Rating: 
Summary: Outrageously true to life
Review: Absolute Power is one of those 'can't put it down' books. The suspense begins on page one and doesn't finish until the end of the book. I enjoy political thrillers and the two best I've read this year are Absolute Power and E.L.Burton's '$oft Money'.Baldacci has expertly crafted a plot so breathtakingly outrageous that you HAVE to believe it! As you read, you're so close that you feel like an unindicted co-conspirator. As governmental cover-ups go, this one is unimaginably over the top. Or is it? Think of Monica and Bill - think of David Baldacci !!
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Read
Review: I had just put down my first Scottoline novel (after 200 horrid pages) and tossed out a Brad Meltzer book (Dead Even) after gagging through the first 50 pages. I was afraid to try another recommended author. I'm glad I did. The plot was (mostly) believable and I experienced all three of my requirements for a good legal/mystery/thriller: I couldn't put it down, I got chills and my heart pounded.
Rating: 
Summary: I like a Baldacci book
Review: The book had me entertained. I had saw the movie some time ago, but found the book to be more in-depth, as most books are. Not my favorite of Mr. Baldaccis, but a thriller none the less. Luther, the star early on, passes the torch to Jack and Det. Frank. The events towards the end made up for the few lulls in the middle. Strong characters, Sullivans, Baldwins, the law firm make for an overall good read. The corruption at the top of the governmental scale was very evident and interesting. As I say I enjoyed it, and look forward to "Wish you well" by Mr. Baldacci.
Rating:
Summary: Good page turner but a bit unbelievable at times
Review: I bought this book primarily on the basis of reviews that I read here. Every year I try to stock up on mindless fiction that can keep me occupied on a flight or my commute and the reviews of David Baldacci's first novel seemed to fit that bill. Baldacci has definitely crafted a page-turner here. I plowed through this book and was gripped by the plot and an interest in finding how the author would bring it all to a conclusion. The novel centres around Luther Whitney, a sophisticated but aging burglar who stumbles across an incident involving the President of the United States. Whitney is torn between fearing for the influence and power which the President can use against those he loves versus trying to do good. Nevertheless, the plot almost goes too far at times and borders on the verge of incredulity. Baldacci has a very good knack of making a plot more complicated - finding a way to dispose of evidence or making life difficult for one of the book's numerous protagonists and yet still letting the good guys win in the end by some stroke of luck. This turns the book from a fairly taut political thriller into something a little too fantastical for my tastes (i.e. a Secret Service Agent turning into some crazed homicidal maniac). Nevertheless, Baldacci's first novel shows a potential to weave a good, complex tale and I fully intend to read some of his later books to see if he can tone down the plots while maintaining the suspense. If I had the choice, I would give the book 3 1/2 stars but for the time being, have to make do with a middle-of-the-road 3.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping Suspense
Review: Though not the best work of fiction ever put to press, Absolute Power is compelling and brilliant. A much better read than most political thrillers, this novel will take you inside the minds of some of the most interesting characters ever created. The book outshines its motion picture adaptation. There is no comparison. The stories diverge a great deal and that is as much as you are going to hear from me. This book is enjoyable and a tremendous read fromcovere to cover.It is not likely to let you down.
Rating:
Summary: Hard-Boiled Suspense
Review: Baldaccis' debut novel is an entertaining read and an ambitious first effort. Corruption in the White House is no longer a startling subject, so no leap of faith is required by the reader to accept such a concept. Good character development and slick plot twists make this a real page-turner (skip the movie version).
Rating:
Summary: Captivating, thought provoking....
Review: After reading this gripping novel, I had a new perception of not only the impudent Clinton, who seemingly relates to President Alan Richmond, but anyone who possesses power. It gives an insight into the corruption of human character in pressure situations, and illustrates that there are consequences for one's actions. No one is above the law-not even the president of the United States of America.
Rating:
Summary: A great book for a summer vacation
Review: A David Baldacci novel is a great companion for a summer vacation, and Absolute Power is no exception. At the end of each chapter, I would convince myself that I could read "just one more chapter." It cost me some sleep but I was able to go through large chunks of the book in a sitting. Although not as good as Total Control, which I think was Baldacci's best effort, Absolute Power was still a page turner. Having seen the movie years ago, I was a bit skeptical to pick up the book but I am glad that I did. Although Baldacci has obviously tightened up his writing skills with his subsequent novels, Absolute Power is still packed with action, suspense, plot twists and good character development. I quickly found myself rooting for Luther Whitney, who although a career thief also has an abundance of courage, integrity and personal fortitude. If you are a Baldacci fan but have not yet read his first work, I strongly recommend picking up Absolute Power.
Rating:
Summary: Better than the film
Review: The movie did not do much justice to the book. The book kept me on the edge till the last page. The crude reality portrayed in the book.. which is the vulnerability of the President of United States and the advantages he tries to take being in such high position.. Does that ring a bell? A great suspense thriller.
Rating:
Summary: A Terrific, Suspense-Filled Read
Review: I really enjoyed this first rate, suspense-filled novel, with its unusual plot and interesting characters. It grabbed my attention from the very first sentence all the way to its exciting end. I love political fiction, and this book is well up to the standards of my current favorite, "The President's Astrologer" by Barbara Shafferman.
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