In his third novel EXIT BLUE(Black Heron, March 2010), best-selling author and former Washington Post writer Ivan G. Goldman crafts a roman à clef depicting the return of a persistent but not terribly talented dynasty out of Texas. The family's latest Oval Office occupant, the oblivious Bunny (not to be confused with her twin sister Beanie), launches a disastrous invasion of Denmark, labeling it the central front in the war on terror.
Preceded by the carpet-bombing of Copenhagen, the attack on a NATO ally is the brainchild of the infamous Magoo, a perennial vice-president whose personal scientists make him younger and healthier month by month. The war, one of several being waged by Washington, triggers outright secession by the fed-up Blue States, which form their own union. Meanwhile, in Denmark, the invading Marines hit the beaches short of ammo and end up watching the NFL playoffs in a Danish POW camp. Undeterred, the zealous Red Zone government dispatches press gangs to fill depleted military ranks.
As Red Zone citizens flee their imploding, trickle-down economy seeking humble work in Mexico, down-on-his-luck ghost writer Delmore LeCorte discovers all is not well in the Blue Zone either. LeCorte is thrust into a love triangle with the Red Zone President and her more astute twin, running afoul of Magoo. Operating from a secret underground bunker, the deranged vice-president has already imprisoned the Dalai Lama, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Sean Penn and Alec Baldwin as enemies of the state while the Dixie Chicks and Bruce Springsteen hide out in Ireland under Bono's protection. For the sake of both Americas, LeCorte must dodge Magoo's wrath as he tries to persuade Bunny to steer her foundering ship of state toward a saner shore. It's left to the reader to decide whether EXIT BLUE is in fact satire or perhaps a prescient look at more divisive times ahead.
About the Author
Ivan G. Goldman, who covered the Congress for The Washington Post and worked at the National Desk of The Los Angeles Times, is the author of three novels. A Fulbright Scholar and a columnist for The Ring magazine, his writing has also appeared in Columbia Journalism Review, Utne Reader, The Nation, National Review, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, andelsewhere. His previous novel The Barfighter has been nominated as a 2009 Notable Book by the American Library Association. Booklist calls it "a fine book" that "illuminates a largely unknown world and tells an engaging tale of redemption filled with vividly drawn characters." Kirkus Reviews says his first novel, Where the Money Is: A Novel of Las Vegas is "an impressive debut . . . a stylish twisty first novel."
Goldman was born and raised in Chicago and now lives with his wife in Southern California. You can find out more about his background in his article "Caste and Class on The Washington Post." It appeared in Columbia Journalism Review and is online at http://www.coliserv.net/swm/
Ivan G. Goldman, who covered the Congress for The Washington Post and worked at the National Desk of The Los Angeles Times, is the author of three novels. A Fulbright Scholar and a columnist for The Ring magazine, his writing has also appeared in Columbia Journalism Review, Utne Reader, The Nation, National Review, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, andelsewhere. His previous novel The Barfighter has been nominated as a 2009 Notable Book by the American Library Association. Booklist calls it "a fine book" that "illuminates a largely unknown world and tells an engaging tale of redemption filled with vividly drawn characters." Kirkus Reviews says his first novel, Where the Money Is: A Novel of Las Vegas is "an impressive debut . . . a stylish twisty first novel."
Goldman was born and raised in Chicago and now lives with his wife in Southern California. You can find out more about his background in his article "Caste and Class on The Washington Post." It appeared in Columbia Journalism Review and is online at http://www.coliserv.net/swm/
My Take on the Book
I am always interested in reading books that stand out in their satirical nature and this book definitely fell into this genre. I mean, what other book would place Denmark in the lead role of fighting terror on the world scene.
There were many scenes within the book where I just stood back in awe, laughing at times and at others just being dumbfounded that a character could get away with what the author was having him get away with.
The book is filled with twists, turns and endings that you would not expect, which makes for both an easy and enjoyable read.
I can honestly say that I got through the book in a short amount of time and know that you will as well.
If this book sounds like one that you would like in your own collection, you can find it on Amazon!
Giveaway
There were many scenes within the book where I just stood back in awe, laughing at times and at others just being dumbfounded that a character could get away with what the author was having him get away with.
The book is filled with twists, turns and endings that you would not expect, which makes for both an easy and enjoyable read.
I can honestly say that I got through the book in a short amount of time and know that you will as well.
If this book sounds like one that you would like in your own collection, you can find it on Amazon!
Giveaway
How would you like to win a copy of this book for yourself? I will be giving away one book to a lucky reader! All you need to do is let me know why you would have an interest in this book to be considered. The contest will run for one week and will end on April 14, 2010.
Bonus Entries:
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Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.
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ReplyDeleteThis book sounds memorable, unique and incredible. Would enjoy it. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
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I subscribe by email.
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I love to read and this sounds like a good fun book.
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email subscriber
ReplyDeleteI love satirical humor!
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