Customer Reviews

The Coordinator

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The opening scene of the "The Coordinator" is a male fantasy come true. (Just give it four or five pages, and you'll see what I mean.) Whether you like this hot and heavy approach (I did), the book has two big things going for it: a compelling plot involving a sunken treasure, and an unforgettable protagonist - the world-weary, much-married, chronically profane Tim Kerns. Kerns is a construction "coordinator" for a Hollywood movie being filmed in Mexico. This is something like his 30th film, and he's grown to despise the suits and big egos on the set. He'd rather just get the work done and spend his down time with his crew - guys who work hard, drink hard, screw around, but who have a core work ethic and honesty. Kerns' beautiful wife Sarah waits for him back in the States - or so he thinks. Meanwhile, a lusty part mermaid-part ninja named Sid has just washed into his life. He wants to be a good husband but damn, Sid is just so ... so ... What's a guy to do? The book is filled with memorable characters, but it's at its best when Kerns is front and center. He commands a scene the way a good actor - say Robert Duvall or Morgan Freeman - might. His attitude is: been there, done that, don't mess with me. Except when it comes to Sarah and Sid. Around them, Kerns' savvy detachment -- his ponytail cool -- transforms into nervous, caught-with-pants-down chagrin. Zeller's style is fast and fluid. It's also funny. He's taking lots of pokes at the movie business. (The blurb on the back says he's worked on numerous films, including "Dances with Wolves," "Medicine Man," and "Fool for Love.") The book has more than its share of typos - a distraction. On the whole, though, "The Coordinator" delivers with a bang. I recommend this book, and say to Zeller: GIVE US MORE!