUTHS, you will certainly enjoy THE GOD MACHINE. I delve deeper into various mathematical developments in human history, and how God has pointed the way.

Best wishes,

J.

[Lee Titus]

Wow! Great read!

I first encountered the Divine Principle in '75. The mathmatical relationships between science and religion, the spirit world, spiritual life and truth and the physical world, including historical mathmatical developements in human history, is simply mind-boggling yet comforting.

What has been hidden is revealed in an open mind and an open heart. May God truly guide your wonderfully magnificent work!

Thank you from Lee!

P.S. I really look forward to reading The God Machine.

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks, Mark, for your kind note. You win the "eagle eye" award for catching that discrepancy. It's a long story, with an obviously embarrassing ending, that I'd rather not repeat! You'll be happy to note that Koster's father, Peter, was an oboist in THE GOD MACHINE. I hope you enjoy it.

[Mark Carol]

J.G.:

An Amherst Grad who just finished reading "Gospel Truths" after having read "The Labyrinth" by Kate Mosse and "The Secret Supper" by Sierra...of course, after "Da Vinci Code" and, long ago, "The Word" by Irving Wallace. I had just spent some time reading on the history of the various gospels; your text was like visiting an old friend. I specifically enjoyed the sophisticated level of your writing and am looking forward to your next book.

By the way, you mention the instrument played by Joseph's father twice in the book - once as an oboe and once as a cello. Is this on purpose or simply an oversight?

Thanks,

Mark

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks, Ed. Your comments made my day! I am so happy you enjoyed GOSPEL TRUTHS. Tell your friends! And, yes, I'll put you on our mailing list so you know when THE GOD MACHINE hits the stands.

Best wishes,

J.G. Sandom

[Edmund C Viger]

Dear J.G.:

By chance I saw Gospel Truths sitting on a small book stand at my local grocery store and it caught my eye. Thank God...no pun intended. I must tell you that it was a totally fascinating read, hard to put down and now I feel like a kid who can't wait for Christmas to come anticipating the arrival of "The God Machine."

Thank you so much for a truly intruiging and fascinating read. Keep 'em coming and please keep me posted of any new developments.

Ed Viger

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks for your interest, Steve.

THE GOD MACHINE should be out from Bantam sometime next year -- with any luck, before the elections. It deals with a search for the Gospel of Judas, another fascinating Gnostic text.

Joseph Koster and Nick Robinson, who were both featured in GOSPEL TRUTHS, play seminal roles. So does Benjamin Franklin, who was a Freemason, and who had a particular interest in the Gospel of Judas.

History. Religious skullduggery. An adventure-filled quest. Hope you like it!

Best wishes,

J.

[Steve]

I heard about your book the God Machine. When will it be out or how can I get a copy?

Steve

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks for the compliment. THE GOD MACHINE is due out next year. Robinson has reappeared. So has Koster, and he's found a new love in Savita Sajan.

[Dave Russell]

Please don't kill any more true loves! When is The God Machine coming out?

Hungry for intelligent thrillers.

[J.G. Sandom]

Will do, Bob. Thanks.

I just finished a scene for THE GOD MACHINE set in 1738. Then I was back in North Philly today, with my hands full of murder. Plots within plots.

THE GOD MACHINE is due out sometime next year, God willing. I'll let you know.

Best,

J.

[Bob Hohrman]

Thanks for your wonderful writing. Please add me to your email list for any updates on new releases, etc.
Thanks.

Regards,
Bob Hohrman
Eden Prairie MN 55347

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks so much for the wonderful compliment, Ron, and for taking the time to Comment. I really appreciate it.

I recently gave an interview at BookReporter.com (http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-sandom-jg.asp#view070202) during which I spoke briefly about the research involved in writing GOSPEL TRUTHS. I read more than thirty books and countless monographs.

Given your interest in this subject, I'm sure you're already familiar with the works of Elaine Pagels. She teaches down the street from me at Princeton. Her ground-breaking work on the Gnostics was particularly seminal in my thinking.

Yes, there is a Book of Thomas the Contendor, a Gnostic text -- not to be confused with the Gospel of Thomas, another real Gnostic text. To support the narrative structure of GOSPEL TRUTHS, I conjoined the Book of Thomas the Contendor and the Quelle, or Q -- the missing source. In reality, they are different documents.

I am in the process of writing a sequel to GOSPEL TRUTHS -- more of a thriller than a mystery, this time. Joseph Koster and Nick Robinson play central roles, and even Nigel Lyman makes an appearance. In this book, called THE GOD MACHINE, I examine the Gospel of Judas, another fascinating Gnostic text. The new novel is due out from Bantam in 2008. Hope you like it!

Best wishes,

J.

[Ron Ulrici]

Great book. I've read as many books on the subject as I can find and yours is one of the best. I was hoping to find out more on your website about the research you did for the novel. I wanted to find out if "Thomas the Contender" was a real document. You provided a wonderful summary about the church and the gospels on pp. 166-171 - thanks!

Ron Ulrici, Brentwood, California

[J. G. Sandom]

Kit: Thanks for you note. I have no plans for any readings in the Columbus area at this time, but I'll let you know as plans firm up in the new year. GOSPEL TRUTHS goes on sale on January 30th, 2007, and the publisher plans a major publicity push. Meantime, you may wish to check out THE UNRESOLVED (see Young Adult Novels under Categories, to the left). It was just published earlier this month (August, 2006). Best wishes!

[Kit Knisely]

Hello J.: I have not yet had the chance to read Gospel Truths, but I did very much enjoy reading the Hunting Club many years ago. I will need to check out Gospel Truths soon. If you are having any readings or signings in the Columbus, Ohio, area, I'll be certain to stop by.

[J.G. Sandom]

Thanks, Delilah. I've made a lot of changes to GOSPEL TRUTHS for this new edition, especially to the ending. Now that you've Opted In to receive mailings, I'll be sure to send you a note when THE GOD MACHINE is ready to hit the stores. If you liked GOSPEL TRUTHS, you'll love THE GOD MACHINE. Let me know what part of the country you live in, and I'll tell you when I'm in the area for a reading/signing.

[Delilah]

I remember reading Gospel Truths a few years ago and thinking - Damn, what a good book! I am so glad to see that J.G. Sandom is back with more intriguing stories. I can't wait to read the new Gospel Truths, as well as The God Machine. And if I may be so bold, I am happy to see that you are easy on the eyes, Mr. Sandom. Keep up the great work!