|
Over the past 20 years, the Adventures in Odyssey Team has been
home to over two dozen writers, producers and sound designers. They hail
from all corners of the U.S. (and Canada) and their résumés are as
diverse as their origins: some come from a radio background, some from
stage or screen, others from music studios and television, and a few
straight out of college. Although they don’t have a common background,
one thing the team has always shared is a passion for entertaining
stories that reveal timeless truths.
Nathan Hoobler, a staff
writer since 2002, compiled and wrote The Official Guide,
conducting over 100 interviews with past team members, the show's
award-winning actors, and many other Adventures in Odyssey
contributors.
For someone who likes to read only when necessary, I thoroughly
enjoyed spending time within the binding of Adventures in
Odyssey: The Complete Guide. After my experience with the
original
Complete Guide to Adventures in Odyssey
in the past, I was less than pleased with the format of the first
book. The old guide included massive episode summaries rather than
behind-the-scenes material. This new guide features a more hands-on
approach to the aches and pains the AIO team must go through to
produce the audio series, videos, and books. Trivia is endless, and
we get to learn more about our favorite Odyssey writers, actors, and
producers.
The Official Guide covers such
a vast amount of information. Reading from cover to cover is a real
treat for any AIO fan, especially those who have been so loyal to
the series. For those who like to see pictures, a color insert is
available at the back with actors, producers, and more. The layout
of the book itself is well-designed, beautiful from inside-out, and
worth every penny.
I was very pleased to learn that my
name appears on the Acknowledgements page, and a link to this site
was published on page 200 - a full page! - with an excerpt
from our Where Odyssey Is Not
section. What an honor! Thanks, Adventures in Odyssey! Other
interesting sidebars appear throughout the book, ranging from
timelines, to lists of special episodes (ie: Blackgaard Saga,
Novacom Saga, episodes taking place outside of Odyssey, etc.). With
sidebars galore, trivia tidbits, and photos of actors, writers, and
producers scattered throughout the book, any fan will be pleased and
excited to own this book.
The only downside to The Official
Guide is that after reading through every album, book, video,
and other products, I felt as if a closing chapter was needed to
wrap up everything that was read. The book ends suddenly after
reading notes about the Eugene Sings!
albums. A closing chapter would have helped fans to be even more
thankful for what they read and to look forward to the future that
much more.
All in all, The Official Guide
is very complete and a beautiful work of art. It's interesting to
note that I was so hooked that I finished all 580+ days in a little
over a day. Every fan should own a copy of this gem!
Availability |
-No
longer available from Focus on the Family. An
