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sljbook's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.25
davygibbs's review against another edition
3.0
I mean, let's call it what it is: a murder fantasy, right? A fearless and much-needed pep rally for the politically discontent.
ninfane's review against another edition
2.0
Si bien la narrativa es interesante y sabe construir el escenario y las acciones que no están descritas, más allá del diálogo, la trama no es ninguna maravilla. De cualquier forma, leería algo más del autor.
damopedro's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting conversation as one friend tells another about his plan to kill the president and the other tries to dissuade him. Really quick read.
natbaldino's review against another edition
3.0
I am a huge Nicholson Baker fan, and wanted to try reading a book outside of his typical M.O. It was funny, engaging, and an incredibly fast read not just because of the script-style, but because of how well Baker writes conversation—something that you wouldn't necessarily know about him if you only read The Mezzanine or the Paul Chowder series.
stewreads's review against another edition
4.0
Weird little book framed as a conversation between two men, one of whom is planning to - can I say this? - assassinate George W. Bush.
Baker is the perfect author for something like this and one of the only writers who’d even attempt it. I really wonder how this book would feel if I had been reading it in 2004 - it reads well now that there’s some distance between myself and the historical events mentioned here, but did this feel too immediate/attention-seeking when it was published? Hard to tell.
I’m officially 2 books down in my COVID quarantine reading frenzy. On to the next one.
Baker is the perfect author for something like this and one of the only writers who’d even attempt it. I really wonder how this book would feel if I had been reading it in 2004 - it reads well now that there’s some distance between myself and the historical events mentioned here, but did this feel too immediate/attention-seeking when it was published? Hard to tell.
I’m officially 2 books down in my COVID quarantine reading frenzy. On to the next one.
canadianbookworm's review
3.0
This short novel takes place within a few short hours in a hotel room in Washington DC. The time is during George W Bush's presidency. Jay is upset about the political situation and feeling like he has to do something to change the course of history, to make a difference. He has asked his old friend Ben to drive up and talk to him, and bring a tape recorder to tape what Jay has to say. Ben is the kind of guy who, despite having a young family, also feels that he needs to nurture his friendships and be there when his friends need him.
Once Ben gets there Jay reveals his plan to kill the president. The book is a conversation between the two men, that from time to time goes back in time, over to other issues, and makes a number of diversionary tracks, but essentially is about the political situation of the time, the feelings of impotence about the reality by the common man and the need to make a difference in the world.
At first I was a bit put off, but gradually I felt myself drawn into the discussion, seeing the larger political picture, the origins of the political situation and its antecedents, and the differences a person can really make. I've always liked Baker's writing and meant to read this one ages ago. I'm glad I finally got around to it.
Once Ben gets there Jay reveals his plan to kill the president. The book is a conversation between the two men, that from time to time goes back in time, over to other issues, and makes a number of diversionary tracks, but essentially is about the political situation of the time, the feelings of impotence about the reality by the common man and the need to make a difference in the world.
At first I was a bit put off, but gradually I felt myself drawn into the discussion, seeing the larger political picture, the origins of the political situation and its antecedents, and the differences a person can really make. I've always liked Baker's writing and meant to read this one ages ago. I'm glad I finally got around to it.
mlytylr's review
2.0
For some reason I can easily picture Keith Olbermann having written this. I'm glad the author got all this out, even if there wasn't much literary point to it.
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