The Rising   Journeys in the Wake of Global Warming

About Us

Reviews and Published Reader Reactions

Click to read our first full-length review: www.peacecorpswriters.org

Comments Rising from Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita:

“The present breakdown of law and order in the New Orleans area just goes to show how very accurate your novel is. When we read it, of course we knew it to be true, but to see it in reality, even in one small area, is pretty scary.” — Paul Hoban - History Teacher, County Claire, Ireland, September 1, 2005

“I’m living in Dublin, Ireland. In the wake of Katrina it occurred to me that the chaos in New Orleans is in-line with your predictions of a certain strand of the American character which when loosed from the bounds of the law and faced with deprivation gets ugly and violent. The Super Dome. Can you imagine a more ironic symbol than this? The glitz and obscene wealth of the Super Bowl replaced by piles of shit and corpses! The racism at work, the whites fleeing, the blacks left behind. The political posturing. Now, put this on a larger scale, as you did in your book, say dozens of cities similarly devastated...” — Gene Terry - Novelist/Teacher of English As A Second Language, Dublin, Ireland, September 2, 2005

“‘The Rising Plays Out in the Gulf’ — It’s been quite some time since I read The Rising: Journeys in the Wake of Global Warming. It is not unusual for me to read a book and – sooner than I’d like to admit – forget everything about it. The Rising was not such a book. The images of the survivors and their subsequent rebuilding of their lives were mesmerizing. The most startling, almost-exact images are now being shown from the Gulf as the survivors of Hurricane Katrina move across our consciousness. We feel little doubt that the terrible weather event was made worse by the climate change discussed in The Rising. It is my hope that the book will get wider readership now that so much of this ‘fiction’ has proved to be so real.” — Betty Neville Michelozzi, An Environmental Activist, September 23, 2005

Former San Quentin Inmate Comments:

Jack-

What a great story! I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the book and was captivated by some of the concepts. In my humble opinion, as an avid reader, you achieved the ultimate goal of an author: you drew the reader (me) into your story. I identified with the characters, the chaos and destruction, the feasibility of the scenario, and the attitudes of government, people and their egos, frailties and faults, and the strength of human spirit. What a classic struggle between good and evil...sort of reminds me of the first time I saw Star Wars in a theater, and heard the audience applaud.

I have passed the book on to my brother to read, knowing he will enjoy it as well.

I particularly like the little asides or news bits concerning other locations that you sprinkled throughout the book. Gave an interesting global perspective to the plight of the principal characters. The parts about SQ were amazingly accurate, not only the mechanics, but the attitudes and emotions described.

I do hope the reception is as good on other fronts as mine. What a great story and great entertainment. Thank you again for the book and the hours of entertainment.

Your friend, Barney M., a former San Quentin inmate 3/10/2005

Andover Bulletin, Summer 2005

“In The Rising, inland government officials say the ice melt is nothing to fear, but newscasters and scientists staunchly proclaim otherwise. So whom should a coastal resident believe? Tom Pollock’s first novel explores human reactions and resilience in the face of societal chaos and global disaster. Fast-paced and imaginative, the novel renders abstract ecological issues concrete, and gives the reader cause to rethink the potential impact of global warming.” — Andover Bulletin, Summer 2005.

Post-Publication Reader Reactions (2005-2006):

“I’m up to page 200 in the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and it makes me realize how equally well written and suspenseful, and technically accurate and imaginative your book The Rising is, on a par with the Da Vinci Code.” — Robert L. Lustig Architect, May 4, 2006

“Minutes into The Rising I couldn’t think of anything else until I finished. For weeks I dreamed about the characters and the devastating effects of global warming. I still do. Great book.” — Leeann The Glenwood Barber, Park Boulevard, Oakland, CA, April 2, 2006

“We have spent the last couple of weeks reading The Rising (actually, Paul read it over a 26-hour period). What an astonishing story! It’s a wonderful read—and so realistic that now when we think of a particular part of the country, we’re wondering if the people there have survived! Paul, having a scientific bent, says that the science in it all seemed very plausible. And it is so interesting to see the great variety of experiences that a writer has to cover, from motorcycle riding to prison breaks to military movements. And we appreciated very much the emphasis on spiritual connectedness and community. We both enjoyed it very much. Congratulations on a job well done.” — I'lana Cotton and Paul Monaco, Oregon.

“Coauthors Tom Pollock & Jack Seybold make Michael Crichton read like an unschooled amateur with this exciting and thought provoking story about melting ice, rising seas, compelling characters and sound global warming science. Visit their web. You can buy online including a carbon saving ebook. Tell them you saw it on www.GreenHouseNet.org or www.roncastle.com or www.PublicEyesTV.org ”— Ron Castle, Quintessential Web Design & Maintenance www.roncastle.com

“I was given a copy of your book for my birthday... and my family has really enjoyed reading it. So much so, that I haven’t even gotten my turn. I’ve got to tell you my freshman daughter (who usually needs to be bribed to read) couldn’t put it down during our recent vacation in Mexico. She definitely gives it a “2 thumbs up.” My turn is next...” — Joanne - Science Teacher at Caesar Chavez Middle School, Union City, California.

“I finished the book a few weeks ago, am enormously impressed, and congratulate you 0n a huge success. Sensational read, well crafted, one of those books I looked forward to picking up at the end of the day. You had wonderful characters, a gripping plot and I thought the structure was original and exciting. Keep it up, I can't wait for “Son of the Rising.”” — Larry Murphy - artist/teacher/former airline pilot, past Mayor of Sonoma, proprietor of Murphy's Pub in Sonoma, California.

Our Published Reader Reactions:

“This novel imagines what might actually occur the day after tomorrow. It should be read today—while there is still time to avoid catastrophe from global warming.” — Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior 1993-2000, Latham & Watkins LLP, Washington, D.C.

“Readers learn that the notion of global warming has a different impact when waves are lapping at your door, just as we learn that a government comfortably ensconced inland will only reluctantly admit that. The image of a distant, disconnected government is haunting—because all too real. In the end, the spirit of individual humans prevails, and the humanity of the characters most distinguishes The Rising. Pollock and Seybold have created a fascinating cast just as they have skillfully woven a complex plot. This is a novel worth reading.” — Gerald Haslam, PhD., Author of Straight White Male, Workin’ Man Blues, and Coming of Age in California; dubbed “the quintessential California writer” by “The Californians.”

“A measure of what a remarkable thing Pollock and Seybold have done is a reaction from one of my U.S. history students: ‘They have written a modern-day Federalist #10, which we just studied. In 1787, Madison had been able to “think continentally” for a small agrarian republic clinging to the Atlantic Coast. In 2004, The Rising “thinks globally”—in a political, social, and economic way—from the Pacific Coasts to the Atlantic Coasts to the Antarctic Coast.’” — Edwin G. Quattlebaum III, Ph.D., Instructor in American History, Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts.

“It’s gripping, realistic, scary and I’m enjoying it a lot. I keep thinking to myself, ‘How am I going to respond when this happens?’ It is totally believable! I wonder how high my house is above sea level.” — Margo McAuliffe, California.

“Slip around the confusion arising from biological warfare and consider the devastation arising from a natural melt down, like volcanoes blasting gigantic icebergs in the Antarctic. Imagine, then, what you’d do if you were coastal bound—anywhere in the world. Now, let your imagination zoom to California, especially the San Francisco region, with the nation’s airwaves blasting conflicting news reports between government officials (safely ensconced in Texas) saying there’s nothing to fear from the ice melt, while newscasters and scientists proclaim otherwise. Coastal populations are nervous. Who to believe? Concurrently, two prisoners scheme their escape from San Quentin prison. Intensity builds on all fronts. Listen to traffic jams occurring as people attempt to flee coastal areas. Gasoline pumps run dry; food stuffs dwindle. I dare you to put down The Rising.” — Philip Gagnon, Artist, Oregon.

“We have just this moment—11:00 a.m. Arizona time—finished your book. Our friend Joanna read it to us. We became so riveted by the drama that daily after breakfast, three voices echoed, ‘Well, shall we read?!!!’ It deserves wide distribution, for it is truly a significant story.” — Jessica Danson & Eileen Lungee, Arizona.

“I finished your book and enjoyed it. It is too bad people don’t realize what a delicate balance a working society is and that it can be so easily destroyed. If they did, they would be much more mindful about the world around them.” — Gordon W. Ringoen, Business Executive, Instructor in Economics, University of Washington.

“A timely piece with scientific backup that is both startling and frightening. A reminder of the prehistoric survival instinct in all of us—the unique manifestation of which makes us true individuals.” — Reviewer, posted on Amazon.com.

“A thought provoking and intense novel. The abundance of facts is brilliantly tied in with vivid characters and an intriguing plot. The velocity at which events unfold makes this book impossible to put down. I encourage you to read it with a friend, as the story line is ideal for theorizing and perhaps a little heated dinner conversation (pun intended).” — April Hughes, California.

About the Authors

TOM POLLOCK was born in Flagstaff, Arizona. Home educated through the eighth grade on a local cattle ranch, he graduated from Andover, Harvard and Boalt Hall (University of California). He rowed for the USA in Tokyo's 1964 Olympics. An attorney for thirty-five years, spanning Wall Street, a windpower corporation and private practice, his interests include science and modern humanities. Write to Tom Pollock.

JACK SEYBOLD grew up in California's Central Valley, played varsity basketball at Saint Mary's College, served in the Peace Corps in Brazil, and earned an M.A. in linguistics at San Francisco State. A teacher for thirty-five years, he wrote poems, short stories and magazine articles, edited several newsletters and participated in prison ministry. Active interests include music, acting and golf. Write to Jack Seybold.

EACH AUTHOR has been married for thirty-eight years. Each has two children. This is their first novel.

About the Artists

For detailed information, please see the following links:

Corrections for Future Editions

The first several hundred copies of The Rising: Journeys in the Wake of Global Warming were published by AuthorHouse from April through December 2004 in what the authors now refer to as the Beta version. Many readers sent us errors they discovered. The authors wish to express their immense gratitude for this feedback. The authors incorporated those submissions, other errors the authors discovered, and a few minor word-usage changes and clarifications, into the version published by AuthorHouse in January 2005. That is the version now available at the publisher, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and book industry catalogs, distributors and bookstores. If any owners of the Beta version desire to receive a list of the changes, they should e-mail a request to either author, including a “snail mail” address, and the authors will mail a printed list by U.S. mail.

The authors are currently aware of only one error in the January 2005 version, in the final third of the book. Find it if you can. The authors solicit all feedback, including identification of errors, misused words, confusing material, confusing lack of material, and any other comments.

Past Events

November 2005

Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 19: Appearance at 3rd Annual Southern Oregon Book & Author’s Fair. Jack Seybold will be among the authors selling and autographing their books at the 3rd Annual Southern Oregon Book & Author’s Fair, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the Rogue River Room of Stevenson Union on the beautiful campus of Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, Oregon. See the Fair’s web site at: http://oregonbookfair.bravehost.com/index.html

June 2005

Tuesday, June 28: Reading at Ashland Public Library. Jack Seybold will read from The Rising: Journeys in the Wake of Global Warming at the Ashland Public Library's Author Night at 7:00 p.m. Books will be on sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to Friends of the Library. The library is located on Siskiyou Boulevard at Gresham Street.

March 2005

Tuesday, March 8: Appearance at Woodside Book Group. The Rising: Journeys in the Wake of Global Warming was chosen as the most recent book of the Woodside Book Group. Jack Seybold and Tom Pollock will meet with members of the group in Atherton, California. By invitation only.

February 2005

Saturday February 26: Book Signing/Reading, Trinidad, California. Jack Seybold will be reading from his novel The Rising: Journeys in the Wake of Global Warming as the first in the West Coast Author Series, on Saturday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Trinidad's Westhaven Center for the Arts, 501 South Westhaven Dr., Trinidad, California (707-677-9493). A donation of $10 is suggested to benefit the Center.

December 2004

Thursday December 2: “Celebrate Nature” Book Signing, Ashland, Oregon. Jack Seybold will be among a group of authors invited to “share their insights and entertain questions from guests” at a “Celebrate Nature” book signing event on Thursday, December 2, at Ashland’s Pioneer Hall in Lithia Park. Light refreshments will be served at the event, sponsored by the North Mountain Park Nature Center.

November 2004

Saturday, November 20: Southern Oregon Book and Author Fair. Jack Seybold will be among 70 authors presenting and signing their books from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the campus of Southern Oregon University, Rogue River Room in the Stevenson Union, 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, Oregon.

September 2004

Friday September 17: Authors Appear on Radio Talk Show. Authors Seybold and Pollock will be guests on The Jefferson Exchange radio program: Friday, September 17, 9-10 AM. This will be heard on JPR in Oregon on: KSJK AM 1230 Talent, KAGI AM 930 Grants Pass, KTBR Roseburg AM 950, and KRVM AM 1280 Eugene. The Exchange is broadcast in California on KMJC Mt. Shasta AM 620, KSYC AM 1490 Yreka, and KPMO Mendocino AM 1300. Check guest line-up and listen to the Jefferson Exchange live 8-10 A.M. at http://www.jeffnet.org. Exchange call-in line: (541) 552-6782.

Friday September 10 & Sunday September 12: Book Signing & Author Reading. Jack Seybold will be reading and signing books at Russo's Books in Bakersfield at two events: Friday evening, September 10, from 7-9 PM, and Sunday afternoon, September 12, from 1-4 PM. Both will take place at Russo's Marketplace Books, 9000 Ming Avenue.

Thursday, September 2: Author Reading. Jack Seybold will be reading and signing books at Bloomsbury Books in Ashland at 7:30 on Thursday, September 2 (290 East Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520).

August 2004

Thursday August 5: Book Signing & Discussion. Messrs. Pollock and Seybold will address the Oakland Rotary No. 3 at its regular Club luncheon in the California Ballroom, 1736 Franklin Street, 2nd Floor, Oakland, California (Rotarian members only) beginning at 1:00 PM (Indoor Parking: Douglas Parking, 1721 Webster St.).

June 2004

Thursday June 17: Book Signing Party. 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pollock Properties, Building 2, Suite D, 417 North Agassiz Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 tel. 928-774-5577. Co-Author, Tom Pollock, Presenting.

Sunday, June 20: Book Signing & Discussion. Mr. Pollock will lead a discussion about the book and its background at Bookman's, 1520 So. Riordan Ranch Road (Near the Corner of University & So. Milton), Flagstaff, Arizona (928) 774-0005 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 23: Book Signing. Helena artist Tim Holmes will be present for a book signing at the Montana Book & Toy Co., 331 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana (406) 443-0260 on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.