Catching Bullets - Memoirs of a Bond Fan

Bond is back!
And so are his fans.


CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN
by Mark O'Connell


Splendid Books
Published in the UK/US in September


From the offbeat vantage point of a movie-mad teenager whose grandfather was chauffeur to legendary 007 producer Cubby Broccoli, CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN is a love-letter to James Bond, Duran Duran title songs and bolting down your tea quick enough to watch Roger Moore falling out of a plane without a parachute.

When Jimmy O'Connell took a job as chauffeur for 007 producers Eon Productions, it would not just be Cubby Broccoli, Roger Moore and Sean Connery he would drive to James Bond. His grandson Mark swiftly hitches a metaphorical ride on a humorous journey of filmic discovery where Bond movies fire like bespoke bullets at a Thatcher-era Catholic childhood marked with divorce, a closet-gay adolescence sound-tracked by John Barry and an adult life as a comedy writer still inspired by that Broccoli movie magic.

“Mark O’Connell is a great new writing talent and we are delighted to be publishing his first book,” says Splendid Books’ Editorial Director Shoba Vazirani. “Catching Bullets is very funny and he brings a genuinely new insight into the Bond film phenomena.

“The book is a fascinating journey, in which Mark reconsiders all the Bond films as they fire into his and everyone’s cinema-going memories.”

Furthermore, writer and actor Mark Gatiss - star of the BBC drama SHERLOCK - has penned the foreword to CATCHING BULLETS. “We are absolutely delighted that Mark Gatiss, who is a huge Bond fan, has written a superbly witty and incisive foreword,” says Shoba Vazirani. “Author Mark O’Connell has penned a very funny, interesting and poignant book in Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan and Mark Gatiss’ foreword complements it perfectly.”

In addition former Bond girl Maud Adams, who starred with Roger Moore in the 007 film OCTOPUSSY has contributed an afterword to the book. “To have Mark Gatiss and Maud Adams flanking the shoulders of Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan is a true honour,” says Mark O’Connell.



You can pre-order CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN at www.splendidbooks.co.uk

And check it out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/catchingbullets
and author Mark O'Connell's Twitter page https://twitter.com/Mark0Connell


CATCHING_BULLETS_Final_Cover_Artwork_2.jpg
Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

facebook.com/catchingbullets
www.markoconnell.co.uk
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Comments

  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    Sounds like fun! Good luck.
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    A teaser poster for the now imminent CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN...


    CATCHING_BULLETS_Teaser_Poster_1.jpg
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    A teaser poster for the now imminent CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN...


    CATCHING_BULLETS_Teaser_Poster_1.jpg
    Sounds like a trippy blast of a book!
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    James Bond boss Barbara Broccoli pens Prelude for
    CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN




    Barbara Broccoli, co-producer of the James Bond films, has penned a personal Prelude to Splendid Books’ new title CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN. Barbara, whose father Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli co-founded the 007 films, has described Mark O’Connell’s debut book as “a wonderfully funny and touching memoir.”

    “To be given Barbara Broccoli’s personal and heartfelt salute to CATCHING BULLETS is a real honour,” says Mark O’Connell. “Barbara’s encouragement and warm praise sees the journey of writing this book come full circle. And like those white circles that launch every 007 movie, her kind Prelude is a fitting way to start this book and honour my Grandfather Jimmy who, in different ways, drove us both to Bond.”

    CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN is witty and smart and comes from the offbeat vantage point of a gay teenager whose Grandfather Jimmy was chauffeur to 007 producer Cubby Broccoli. It is a love-letter to James Bond, Duran Duran title songs and bolting down your tea quick enough to watch Roger Moore falling out of a plane without a parachute.

    “We are delighted that Barbara Broccoli has lent her support to Mark and CATCHING BULLETS in this way,” says Steve Clark, Publishing Director at Splendid Books. “It’s a real tribute to Mark, who has always sought to present his personal take on the institution that is James Bond – and his Grandfather’s story – with integrity, originality and humour.”

    In addition to Barbara Broccoli’s Prelude, CATCHING BULLETS has a Foreword by writer and actor Mark Gatiss and an Afterword by former Bond girl Maud Adams, who starred with Roger Moore in the 007 films OCTOPUSSY and THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN.

    For a copy, go to www.splendidbooks.co.uk and all major stockists.


    CATCHING_BULLETS_Final_Cover_with_PRELUDE.jpg
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,218MI6 Agent
    Well done, mate. I will look out for a copy of that. :)
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,218MI6 Agent
    There's a copy of this, it's only around £8, in the movie shop on London's St Martin's Lane, near Leicester Square and opposite Stringfellows.

    Flicking thru it, it looks like a good read, possibly tapping into the over 35-50 generation's memories. The author is no misery guts; he is able to stand up for the likes of Moonraker, correctly pointing out that it doesn't just borrow from Star Wars but other genres of the 70s; the Doberman savaging is out of Hammer Horror, for instance. And I agree that it's no biggie putting Moore's Bond in space, after all Connery almost made the trip in YOLT and this is the natural follow on.

    The author makes the mistake many first-time authors make of getting overwordy, in an attempt to give the whole thing too much value and leave nothing overlooked. And some of us may feel it's a busman's holiday to read about someone's opinion of the Bond films - but it is a nice read all the same and would make a good Xmas present for fans of a certain age. It has a nice, converstional tone.
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Dunno.

    Feels like a damn good read. Mr Connell certainly knows his way with words and how to arrange them amusingly and pointedly originally, and what he likes, and what he's like . I have no allegiance pro the author - he and I are juxtaoposed on many things and have debated fiercely in the past - but there is no need to accuse this book of lack of purpose, or self-indulgence.

    Okay, there may be a bit too much name-dropping, but hey, that's part of the raison of this book. (Did I mention Dorothy Squires died in a village just up the road from me?).

    And when I next got into Stringfellows for some relaxation, I'll probably pick up another copy in the bookshop ins St Martin's Lane.
  • i expect u2 diei expect u2 die LondonPosts: 583MI6 Agent
    I'm really surprised there hasn't been more discussion about this book here on AJB. I've only just dived in and I have to say, it is an utter delight. It's the Bond book I wish I'd written - warm, nerdy and damn funny. I've encountered so many moments of recognition; even O'Connell's description of his nine year-old Bond fan self raising a Moore-esque eyebrow through airport customs rings true. Reading this is, for a fellow Bond fan, a rather touching experience. Of all 469 Bond-related books released this Autumn, I'd say only two are worth your time. The first is the Taschen book (I'll eat my hat if it's any less than stunning). The second is this.
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,218MI6 Agent
    Is that an actual number of books, or just randomly picked? :o

    What's the Tascen book?

    Yeah, I dipped into it again, it's a good read and not pricey. Unusual in that it's not chronological in some ways, in the order of his seeing the films. The last Moore film the author sees is TMWTGG, for instance, though surely most of us would have seen that by 1985, it had been on telly a few times by then surely.
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    I'm really surprised there hasn't been more discussion about this book here on AJB. I've only just dived in and I have to say, it is an utter delight. It's the Bond book I wish I'd written - warm, nerdy and damn funny. I've encountered so many moments of recognition; even O'Connell's description of his nine year-old Bond fan self raising a Moore-esque eyebrow through airport customs rings true. Reading this is, for a fellow Bond fan, a rather touching experience. Of all 469 Bond-related books released this Autumn, I'd say only two are worth your time. The first is the Taschen book (I'll eat my hat if it's any less than stunning). The second is this.

    Thanks 2Die. Much appreciated. BULLETS is considerably cheaper than the Taschen one too!
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,378Chief of Staff
    I'm really surprised there hasn't been more discussion about this book here on AJB. I've only just dived in and I have to say, it is an utter delight. It's the Bond book I wish I'd written - warm, nerdy and damn funny. I've encountered so many moments of recognition; even O'Connell's description of his nine year-old Bond fan self raising a Moore-esque eyebrow through airport customs rings true. Reading this is, for a fellow Bond fan, a rather touching experience. Of all 469 Bond-related books released this Autumn, I'd say only two are worth your time. The first is the Taschen book (I'll eat my hat if it's any less than stunning). The second is this.

    I think more people will pick this book up in time...but many will be saving their pennies for the release of Skyfall goodies at the moment...

    I do look forward to picking it up at some stage though -{
    YNWA 97
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    Sir Miles wrote:
    I'm really surprised there hasn't been more discussion about this book here on AJB. I've only just dived in and I have to say, it is an utter delight. It's the Bond book I wish I'd written - warm, nerdy and damn funny. I've encountered so many moments of recognition; even O'Connell's description of his nine year-old Bond fan self raising a Moore-esque eyebrow through airport customs rings true. Reading this is, for a fellow Bond fan, a rather touching experience. Of all 469 Bond-related books released this Autumn, I'd say only two are worth your time. The first is the Taschen book (I'll eat my hat if it's any less than stunning). The second is this.

    I think more people will pick this book up in time...but many will be saving their pennies for the release of Skyfall goodies at the moment...

    I do look forward to picking it up at some stage though -{

    Thanks Sir Miles.

    The feedback has been nothing short of great, from layman to fan alike.

    For more about the book's reaction so far, check out my blog http://markoconnell.co.uk/ for SKYFALL thoughts, location snaps, Oscar predictions and a bit more.
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,378Chief of Staff
    Yes...I've heard nothing but excellent reviews...still to pick up a copy...but its on my list to buy....you must be very proud and happy -{
    YNWA 97
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    looks great. I'm going to buy it for my Kindle tonight. I'll let you know when I've finished reading it!
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    Thanks guys!

    CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN now has a funky new trailer...please note no Maurice Binders were injured during the making of this title sequence....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2HHaJWzcA

    www.splendidbooks.co.uk
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    That trailer was indeed "funky" and nicely done! I'll be sure to get a copy of the book. -{
    Thanks guys!

    CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN now has a funky new trailer...please note no Maurice Binders were injured during the making of this title sequence....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2HHaJWzcA

    www.splendidbooks.co.uk
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,612MI6 Agent
    I'll have to get this book soon - I keep meaning to get a copy as the reviews for it have been most fantastic!
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    edited March 2013
    I'm sooo close to finishing the book. However, I'm not gonna post a review until I'm done, but I will say that I have immensely enjoyed it so far. Mark writes with such a high amount of energy and enthusiasm it feels like you're trapped in a 007 tornado.

    Warning: This is not your Dad's James Bond book! If you are expecting John Cork's The Legacy think again!
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • Shady TreeShady Tree London, UKPosts: 2,965MI6 Agent
    A hugely entertaining read, full of wit. And it's a refreshing approach to reviewing the films not to follow their own chronology but to give an account of them in the order in which the reviewer first saw them personally.
    Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 53 years.
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    Shady Tree wrote:
    A hugely entertaining read, full of wit. And it's a refreshing approach to reviewing the films not to follow their own chronology but to give an account of them in the order in which the reviewer first saw them personally.

    Thanks sir!
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    Firemass wrote:
    I'm sooo close to finishing the book. However, I'm not gonna post a review until I'm done, but I will say that I have immensely enjoyed it so far. Mark writes with such a high amount of energy and enthusiasm it feels like you're trapped in a 007 tornado.

    Warning: This is not your Dad's James Bond book! If you are expecting John Cork's The Legacy think again!
    And thanks to you too sir! "A 007 tornado" eh? Fair enough.
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    I recently received my copy of the book from Amazon, and I'm anxious to start reading it. From what I've heard, it's a delightful treat for Bond fans and non-fans alike.
    Thanks guys!

    CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN now has a funky new trailer...please note no Maurice Binders were injured during the making of this title sequence....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2HHaJWzcA

    www.splendidbooks.co.uk
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    I've just started reading it and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Lots for everyone to relate and lots to remind us all of our childhood - and to make us wonder how we ever survived pre-internet! I highly recommend it.
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    yeah, the book was truly a delight to read. A celebration of everything Bond. Although I honestly don't think non-fans would understand it. At the very least the reader must see Octopussy to make any sense of Mark's book. However, 007 trivia buffs will have a field day catching all the in-jokes and obscure references.

    Also be sure to watch Cannonball Run because the line "I must warn you I'm Roger Moore!" is used frequently. :)

    Just an example of Mark's sense of humor...he describes the Living Daylights' Necros as a "KGB-balloon-seller-come-Speedo-wearing-porn star." :))

    Although his description of Kara Milovy with her "ceaseless sowester and rain mac" is still a mystery to me. Maybe because I'm American I have no clue what any of those words mean!
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    Firemass wrote:
    Although his description of Kara Milovy with her "ceaseless sowester and rain mac" is still a mystery to me. Maybe because I'm American I have no clue what any of those words mean!
    A sowester is a rain coat, neither flattering nor all that colourful.
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    "All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two".

    On Sunday 7th July 2013 Bondstars held a globally attended event to mark thirty years since the release of Eon Productions' OCTOPUSSY.

    Staged most aptly at Pinewood Studios just outside London the day was a marvellous celebration of 007, Pinewood new and old, the James Bond series, cinema and the sex and sari actioner that is 1983's OCTOPUSSY.

    For reasons that those who are familiar with CATCHING BULLETS - MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN will understand and recognise, taking CATCHING BULLETS to Pinewood held all sorts of memories, joys and first encounters.

    OCTOPUSSY was this Bond fan's first trip to the cinema to see Bond. From those dancing white dots onwards, the film has and continues to hold great personal and professional resonance.

    CATCHING BULLETS, Splendid Books and Mark O'Connell would like to thank Bondstars, Gareth Owen, Andrew Boyle and their hardworking team for a truly special day for a great many film and of course Bond fans with thirty year old Maud Adams crushes.

    Cast and crew were in attendance including CATCHING BULLETS' Afterword contributor Maud Adams, her OCTOPUSSY co-star Kristina Wayborn, director John Glen, many of the 'Octopussy Girls' (including Carole Ashby and gymnastic choreographer Suzanne Dando), editor John Grover, designer Peter Lamont, sound editor Colin Miller, cinematographer Alec Mills, Executive Producer Anthony Waye and many, many more.

    "It's for my scrapbook. I collect memories".

    For a photo gallery and more from the CATCHING BULLETS page on Facebook....feel free to join the group too and tag yourself if you are in there...!

    https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.610175782346108.1073741832.407779922585696&type=1


    www.splendidbooks.co.uk
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    Great photos, and sounds like a great day, too. Hope you mentioned to flog a few books as well.
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    wow thanks for sharing those photos. Nice one with you and Maud!

    Did you have to wear a tan Octopussy circus jacket in order to sneak in ?
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • DelicatessenInSteelDelicatessenInSteel Posts: 181MI6 Agent
    Is the book available for Kindle yet?
    1.MoonRaker 2.OHMSS 3.LALD 4.OP 5.FYEO 6.DR. NO 7.YOLT 8.LTK 9.CR 10.AVTAK
  • Catching BulletsCatching Bullets Posts: 49MI6 Agent
    Is the book available for Kindle yet?

    Yes, the book has always been available on Kindle. It made the charts (Film & TV) there not so long ago.
    Mark O'Connell | Author, Writer, Bond Fan

    facebook.com/catchingbullets
    www.markoconnell.co.uk
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