Boomsday
by Christopher Buckley
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Book Reviews of Boomsday
Book Review: Hollow Men (and Women)
Summary: 3 Stars
This, then, is how the Boomers will end -- not with a bang, but a whimper.
Chris Buckley is a marvelous satirist skilled in deflating those who take themselves too seriously. This engaging, inside-the-Beltway story involves a modest proposal to resolve the Social Security funding crisis, fueled by an angry young tax revolter and seized upon by spinmeisters and ambitious politicos. The story starts strong, but loses steam -- perhaps because Buckley pulls in too many side stories (a trade-off that enables him to expand the bashing that makes the book so engaging), or perhaps because its audacious starting premise doesn't lead to clever endings.
Boomsday is good light reading and a fine addition to a body of work that brings a valuable humorous twist to the national political discourse. Just don't bring high expectations to this particular voyage round the prickly pear.
Book Review: Middle of the road for Buckley
Summary: 3 Stars
There are two things you can always count on from Mr. Buckley: spot on political satires and unlikely but thought provoking plots.
This book follows Buckley's standard formula: A heroine who is up against the higher ups in DC who has a flawed hero with a heart of gold helping her out. Surround with outrageous caricatures and crazy situations, and let the reader enjoy the ride.
From the beginning, the action is fast and furious. It doesn't let up until the last page. In this book, Buckley skewers baby boomers' entitlement mentality, pork barrel politics, religious leaders, and blogging. It sounds like an amalgam, and it is a testament that Buckley can tie all of this together and have a fun and riveting story come out.
I really enjoyed this book. It's not as good as White House Mess or Florence of Arabia, but miles ahead of many so-called humorous novels.
Book Review: Hilarious and witty, no matter your political affiliation!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a dyed-in-the-wool liberal and was at first hesitant to buy Buckley's book. I had seen the wonderful movie "Thank You For Smoking" but I also knew Buckley's conservative background (as well as his father's). Well, I am so glad I took the plunge!!! This book really skewers politicians IN GENERAL and there were scenes in here where I was laughing out loud (his dialogue is outstanding). Yes, there is no doubt that the plot is a bit absurd at times (see "voluntary transitioning") and yet somehow Buckley keeps it grounded by having his characters ACKNOWLEDGE and even mock the absurdity of what is going on. Very memorable characters and situations; spot-on satire; the book reads quickly; and it would make a terrific movie! (in the right director's hands). Highly recommended for a fun, intelligent read.Book Review: Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Summary: 3 Stars
I Just finished it and thoroughly enjoyed it. The same author of "Thank You for Smoking" wrote this and as expected, Christopher Buckley's writing style is witty, acerbic and full of irony.
The protagonist is Cassandra Devine, a PR spin-doctor by day, incensed blogger by night. Angered by the burden posed upon her generation by the social security system, she proposes, a very Swift-like solution. Dubbled, "Voluntary Transitioning" program, it purports to alleviate the social security debt by rewarding people to commit suicide when they reach the age of 65 (if you are a closet geek like me, you'd remember a "Sliders" episode that featured the same concept).
This page-turner made me laugh out loud. Although it got a bit long towards the end, I highly recommend it.
Book Review: Would rather be "Smoking"
Summary: 3 Stars
"Thank You for Smoking" was the first book of Buckley's that I read. While it wasn't a 5-star - it was laugh out loud funny in parts and right on the money in others. (The part with the nicotine patches had me in tears.) But this one - while constructed on a VERY novel and potentially funny way to deal with the Social Security crisis was nowhere near the caliber of TYFS. (Speaking of which - some of the acronyms he made up for the ridiculous groups and agencies were pretty good but after a while....zzzzzz.)
Plus - every single character turned out to be a dud - not one of them was either pure satirical evil or Stepford Wife angelic - just a rather dull dishwater grey. I will buy Buckley's next book - but probably not with the same sense of glee that I bought this one.