 First edition cover | |
| Author | Gregg Hurwitz |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Tim Rackley Novels |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | William Morrow |
Publication date | August 31, 2004 |
| Publication place | USA |
| Media type | Print (Hardback &Paperback) & AudioBook |
| Pages | 368 pp |
| ISBN | 0-06-053040-5 |
| Preceded by | The Kill Clause |
| Followed by | Troubleshooter |
The Program: A Novel is anovel by Gregg Hurwitz, first published in 2004. It has since been released as an Audio CD, an Audio Cassette, and was reprinted in paperback format, in 2005.[1][2][3]The Program picks up whereThe Kill Clause left off, following a series of books by the author involving fictionalDeputy U.S. Marshal, Tim Rackley.[4][5][6]
The work is part of a series following the character Tim Rackley, a member of theUnited States Marshals Service, and opens with asuicide in theLa Brea Tar Pits. Rackley must rescue the daughter of a Hollywood producer from a dangerousmind controlcult, by infiltrating the group.[7][8]Charismatic leader TD Betters had created his own society based onself-help tenets, and Rackley must navigate through it without getting pulled in himself.[9]
The novel describes a fictional large group awareness training called "The Program",[7] and characters also use the termLarge Group Awareness Training and "LGAT" to refer to the course.[10] In the novel, the seminar leader had "married two cult models", which one of the protagonists describes as a blend of the "psychotherapeutic cult", and the "self-improvement cult".[10] The character then tells his friend that "The Program", is similar to a combination of the Sullivanians andLifespring.[10]Werner Erhard is quoted, prior to the opening of the prologue.[10]
Publishers Weekly characterized the work as engaging, and grounded in character and detail.[9] Lukowsky ofBooklist described the work as a "gripping read."[11]The Oakland Press described the work as a thriller and a good character study.[12]Oakland Press writer Mark Terry went on to state that the author had done his homework researching for the book, and that it was a fascinating and disturbing look at cults.[12] TheChicago Sun-Times also gave a favorable review, noting that this was the author's fifth work at the age of 31.[7] The book also received favorable reviews inThe Capital Times,[13]Cleveland Plain Dealer,[14] and theSan Jose Mercury News.[15]
In the Audio version,AudioFile cited narrator Dylan Baker's "strong performance", stating that he differentiated between the multitude of characters in the book well, making them easy to distinguish.[16]AudioFile went on to state that Baker's narration helped the listener comprehend how cults could manipulate those ignorant of their tactics.[16]
On October 12, 2003, film producerLorenzo di Bonaventura was set to develop a feature film franchise based on Hurwitz’ Tim Rackley series atParamount Pictures with Hurwitz writing the screenplay.[17][14] On March 12, 2012,TNT was set to develop a television series adaptation of Hurwitz’ Tim Rackley series with Hurwitz set to executive produce withShawn Ryan executive producing and showrunning the series adaptation throughSony Pictures Television.[18]
