The good thing about being a book reviewer...

...is that it forces/allows you to read, a lot. The bad thing about being a book reviewer is the books are often bad. Extraordinarily bad.

Fortunately I enjoyed Primary Colors before diving into my most recent review assignments. (Next time I should plug my nose before taking the plunge!) The not-so-anonymously penned, not-quite-fictional description of an ultimately successful presidential campaign offered some wry laughs and a welcome escape from the current mess that passes for political discourse.

So - what are you reading? Whatever it is, it's gotta be better than the last thing I put down.

Primary panic

Don't look now but it's AUGUST. The month of back-to-school and pool closings and all that nonsense. It's also the month I promised to read Primary Colors. I haven't started yet, but I will. Soon. Trust me. Is anyone with me? Come on, the election is edging closer - and I, for one, would really like to find some more humor in the whole thing. Join me for a wry laugh?

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September 19, 2012 update ~ I'm happy I read this oldie-but-goodie title. What a game we've made of our political system! Primary Colors paints a very colorful picture of the players, aka the scorps (press),  and in particular the "snuff specialists," whose job it is/was to wait for the candidate to blow up or break down. ("Get it on tape if he breaks down...loses his temper, or cries.") Of course the press knows what the candidates find out soon enough: "Losers spin. Winners grin."

Not only did it offer some levity in an election season that sorely needs it, it also reminded me that we've survived many a foible in  the political arena before. We're likely to survive a few more. My advice: keep reading!

Red & Blue & Color Me Jaded

Primary Colors. Remember the anonymously-penned political novel from 1996? I think its time has come, again. Join me and add your insights and point out the ironies as you re-read it or discover it for the first time. I'm starting August 1st. Hope to see you here!
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Those of you who were old enough to vote in 1996 probably remember that whole anonymity thing didn't last long for the author. After the fuss died down, however, it worked out pretty well for him. For perspective, read The Telegraph's thoughtful piece on the situation some time after Joe Klein's not-so-shocking confession from that he, indeed, wrote the book.
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You know me, I always suggest the library as your first stop for a book (except mine!) but if you want to buy it to save a few bucks and a tree, consider the Kindle version or the Random House ebook.