A few years back, I joined my good friends Jim Gekas and his cousin Chuck (Cuzz) Gekas on their annual University of Michigan football trip. Before the trip, Jim told me that they usually select a novel to read and then cast the characters in it during the drive.

Cuzz picked “Right As Rain” by George P. Pelecanos. An unofficial moderator, Jim led us through the main roles. My one real gem casting suggestion was Carl Weathers for the lead role of P.I. Derek Strange. The selection of Weathers would only work with a strong choice for second lead Terry Quinn, Strange’s ex-cop friend. Jim’s choice of Colin Farrell fit perfectly.

The next year Jim picked “Bahamarama” by Bob Morris. Cuzz’s suggestion of Matthew McConaughey for the lead role of Zach Chasteen (ex-football player turned P.I.) was genius. Coincidentally (or not?), People Magazine named McConaughey as the “Sexiest Man Alive” shortly after our trip. I avoided the sophomore jinx by pitching Ed Marinaro and Kathleen Turner for the roles of the Hinemans, a high glamour couple, perhaps a tad past their prime. I quietly squeezed in a role for my favorite scream queen Kelli Maroney (in flashbacks).

Last year on the “Boys of Summer” excursion we chose “The 5th Horseman” by James Patterson. I think our selections work better than the ones currently cast on ABC. Charlize Theron was our Lindsay Boxer, offered by JayHawk Evans, but quickly agreed upon by the rest of us. The biggest debate was Marcia Cross just nudging out Sharon Stone for the role of Cindy, the reporter. I fought hard for Howard Hesseman as the funky Judge Bevins. Chachi went another route, vigorously campaigning for James Denton for each male role, until we finally settled on Joe, Lindsay’s boyfriend. Sometimes, it’s about the strategy.

This activity pushed me to read books that I probably would not have chosen, yet I really enjoyed. Additionally, I have read more books by each author. The lively debates bring the books back to life as we discuss the nuances of each character and how our star choice fits. The debates are much more enjoyable than the trivia book from 1974 that one guy (Chachi) brought, although that did test our powers of recall quite well.

Right now I am reading Patterson’s Alex Cross series. I am still searching for the ideal candidate for Cross. If you are familiar with Cross, got any suggestions?

-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist