As part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Mitch Rapp novel, Transfer Of Power, the top 20 fan emails and profiles were revealed throughout the year.
What's Your Story: Gary Nash
Background
Former Marine infantry officer.
When did you start reading Vince?
2003.
Do you have a favorite book?
Executive Power--because that was my introduction to Vince Flynn. I quickly purchased the first four, and I've been hooked ever since.
Who is your favorite character?
Mike Nash (Vince wrote in my copy of his book "to Mike's brother, Gary" at a book signing.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
A compilation of several Marines I've known through the years.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
Stan Hurley, because for him pain is weakness leaving the body. Pain is good!
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
The lines were long at the St. Louis Park Costco. When we were finally face-to-face with Vince, I "requested" that he never again write "ex-Marine". He promised and then signed our 3 books. Several minutes, and several book signings later, we realized that I forgot to give him the USMC bumper sticker I carried. We stood off to the side and after another signing, Vince looked up and said, "What can I do for you, Gary?" He remembered my name! We were overwhelmed!
I have all 14 of Vince's books, 3 signed and 10 other signed with a personal message. Only The Last Man is unsigned--how ironic!
Semper fidelis, Vince. You who wanted to be a Marine, now know that "the streets of heaven are guarded by United States Marines" (from the 2nd verse of the Marine Hymn).
Vince’s Novels Helped Me Through One Of The Biggest Trials Of My Life
I'm so so so saddened by your death. I'm at home crying my eyes out even though I don't really know you.
My heart goes out to your wife and children. I can't even imagine what they are going through.
You were too young!
I should have sent this comment when you were alive to tell you how much your books meant to me.
My husband and I have been infertile for 6 years. We have a 1-2% chance of having a child. We always said if we ever got pregnant with a boy we'd name him Mitch.
Yep, a little obsessed with your books, but they got us through many NYC subway rides and we read them to each other while driving across the country. They kept us awake!
Anyway, 4 years into our infertility adventure I got pregnant. It was a miracle! We knew we had beat the odds. Ten weeks later I had an ultrasound and there was no baby. It had died.
God was merciful though.
I had reordered your first 3 books again because they had been lost while others borrowed them. The books were waiting for me when I got home, so I dove right in. I knew I just needed something to get my mind off the hurt and there was no better way to do that than read your books.
I always tell people that Vince Flynn got me through one of the biggest trials of my life. I will be forever grateful!
Thank you for your books, your life, your example. I'm so sorry it ended this way.
- Sam
UPDATE: In December 2017, Sam sent this note - I'm 27 weeks, finally getting my baby. 😀
What's Your Story: Laurel Iverson
Background
A few years ago, at my 25th high school reunion, I ran into Erin, the gal who was my best buddy in late-elementary/early-middle-school. Having been thinking about old classmates, I asked her, "Whatever happened to your old neighbor [and our classmate] Vinnie?" She -- knowing my sense of humor -- thought I was being facetious and replied with a smile, "Yah, whatever did happen to him?
Vince became quite the New York Times best selling author, didn't he?" I was a little confused at first, then questioned, "Vince? You mean Vince Flynn? Vinnie is THAT Vince Flynn?" I used to bicycle by Vince Flynn's house on the way to visit my friend.
Why did you start reading Vince?
I had noticed the books before the reunion, but took instant interest in them once I realized that Vince was one of my childhood classmates.
Do you have a favorite book?
Transfer Of Power: It seemed to give a very real, human face to what it was like to be a hostage and hoping against hope that someone like Mitch was out there trying to rescue you.
Who is your favorite character?
Probably Irene Kennedy. Not only is she a successful woman in a man's world, but she is a true friend to Mitch, helping him keep things in perspective.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
Probably Harrison Ford in the screen version of Jack Ryan, not because of the different character or different author, but because both characters have had it up to *here* with bureaucracy and the bull that comes with it.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
No question -- Irene Kennedy. She struggles with being a working mother, finds balance in what she does, and still has time for friends like Mitch Rapp.
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
His death is all too real since I am the same age and knew him as a child. Not only has his life been cut short, cut so has his talent.
Enemy Of The State Becomes This Fan's New Favorite Rapp Novel
Kyle Mills has, much like Mitch Rapp, managed to perform what most would say was impossible in filling Vince Flynn's shoes. The way he has allowed the characters grow and change, all the while increasing the audacity of the plots is remarkable. Enemy Of The State was a phenomenal read, bringing us on an unexpected adventure, and giving what I believe many of us have been hoping for ever since the return of Louis Gould - a team up of epic proportions. Assembling the dream team of assassins from Rapp's past was genius, and kept me on the edge of my seat as I worried about whether or not one of them would double cross Rapp. I have to say, this really could be my favorite book in the Mitch Rapp adventure.
I say all of this, in an effort to convey how thrilled I am with Kyle Mills. I sincerely hope he gets to keep the keys to the Mitch Rapp story, as I cannot wait to see what the future has in store.
- Hunter
What's Your Story: Michael Ian Black
Background
Michael Ian Black is a writer, comedian, and actor who currently appears on Another Period, The Jim Gaffigan Show, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. He just released a new book titled Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom’s, which I know sounds weird).
When did you start reading Vince?
I’m not sure. I may have picked up a book in the airport in 2010 or 2011. Despite the fact that I am a comedian by trade, I love to read international thrillers, spy books, assassin books, and books about geopolitical mayhem. Perhaps I secretly fancy myself a secret action hero.
Do you have a favorite book?
My favorite is probably Separation Of Power, if only because I think it’s the first one I read. I loved the whole Mitch Rapp universe, and as soon as I read my first, I started seeking out the others and devouring them. I think I read them all within six months.
Who is your favorite character?
The obvious answer is Mitch, but I’m going to go with Irene Kennedy because I love strong, powerful women - probably the same reason Judi Dench is my favorite Q in the James Bond series. I also love that she’s always got Mitch’s back; everybody wants that kind of loyalty in their lives, be it professional or personal.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
First choice is obviously going to be me. I think I can do it, despite the fact that I am 44, out of shape, and, at best, a weakling. Nor can I describe myself as a “world-class triathlete.” But I’ve got a winning attitude. If not me, how about Channing Tatum? He’d be great. But only if I can be in it, too. I’m not going to just hand over the part to Channing and not get anything out of it for myself.
If you could be any character in the Mitch Rapp series, who would it be and why?
Honestly, I’d probably one of the nameless nerds at the CIA behind the computer screen who says things like, “I’ve almost cracked the encryption,” or maybe a second-in-command terrorist. Not the main terrorist, but one of the guys who gets killed right before the main guy. I think I’d make a good second-in-command terrorist.
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Just that I’m thrilled Mitch Rapp lives and will continue to read the world Vince created for as long as there are more books to read.
Vince Flynn Fan Shares His Story With Kyle Mills
Kyle,
You don't know me and I'm sure we'll never meet in person. My name is Ryan Steck, I'm a husband and father of five wonderful children. I live Kalamazoo, Michigan and am 25 years old.
Until last year I'd never read a book in my adult life. When I saw on the news that Vince Flynn had passed away, I had never heard of him. He was an author, they said, and I almost quit listening. Then I heard one of the news anchors say that he also worked on the television show 24, which I'm a huge fan of! For some reason, I decided I was going to check this guy out...
I looked him up, and learned he wrote books about some fellow named Mitch Rapp. I found a list of his books in chronological order, then hopped on Amazon and bought a copy of American Assassin. It was the first book I've ever purchased. I read it in a week and fell in love with the writing and character. So, naturally Kill Shot was my second purchase. I was hooked, and over two months I read all fourteen of Flynn's novels, including Term Limits. A display featuring all of his books is proudly set up in my home. It's one of my proudest possessions.
I'm a grown man, a father for crying out loud, I'm suppose to be tough! But when I finished the final page of The Last Man I was devastated. I suddenly realized there were no more adventures to go on with my buddy Rapp. My first love in the world of books, and the stories were over. What an empty feeling that left!
Vince felt like a friend I've never met, and can now never meet. I felt robbed as a fan because having discovered his work after he'd already passed, I never had the opportunity to go to a book signing, or feel the excitement and anticipation from a book release date rapidly approaching.
Thanks to you, and the rest of Vince's team and family, I will now have that chance! I wrote on Emily Bestler's Facebook page last night that I was in bed when my phone vibrated alerting me to the fact that I had an email. Through tired and blurry eyes I saw Flynn's name in the subject line and couldn't get the message opened fast enough!
I have checked, honestly, at least four times a week since last July for ANY updates on Flynn's The Survivor. I know his website and fan newsletter said we, the fans, would be the first to know, but I checked for rumors, or anything, anyways! I was so excited last night that I was actually jumping around my home, celebrating! My wife and oldest daughter, both of which know how much I love Mitch Rapp, wondered what the heck was going on. When I told them, they congratulated me! Me? Why me?
That's why I'm writing you this email, And I pray it somehow finds its way to you. I just wanted to congratulate you, as well as offer my support and loyalty. I've read your comments this morning about how you've gone back and read every Rapp book in chronological order, taking notes, etc. it's obvious that you're dedicated to breathing new life into Mitch Rapp, so thank you for that!
I've also read your comments about how these are big shoes to fill, I can only imagine!
No worries, you'll nail it! I haven't been able to find any other author, or character, that comes anywhere close to the genius of Flynn/Rapp. I immediately got a list of your books, and I can't wait to check them out! I'll be in my library and on Amazon later today finding copies.
You'll be in my prayers as you work to finish The Survivor, and I look forward to an additional two installments from you in the coming years. I hope I speak for most Flynn/Rapp fans when I say this... We're behind you, we support you, and we thank you for continuing our beloved characters. It'll be a true honor to display the additional Rapp books, authored by you, along with the rest in my home.
God bless,
Ryan
What's Your Story: Slaven Tomasi
Background
Former Marine and current Respiratory Care Practitioner.
When did you start reading Mitch Rapp?
Started by finding a random book in a bin at an airport on my way to Afghanistan. The book was Extreme Measures and it sat in my bag for a few weeks until I needed something other than working out and sleep during my down time. I quickly read that book and then had to wait a horrible few weeks until my unit convoyed to a larger base from the small, middle of nowhere place we were at and was able to get some agonizing slow wi-fi and download all the current books in the series at the time. Did some research and read them first in publishing order, then again in chronological order.
Which books is your favorite/why?
Oh man. I can’t pick one. I’ll try and do my best and most my top 3, in no particular order. American Assassin, Consent To Kill, and Order To Kill.
Do you have a favorite character and why?
Is this a serious question? Ok Besides Mitch Rapp, I love and miss Stan Hurley.
If you could be any character in Vince's novels, who would it be and why?
Again, Mitch. The world needs more people like Mitch defending this great country. I did my best as a Marine. But in today’s crazy world, I wish I could have done more.
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Mitch Rapp, Vince or Kyle?
I’ve had an amazing opportunity to meet Kyle, he is such a great guy and look forward to seeing him again if I get the opportunity.
What Would You Trade For A Mitch Rapp Book...Meatloaf and Baby Wipes?
Mr. Flynn,
I have never written a “fan letter” before so please forgive me as I attempt to accurately describe my thoughts and feelings regarding your work. In 2003, I found myself bored, hot, hungry and homesick, as I sat in the turret of my armored personnel carrier, situated in a hull defilade position as part of the Marine Corps’ Regimental Combat Team 5. We were located somewhere in Kuwait inside LAS (Living Support Area) 5 awaiting the order to cross the LOD and invade Iraq.
For many reasons, wartime boredom and anxiety is some of the worst there is. Some of the reasons are obvious and others aren’t so clear or easy to anticipate let alone cope with on a daily basis. It was due to lack of foresight on my part that I was trained and armed for everything combat had to offer except the absolute mind-numbing boredom that would ultimately dominate the days to come. This became apparent only a few hours into the flight bound for Kuwait that would end up spanning the better part of 24 hours. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have armed myself with more than bullets and grenades. Although at the time I wasn’t a big reader, I certainly would have came equipped with a book or two. That was not the case however. I went into combat armed only to protect my physical self, not my mental self. I would soon learn the two are more dependent on each other than I knew.
Somewhere along the line I came into possession of one of your books. By the end of the second page I was writing a letter home asking my father to mail me every Vince Flynn book he could find. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t receive any mail for another four months, but to my surprise I found a Marine who had one of your books. After a short bargain, I ended up with the book and it had only cost me one package of baby wipes and my meatloaf MRE. Those two books took me and my imagination on the best adventure I have ever been on. I don’t know if it was because I, like Rapp, was fighting terrorists to protect America, or if it’s because I have always been interested in black-ops and night vision, but something made those books capture my imagination in a way I never experienced before.
Years had gone by after I completed my enlistment where I hadn’t picked up a book at all. Not until recently, when I became disabled and unable to work, did I pick up another book. With more down time than I knew what to do with, I decided to read all your books, in order this time. In the past four days I have read three books, Term Limits, Transfer Of Power and The Third Option. Each book is better than the last and I get more and more attached to Rapp with every story. It’s the strangest thing to have feelings of loyalty and compassion towards fictional characters, but you have written in such a way that I can’t help but feel that I actually know them. I sometimes catch myself having thoughts that I believe to be my memories only to realize I am thinking about a particular part of one of your books, not something that actually occurred in my life. I’m no expert by any means, but tend to think that any author who can blend the lines between fiction and reality in a reader’s mind has something very special to offer. You sir have that in spades and I commend you for it and on the enormity of your success. I truly hope you continue the Mitch Rapp series for the foreseeable future and continue to expand on his ever impressive life.
Unfortunately, being unable to work right now has prevented me from being able to read Pursuit of Honor, but I am chomping at the bit to get my hands on it. Perhaps when it comes out in paperback I will be in a better position to get it, unless of course I can find someone willing to trade me for a meatloaf MRE. I also just read about the next book coming out October, 2010 which I am very excited for also. Thank you again for your amazing books and ability to transport me into the story, you are truly gifted!
Very Respectfully,
Brett Fluri SGT, USMC
Vince sent SGT Fluri a signed copy of Pursuit of Honor.
A Gift For A Fan Recovering From Hurricane Sandy
I don't know if you will get the chance to read this, but I figured I would take a shot.
I am a teacher at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin, NJ. Our sending districts have been hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. We have many faculty and students that are displaced.
Our librarian, Johanna , was one hit particularly hard and she is a gigantic fan of yours.
She even jokes all the time about how much she is in love with your main character, Mitch.
She has been like an extended family member to my wife and our two sons since I have been a teacher here. If there was a way that I could somehow purchase one of your books and if you could sign it to her, I would greatly appreciate it.
I was just thinking of bringing just a little joy to her during this difficult time for Johanna and her family. She would probably kill me if she found out I was writing this because she doesn't even want others to know how much she has been through.
She is not the type of person to complain about anything, but she is the first person to help others at any moment.
Thank you very much for your time!
Sincerely,
Tom
Vince sent a signed edition and it was captured on video.
What's Your Story: Sheila Berklund
Background
Mother of 4 (32, 33, 46 & 47) and Grandmother of 4 (14, 15, 16, 18). Married for almost 35 years. (Thank you Lord!) Retired from 18 years as an Educational Assistant and 6 years as a postal clerk.
When did you start reading Vince?
My youngest son, Adam, found out he had ADD in high school, so he wasn't much of a reader, unless he had too. The summer after his freshman year in college, he was living at home working his summer job at Reeds Sunnyside Marina in Balsam Lake, WI. I noticed a book in his room. I asked him what he was reading. It was one of Vince's books. He said he met him when they put in his dock at his lake place. It impressed me. When I got an email from Once Upon a Crime bookstore, (the BEST little bookstore in the twin cities!) that Vince was doing a book signing, I went. As I got up to him, I stuck out my hand and said that I wanted to shake the hand of the author who got my son reading in the summer. Then I said he put in your dock at the lake. Vince said, "Oh, Adam." I was stunned that he knew his name just like that. He signed the book with the message, "Thanks for taking such good care of us, Adam." Sure made this Mother feel good. That made me a fan for life.
Do you have a favorite book?
That's like asking which one of your children is your favorite. I like them all.
Who is your favorite character?
Mike Nash. A protégé of Mitch Rapp would have to be a great character.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
I think of a person who is proud of his country and wants to do what's right.
If you could be any character in Vince's novels, who would it be and why?
His cleaning lady. :)
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Please keep Vince's books in the public eye so he won't be forgotten. We, his fans, miss him a lot. He was a fine young man.
The Quest For The Golden Book
I have all of your books. I was reading Term Limits as we flew to Miami for a long weekend (to get out of the cold) and I was on chapter 30.
I left the book on the plane.
We searched for two days and couldn't find a replacement.
We were taking a cab back to our hotel and the cab driver said he knew of a place to get the book. After a $110.00 cab ride, we purchased the replacement for about $9.00.
It is now called the "golden book". I did finish it before we returned to Fort Wayne, IN.
You are in our prayers, please keep writing, we need more "Mitch Rapp" in our lives.
With our best,
Dale and Catherine
What's Your Story: Bob Mitchell
Background
I am from Southern Illinois. I was a three-sport letterman in high school, played college football and a season of semi-pro baseball. I worked as a television anchor/reporter for about 12 years before joining the Army as a broadcast journalist. I have been deployed to Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Central America. I have also been stationed in Germany and Turkey in addition to tours at several CONUS bases. I will retire from the Army in November 2013.
When did you start reading Vince?
After getting stationed in California in 2011, my commander suggested reading Vince Flynn books. After about 10 pages of Pursuit of Honor I was hooked and read all of the Mitch Rapp books within about a year.
Which one of Vince's books is your favorite and why?
I love them all, but Pursuit Of Honor was my first, which is not unlike my first girlfriend; I always remember both with great fondness.
Do you have a favorite character and why?
Mitch Rapp is my favorite character by far. The way he gets the bad guys gets me fired up.
Who do you envision when you read of Mitch and why?
The kind of guy I admire. He stands for decency and honor. He is the kind of guy I would want as a close friend. I also love the way he has no tolerance for Political
Correctness or politicians.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, what would you be?
Mitch Rapp without a doubt. He is the kind of guy I would want to be if I had his job.
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Please don't stop writing them. I often re-read Vince's novels while waiting for the next one to come out.
Sharing Memories Of A Father And Mitch Rapp
Dear Mr. Flynn,
Just wanted to tell you thank you for your books.
My Dad, Sam, always loved to read, but in his early 70’s he said he was going to only read articles and no more books - mostly because once he started a book he would sit and read until he finished the book and he was finding it difficult to sit for a long time.
February of 2010 he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and was pretty sick.
After hearing an interview with you on Glenn Beck, I purchased a few of your books, gave one to Dad, and told him he might want to read it.
And then, every time I walked by his room he was reading your book. I was reading a different one and he would ask me, “How is our hero Mitch Rapp?”
We finished our books, exchanged with each other, and spent many hours last summer reading as America was threatened and saved in 500 pages, thanks to our hero Mitch Rapp.
Over the years Dad and I shared scores of books, but your books were our best, and our last.
Dad died in October, but some of my last best memories include reading your books together.
Thank you, and may God bless you,
Monesa
What's Your Story: Vince Papale
Background
1976 was a time when Philadelphia fans were buried in 11 years of defeat, when Americans were battling the lingering effects of Watergate, the Vietnam War and a sweeping energy crisis. People needed a champion from their ranks, and a local school teacher answered their call. Vince Papale did the unthinkable and took on an insurmountable challenge…making the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 30-year old schoolteacher, who did not play football in college, not only transformed himself into an NFL football play, but he was voted by his teammates captain of the special teams. He has since been selected by the fans as the best special teamer in the Eagles 75-year history. So incredible is his journey that Disney felt compelled to tell his story in the major-motion picture, “Invincible,” released in 2006.
Why did you start reading Vince?
I travel a lot for speaking engagements and I always have a book in hand; I am really into action novels. Maybe two or three years ago, at bookstore in an airport, I saw a book jacket for a political thriller, written by a guy named Vince that looked athletic in his photo. So, I picked it up. That is how my brain works. I guess that’s what happens when you take too many hits to the head.
Mitch Rapp jumped right out at me.
I often think about what I would have done, almost as if what if I had another life, rather than teaching and football. I had thought about entering the Marines Corps or the Air Force after graduating from St Joseph’s University. I have always been very interested in espionage, Black Ops, Delta and the Navy SEALs.
I meet a lot of those guys when I am speaking, and they make me think of Mitch Rapp, who is my favorite fictional character.
Plus, my daughter goes to Syracuse, and they have a tribute to the victims of the Lockerbie bombing. I know in American Assassin Mitch’s girlfriend is portrayed as one of the victims.
All of these things combined, sometimes I can’t help but think Mitch Rapp is a real person.
Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin.
I related to Mitch, coming out of college as a lacrosse star trying to make the CIA, just like I came out of college a track star and was trying to realize my dream of making the NFL.
Plus, Hurley reminded me of Dick Vermeil, who would break down guys down to decide who he was going to keep for the team and then he would build them back up. When the Eagles made the Super Bowl, a few years after he became coach, he had 12 guys left from the team he inherited and he called them the Dirty Dozen. When I read about Hurley it is Vermeil with a bit less sophistication, but that same drive.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
I do see myself. We were two guys on a mission. Mitch was trying to make CIA with an advocate in Irene Kennedy and an apparent adversary that would become an advocate in Hurley.
When I tried out for the Eagles, I had advocates in my father and high-school football coach, George Corner, and there was Dick Vermeil, who I thought at first was an adversary, but who, in reality, was my advocate that was trying to drive me to the next level.
I also see Mark Wahlberg when I read about Mitch Rapp. I was with him last week and I told him he should audition for the part for American Assassin.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
Definitely Mitch Rapp. Although, in The Last Man, I was a little freaked. It seems like he has aged so quickly and he has hardened. I liked it though. He has seen a lot, maybe too much. You see that happen in real life.
What are you up to these days?
I was diagnosed with Stage I colon cancer around Memorial Day 2011. I had successful surgery, but March is National Colon Cancer month, and I will be attending conferences and participating in public service announcements.
I have a book out that I co-wrote with my wife Janet called, “Be Invincible... A Playbook For Reaching Your Full Potential” aimed at helping readers reach their full potential. We all have things we have to overcome and decisions that were game changers. In a way, it is like “Chicken Soup For The Soul,” where there are stories of people that overcome incredible things. With each story, we provide an action plan for reaching your potential. Janet, who although she was portrayed as a bartender in the movie, was a world-class gymnast and is now a very successful realtor, entrepreneur, and she runs the Invincible show around here.
We will be publishing a “Born To Be Invincible” book targeted towards teens and young adults, with a similar structure as our previous book where we have role models and solutions, but geared towards topics ranging from bullying to nutrition.
We are in the creation stage of a new cable-weekly show called, “Born To Be Invincible.” Each week, I feature guests who have achieved the unthinkable and experienced what we call an “Invincible Moment.”
Plus, I am a tier 1 speaker and am presenting across the country, mostly to Fortune 500 audiences, but I really enjoy speaking at colleges and high schools as well.
I am also working on a PBS special, but I cannot give too many details on that.
Really, I am just trying to be a good dad and a husband. I have a teenage son, Vinny, who is a really good football player and wants to head to Stanford. He made an all-star team and came home with his jersey and it was my number, 83. I was getting all misty eyed so he busted my chops and he told me he chose the number because of Wes Welker.
I have a daughter, Gabriella, that is cheerleading at Syracuse and she wants to get into broadcasting.
Janet and I have been married for 19 years, and will celebrate our 20th anniversary in August.
I call my family, my “why.” They are the reason why I do things and how I do things. They are my #1 motivation and we like to think that together we are an Invincible Team!
Sharing Mitch Rapp Can Be Difficult...Even With Your Spouse
My husband and I have recently become big fans of yours. My husband had recently retired and in some spare time took up reading. He kept telling me how much I would enjoy your books. I hadn't been much of a reader up to this point. Well let me tell you, I started with Transfer Of Power and I could not put it down.
I did absolutely nothing but read for 2 days!
I continued reading the books in order and so did my husband. He was ahead of me, but I am a faster reader. I caught up to him when he was reading Consent To Kill.
The book belonged to our son and had been read several times so it was a little ragged and worn. It was starting to split in half . I couldn't wait for my husband to finish the book so once he was finished the first "half", I cut the book in half! My husband continued reading the last half and I read the first half.
We started laughing. Of all the books out there, here we were reading the same novel!
Sincerely,
Bob & Bonnie
What's Your Story: Nick Searcy
Background
Nick currently portrays Chief Deputy United States Marshal Art Mullen on FX's Justified, which Vince featured in the April 2012 edition of What’s Vince Watching? His film credits include Fried Green Tomatoes, Nell, The Fugitive, Cast Away, Head of State, Runaway Jury, The Ugly Truth and Moneyball.
What did you think when you saw Vince recommend Justified to his fans?
It was exciting. It’s exciting when you’re a fan of someone who is also a fan of the show.
A number of fans have thanked Vince for turning them on to Justified. Do you have any insights on Season 4 for them?
Not that I could say. They call us in about two months before the season starts and we have a long conversation with the writers about our characters and where the show could go. We may get around to exploring my character more this season.
When did you know Justified was going to be a success?
I knew it would be a good show, because there were a lot good people that were involved. After we did the pilot though, I thought it was going to be a hit. It just had too many good elements. Plus, any show that makes me the centerpiece will be a hit.
Why did you start reading Vince?
A friend turned me onto Vince about six years ago, and ever since then Amazon has me on speed dial and I get the books the day they come out and start reading.
What was the first of Vince’s books that you read?
Consent To Kill.
Do you have a favorite book or character?
American Assassin. I thought it was great, going back and getting the history of the Mitch Rapp. It really deepened the character. I really like every one of the books. The characters are well written, the plot is interesting and the endings are satisfying.
Who do you envision as Mitch Rapp when you read Vince’s novels?
I guess I always envision myself. I think everyone tends to put themselves in the role of the protagonist. Although, I don’t see myself doing all of that running. Because Vince’s picture is on all of his books, I also envision him as Rapp.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
Stansfield.
Who do you think should play Mitch Rapp in the movie?
My friends and I have chewed on that quite a bit, and to be honest we have not come up with anyone. Mitch is a bit of a throwback, and he needs a Steve McQueen type of actor.
Vince Helps A Mother And Son Deal With Dyslexia
I saw your interview with Glenn Beck. I have a son with dyslexia.
We live in a small town and I had so many struggles with the school system. I home school this smart, imaginative young man.
I was so inspired by your admission of dyslexia and your struggle that I taped the program so my son could watch.
Before he saw your interview I had trouble getting him to write anything. He would tell me what to write but his fear of looking or feeling dumb kept him from that. He will now write things after watching the program and he is a good story teller. He is going to work this summer at writing stories and he loves the subject matter of military and planes, tanks, combat…
It is amazing to me how one person's admission can inspire someone and you have inspired my son.
- Jennifer
What's Your Story: Rick Barry
Background
Rick Barry is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he was named to the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players list, and he is the only player in the history of the game to lead the NCAA, ABA and NBA in scoring for an individual season.
Why did you start reading Vince?
I started reading him several years ago, when someone told me I should be reading him.
Do you have a favorite book?
I love all of Vince’s books. Mitch Rapp is one of the greatest characters of all time and I just pray they start making the movies soon.
What book would you recommend to friends?
Every one of them. They should start with American Assassin first and read each and every one.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
I envision myself. I can’t stand bad people, and the fact the he goes out and kicks ass; I love it.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
I would want to be a guy Mitch respected. Someone he would come to for advice, and if he needed help, I would go along with him on assignments.
What’s your favorite aspect of Vince’s novels?
The other characters in the book are really cool, Stansfield and Kennedy; just exceptionally well developed. It is fun to see how they have evolved. Plus, the twists and turns in the stories are good; it is not all the same thing. They are exciting books that you just can’t put down.
What’s next for you?
I am involved with a number of business ventures. I am getting ready to launch a website and a blog about the basketball and the NBA. Plus, I put together fishing trips to Alaska, where I know some of the best lodges.
Battling To See Who Will Read All Of Vince's Novels First
The attached photo is of Lieutenant Colonel Miles Armstrong (L) and Chief Warrant Officer Scott Morgan (R) of I Corps, United States Forces - Iraq.
The photo was taken on the west side, third floor balcony of the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. The Joint Visitor's Bureau can be seen in the background. This is where VIPs and dignitaries stay when visiting the Corps Headquarters.
Miles and I were in the middle of reading W.E.B. Griffin's Presidential Agent series. He was a book ahead of me. While I was waiting on him to finish, I needed something else to read. I stumbled on Act Of Treason by accident. I found it in one of our many book bins among the thousands of books that we have here. Being that I'm a big fan of Daniel Silva's Israeli spy novels, I read the synopsis and thought this might be a book that I'd enjoy reading. Was I ever right!
I was hooked from the first chapter. By the second chapter I had ordered the first three in the series from Amazon. After reading Treason, I put Griffin on hold and started from the beginning with 'Term Limits'. When I finished that one, I gave it to Miles and told him that he had to read that book.
Needless to say, he was hooked too. We've blown through the entire ten book series in about 5 months.
We're looking very forward to reading Pursuit Of Honor. The battle will be who gets to read it first.
- Scott
