Balance of Power

Rating:
Summary: Worst book I never finished.
Review: I normally enjoy Mr. Patterson's books and am not a gun dealer, collector, or advocate. I may go buy one now. Other than the improvement Mr. Patterson has made in his overuse of the words SARDONIC, and PENNSIVE, he has written a book clearly with an idealogical agenda replacing good fiction. Once one of favorite authors, I will think twice before reading him again.

Rating:
Summary: Balance of political correctness
Review: Even with a skilled author, this book doesn't fulfill its' potential because it is locked into a specific political dogma. The events portrayed are unbelievable and the 'bad' characters too sterotypical. Although I agree with the author's theme that gun control in the US is a farce, it would have been much more effective to make such a case without allowing the constraints of politics to become an interference. However, if you consider yourself an entrenched political liberal or a socialist, this is your book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent political commentary through believable dialogue
Review: This is the first book of Patterson's that I have read, and my first impression of his style is very good. Apparently this is supposed to be part of a Kerry Kilcanon series, but I was able to pick this up without having read any of the prior books. This book addresses the issue of gun control, as the editorial review details. The main issue is the loopholes that allow people to obtain guns at gun shows without a liscence. More of the meat of the novel is after the intial drag of the first 100 pgs or so. After the main turning point of this novel, which I will save for the reader to find out, there is an array of legal proceedings and preparations. They apparently are based on actual challenges to tort reform that have happened over the past few years. But the dialogue in these proceedings is amazing and believable. The depositions of the so-called Sons of the Second Amendment head and other witnesses to the case make you feel as if you are right in there with the lawyers pressing the special interest heads and sorrowful victims. While this is happening a bill on tort reform is on the floor in Congress (that is to limit civil liabilities of companies such as gun manufacturers). The final pages are a bit disappointing, but that does not take away from this fictional work that manages to be a social commentary, a great example of crafted dialogue, and a thriller all in one (not in the traditional sense). It definitely opened my eyes to some of the problems with gun control in this nation, although admittedly it does exaggerate some of the flaws of our system. A definite must read even if you are a NRA member. Will provoke your thoughts on the subject for sure.

Rating:
Summary: Another Hot Button Fizzle
Review: Talented Novelists like Mr. Patterson could probably write a serviceable novel about gun control- but none of them have done it yet. There seems to be some ethos against learning about the subject at hand. The novelists persist in locating manual safety catches on "automatic revolvers" and chambering the Colt Woodsman for .38 Special.

In Mr. Patterson's case he insists on finding substantial differences among the various types of firearms - claiming that a sniper rifle is essentially different than a deer rifle or a sporting handgun might be different than one designed for the pure titilation of right wing Walter Mitties or criminals.

Here is a fact for him and all his readers. Any medium powered centerfire rifle made since 1892 can be used by a mediocre markmans to consistently hit a human target out to 300 yards. A telescopic sight is helpful but not necessary and a solid rest is essential. The only difference in a "Sniper" rifle and a run of the mill hunting rifle is the lable stamped on the barrel and a few ugly features thrown in for pizzazz.

Beyond 300 yards, trajectory and wind deviation require the shooter to have some knowledge about those factors. A skilled shooter can extend the effective range to four or five hundred yards or farther under ideal conditions. Mr. Patterson mentions 1.5 miles as a maximum range and this is well beyond the capabilities of even the 50 BMG rifles.

Message to novelists: Stick to subjects like Sex and greed and avoid the one's you arn't willing to study.



Rating:
Summary: Among Finest Political Novels Written
Review: Assuming you are comfortable with theme of gun control, I highly recomend the third volume in Patterson's trilogy about his liberal crusading main character, President Kerry Kilcannon. What is extraordinary about these three novels is that Patterson captures the rich,full spectrum of modern politics and makes real the horrendous pressures that are focused on the main players in a national political drama. The cast is large (and requires patience at the start) but resulting portrait communicates more about how the system really works than a stack of textbooks or a shelf of simplistic thrillers.

Rating:
Summary: European perspective
Review: As an Italian living in Switzerland, I really enjoyed this book as an insight in the american gun debate. It is very interesting to read it just after seeing "bowling for Columbine". In most euroopean countries, to buy a gun you need a difficult to obtain licence, and absolutely no way you could buy one at a show. And those bullets are non-existant. So, I was totally appalled by this mass hysteria about "gun-rights". And the book is an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Frustration with a Capital "F"
Review: AAAHHHHHH!!!! I never thought I'd get to the end of this one. Usually a Richard North Patterson fan, I was surprised (not pleasantly) that this book resembled the Energizer Bunny in that it "kept going and going and going". While the storyline was great and the characters were likable, I found myself saying, "just vote on the legislation and put us out of our misery". I MADE myself finish this book because I kept thinking the end would justify the means, unfortunately when I turned the last page I just cheered out of simple and utter relief.

Rating:
Summary: Too biased
Review: This is only the second book I have started and not been able to finish. Patterson is so busy preaching his gospel the story is not interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Liberals Will Love it, RIght Wingers will Hate it
Review: If you love George Bush, or the NRA, you probably won't like this book.

Me, I'm a liberal and this book was WONDERFUL. It's a novel written by a first class novelist who has clearly put a lot of time into researching how things work in D.C., in the white house, the media, the senate... This is my second Patterson book and frankly, I'm going to keep tearing through his ouvre.

The book explores the machinations of a fictious group that's a lot like the NRA, with creepy characters who resemble some from real life.

The character development in the story is excellent. The detail that describes the workings of the legislative process and all the influences involved is incredible. Patterson brings characters to life and gets you caring about them. He even includes a bit of a love story.

But mostly, this book tells a riveting, stay up half the night to keep reading story that totally revolves around an honest president who refuses to sell out to corporate or special interests. I know. It's fantasy reading. But hopefully, soon, that won't be the case.

I'm also the editor of opednews dot com, a progressive political website.

Rating:
Summary: Boring political propaganda
Review: I will never buy another book by this author.I didn't even finish this one after realizing that it was just a tedious recital of the author's ideological views with a thin veneer of fiction. Whether or not one agrees with his views, it was deceptive to promote this book as an entertaining mystery story. I feel ripped off.