Duluth Author's Book Explores 'The End'

Duluth author J.L. (Jerry) Robb will sign copies of “THE END The Book,” a fictional account of the end of the world, from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, May 28, after Duluth’s Memorial Day ceremony. His book explores what the Bible says “the end” will be like and discusses the beliefs of Christians, Jews and Muslims on the subject.

“THE END The Book" is Part One in a series of seven books Robb plans to write that follow the main character Jeffrey Ross, an “unbeliever,” who lives in Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth. Part One was published March 31 by WestBow Press, a division of the Thomas Nelson Co.

Although the book is a fictional account of the “last days” or the “end times,” it is based on the biblical predictions of ancient Jewish prophets. Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible does not mention any dates for these events to occur, according to Robb. 

A synopsis of the book describes it as a religious thriller and a love story. Atlanta is the target of terrorist bombings, the Spanish flu and smallpox plagues. A huge comet hurtles toward a world-changing collision with Earth. Jeff’s life falls apart, and his wife leaves him and marries a missionary. Also, since it is based in Duluth, the community’s history is incorporated into the book.

“I feel blessed because it's not every new author who gets invited by their city to have a book signing on the Town Green,” said Robb. A military veteran, Robb and his best friend from high school Darrell Edwards will play Echo TAPS on their trumpets at the conclusion of the city’s Memorial Day service. Duluth will honor Purple Heart recipients in a ceremony that starts at 6 p.m. After TAPS, the book signing will begin on the stage at Duluth Festival Center, 3142 Hill St.

Robb graduated from Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC, in 1965 and from North Carolina State University in 1973. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1974 and was stationed in San Diego, Camp Pendleton, CA, and Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD.

Edwards, who does marketing for the Charleston Symphony and the Bowling Green, KY, Symphony orchestras, plays the background music on the video invitation to the book signing. His wife Tacy, who performs with the Charleston Symphony, will play the flute during the actual book signing.