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Messages
"An accomplished debut novel." "Lavishly detailed," rendered with "smooth skill" and containing "considerable comic energy and fast-paced dialogue."
-- Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis:
"And what did the boss say?" Regina demanded.
Austin locked eyes with her. "He said our stories need more vagina."
Regina recoiled as if Austin had poked her with a sharp stick. "He said WHAT?"
Austin held his hand up. "As God is my judge. That was the word he used."
What kind of crazy newsroom is this? It's the kind that three friends encounter as they embark on a broadcast journalism career at the height of the Golden Age of TV News. In their quest for Truth, Justice, and Ratings, they'll risk it all, battling profit-minded owners, idiotic managers, dishonest businessmen, out-of-control public officials, and dangerous criminals. Before it's all over, one will be in a fight for his job, another will be fighting for his sanity, and the third will be in a fight for his very life. Written by Forrest Carr, an award-winning 33-year veteran of local TV news, Messages gives a never-before-seen glimpse into the inner workings of local television newsrooms and of the journalists who work and struggle within them.
"A masterful expose of TV news. Carr’s novel is engrossing, fun to read and a joy to see play out to its inevitable, tragic, hilarious and scandalous conclusion. Take this book home. You won’t be disappointed."
-- Tim Schwartz, MoCoVox.com
What readers are posting about Messages:
– "Great read! Twist and turn plot and many laugh out loud moments."
– "Fast paced and funny."
– "Better than Anchorman."
– "Loved it! It's hard to put the book down once you've started."
– "... a fun ride with unexpected twists and bumps. I can't wait for the sequel."
– "... a must read that will leave you entertained, amused and even enlightened."
– "Forrest Carr has absolutely nailed it. The author is a television newsroom veteran and it shows. The insane characters and off the wall quirky personalities make you feel like you are reading M*A*S*H, only set in a newsroom."
"Messages" is intended for mature audiences, 17+.
-- Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis:
"And what did the boss say?" Regina demanded.
Austin locked eyes with her. "He said our stories need more vagina."
Regina recoiled as if Austin had poked her with a sharp stick. "He said WHAT?"
Austin held his hand up. "As God is my judge. That was the word he used."
What kind of crazy newsroom is this? It's the kind that three friends encounter as they embark on a broadcast journalism career at the height of the Golden Age of TV News. In their quest for Truth, Justice, and Ratings, they'll risk it all, battling profit-minded owners, idiotic managers, dishonest businessmen, out-of-control public officials, and dangerous criminals. Before it's all over, one will be in a fight for his job, another will be fighting for his sanity, and the third will be in a fight for his very life. Written by Forrest Carr, an award-winning 33-year veteran of local TV news, Messages gives a never-before-seen glimpse into the inner workings of local television newsrooms and of the journalists who work and struggle within them.
"A masterful expose of TV news. Carr’s novel is engrossing, fun to read and a joy to see play out to its inevitable, tragic, hilarious and scandalous conclusion. Take this book home. You won’t be disappointed."
-- Tim Schwartz, MoCoVox.com
What readers are posting about Messages:
– "Great read! Twist and turn plot and many laugh out loud moments."
– "Fast paced and funny."
– "Better than Anchorman."
– "Loved it! It's hard to put the book down once you've started."
– "... a fun ride with unexpected twists and bumps. I can't wait for the sequel."
– "... a must read that will leave you entertained, amused and even enlightened."
– "Forrest Carr has absolutely nailed it. The author is a television newsroom veteran and it shows. The insane characters and off the wall quirky personalities make you feel like you are reading M*A*S*H, only set in a newsroom."
"Messages" is intended for mature audiences, 17+.
547 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2013
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Forrest Carr
4 books9 followersNamed as a 2015 Kirkus Reviews "Author to Watch," Forrest Carr is novelist, blogger, former radio talk show host, and former TV news director. He is the author of the novels The Dark, Messages and A Journal of the Crazy Year, and co-author of the college journalism textbook, Broadcast News Handbook. After graduating from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Carr spent 33 years in the television news industry, and was a news director in the Tampa, Fort Myers, Albuquerque, and Tucson television markets. Carr has received or shared credit in more than 90 journalism awards, including a Suncoast Regional Emmy for investigative reporting and two regional Edward R. Murrow awards for investigative reporting. His latest scifi/horror novel, The Dark, centers on astronauts making the most ambitious voyage of discovery in human history who begin to wonder whether they've flown so far out into space that they’ve arrived at a point where God does not exist--with horrific consequences. A Journal of the Crazy Year is a zombie-genre post-apocalyptic novel inspired by an actual disease that has struck twice before and could strike again; Publisher's Weekly awarded it a coveted starred review in which it called the novel a "fascinating read" from top to bottom, and many of the events it predicted already have happened. His book Messages is a "buddy journalist" crime novel set in a 1980's newsroom that one critic called a "masterful exposé of TV News." Carr is a long-time fan of old school science fiction, particularly the works of Robert Heinlein. He resides with his wife Deborah and their two cats Ellis and Mina, a.k.a. Butthead 1 and Butthead Also, in Tucson, Arizona. He invites readers to reach him through his author page on Facebook or by way of his website, www.forrestcarr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 7, 2013
OK, in the interests of full disclosure, I am the wife of the author. But don't let that stop you. I'm a very picky reader.
"Messages" is an engaging crime story with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. The writing is brisk and stylish with a unique blend of drama, humor and memorable characters. I spent some time in TV newsrooms myself, so I can tell you that this book gives accurate insight into what the culture and some of the characters are like, especially during the time frame on which the novel focuses. "Messages" teaches us that covering the news is not as easy as one might think and that those who deliver it are not gods or heroes. They are rather like the rest of us: human beings in all of our struggles and hopelessly flawed glory. One of the user reviews on Amazon said that "Messages" was "like M*A*S*H set in a newsroom; another said it was "funnier than 'Anchorman'" and I think that's about right. The parts that are funny are naturally so, not contrived -- and based on personal experience, I can tell you that none of these incidents is particularly far-fetched, and many are based on actual events. I am a picky reader, and I highly recommend this book! A good read from audacious start to riveting finish.
"Messages" is an engaging crime story with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. The writing is brisk and stylish with a unique blend of drama, humor and memorable characters. I spent some time in TV newsrooms myself, so I can tell you that this book gives accurate insight into what the culture and some of the characters are like, especially during the time frame on which the novel focuses. "Messages" teaches us that covering the news is not as easy as one might think and that those who deliver it are not gods or heroes. They are rather like the rest of us: human beings in all of our struggles and hopelessly flawed glory. One of the user reviews on Amazon said that "Messages" was "like M*A*S*H set in a newsroom; another said it was "funnier than 'Anchorman'" and I think that's about right. The parts that are funny are naturally so, not contrived -- and based on personal experience, I can tell you that none of these incidents is particularly far-fetched, and many are based on actual events. I am a picky reader, and I highly recommend this book! A good read from audacious start to riveting finish.
November 6, 2013
I can’t say I’m surprised that Forrest Carr wrote such a fascinating book. He’s a supremely versatile talent. Throughout his career in local TV news, Forrest has built one success after another. Add Messages to the list. The book is entertaining, wickedly funny, and an all around great read. I would have read it in one sitting if my wife hadn’t demanded her iPad back. The setting for this mystery is a local television newsroom. For anyone who has worked in television news that’s an obvious reason to read it. What’s best, though, is that everyone will enjoy this book. Forrest’s description of conduct and conflict in the newsroom will seem too outrageous to be true, but believe me, it’s dead on accurate. The character development is amazing. The story is not predictable. The surprise ending is one you’ll never figure out. Among the thousand of choices available, I would encourage anyone to buy and read Messages.
October 4, 2013
Better than Anchor Man. I suppose this is the serious fluff free version of it. The characters in the news room were so very funny and shocking as well. I enjoyed this book a great deal and often found myself laughing while reading it.
November 9, 2013
A great book if you are interested in murder mysteries and are curious about what life was/is like in television newsrooms. As someone who has worked closely with news departments for decades this book is very authentic in the personalities, culture and attitudes of newsroom personnel back in the time period. I had a good laugh in spots because it brought back memories of deeds, attitudes or just plain dumb stunts that I have been a witness too.
The characters of Arrow, Felix and Austin are absolutely believable and the supporting characters are just superb. It's clear that Forrest has had a wealth of experience to build from.
Throughout the book are murders that have the cops denying a serial killer maybe on the loose. It takes Arrow's investigative skills to piece the evidence together and has a twist at the end that I did not see coming.
I think this is a great first novel and I hope Arrow, Felix and Austin come back in a sequel
The characters of Arrow, Felix and Austin are absolutely believable and the supporting characters are just superb. It's clear that Forrest has had a wealth of experience to build from.
Throughout the book are murders that have the cops denying a serial killer maybe on the loose. It takes Arrow's investigative skills to piece the evidence together and has a twist at the end that I did not see coming.
I think this is a great first novel and I hope Arrow, Felix and Austin come back in a sequel
October 7, 2013
Sample reader comments to author via e-mail:
"Your story is magnificent. The writing style is extraordinarily entertaining. It gets funnier as the story progresses. It's laugh out loud funny."
"Can't put it down!"
"Wickedly funny!"
Posted reader praise for "Messages":
"Like reading 'M*A*S*H' set in a newsroom"
"Better than Anchorman"
"A page-turning ride that will keep you guessing and leave you stunned..."
"A must-read that will leave you entertained, amused and even enlightened."
"Forrest Carr has absolutely nailed it!"
"A no-holds-barred look inside the often shocking business of television news."
"Boldly written and a fun read!"
"Great read! Twist and turn plot and many laugh out loud moments. Total enjoyment...."
Get the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECK0DBK
-- The author
"Your story is magnificent. The writing style is extraordinarily entertaining. It gets funnier as the story progresses. It's laugh out loud funny."
"Can't put it down!"
"Wickedly funny!"
Posted reader praise for "Messages":
"Like reading 'M*A*S*H' set in a newsroom"
"Better than Anchorman"
"A page-turning ride that will keep you guessing and leave you stunned..."
"A must-read that will leave you entertained, amused and even enlightened."
"Forrest Carr has absolutely nailed it!"
"A no-holds-barred look inside the often shocking business of television news."
"Boldly written and a fun read!"
"Great read! Twist and turn plot and many laugh out loud moments. Total enjoyment...."
Get the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECK0DBK
-- The author
December 22, 2013
My Review: I will admit it took me a little bit to get into this book. At first I just wasn't sure about a book that starts out with a drunk urinating on the front windows of his office building. I said I would review it however so I continued. I am glad I did. I really enjoyed the behind scenes stories of the newsrooms in the freewheeling days before sexual harassment suits became so popular. Political correctness just does not exist in this book. There is adult language and some sex references that is a little on the explicit side just to warn you. The editing could use a little work. I recommend this to readers that like to look at what shaped our news industry. I give this a 4 star.
June 12, 2014
An examination of the broadcast industry. The situations between sources and official news conferences, the consequences of getting a breaking news item, and the general running of a news station was interesting.
Despite quite a lot of high jinx and constant sexual banter (that I mostly skimmed over) I found the actual story compelling. The solving of the mystery of a serial killer was handled uniquely so I was glad I hung with it.
Despite quite a lot of high jinx and constant sexual banter (that I mostly skimmed over) I found the actual story compelling. The solving of the mystery of a serial killer was handled uniquely so I was glad I hung with it.
September 10, 2013
Must admit, I was hoping for more. I'm not sure if the author's pumped up review gave me high expectations, but I felt like he missed the mark.
His somewhat dirty innuendos made me feel like I was reading a cheap novel that I picked at from a garage sale.
Book not finished yet, and probably will not be.
His somewhat dirty innuendos made me feel like I was reading a cheap novel that I picked at from a garage sale.
Book not finished yet, and probably will not be.
July 4, 2014
TV newsrooms really are like this! That's why I liked this story. Those of us who work in the business recognize the characters and the situations. We can all tell stories like these. Nice to read them in the context of an engaging mystery. Great job!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews