Rating: 
Summary: I hate this book
Review: These libruls have no idea what their talking about. I don't read much anyway, so imagine my constellation when one of Amurca's better writers of psychological thrillers goes all pinko. Why does Richard North Patterson hate Amurca? Since I'm preznit, I just might have to make him sorry. Get Ashcroft to investigate his ash! He he, jes kiddin', folks!
Rating:
Summary: I hate this book
Review: These libruls have no idea what their talking about. I don't read much anyway, so imagine my constellation when one of Amurca's better writers of psychological thrillers goes all pinko. Why does Richard North Patterson hate Amurca? Since I'm preznit, I just might have to make him sorry. Get Ashcroft to investigate his ash! He he, jes kiddin', folks!
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: 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: A FIRST-RATE READING OF POLITICAL INTRIGUE
Review: With numerous stage, television, and film roles to her credit you'd expect Patricia Kalember to deliver a first-rate reading - she does and raises the bar with her rendering of Richard North Patterson's latest D.C. based thriller.With "Balance of Power" Patterson once more focuses on fictional Democratic politician Kerry Kilcannon. Recently elected to the presidency Kerry is set to marry his fiancé, television journalist Lara Costello. When Lara' sister is again brutalized by her abusive husband, John Bowden, Kerry intervenes. Then, the horrific: shortly after the wedding Bowden goes on a wild rampage shooting the innocent, including his wife and their daughter. Kerry is so affected by this carnage that he promises to battle gun violence which means turning over Washington's most powerful lobby, the SSA or Sons of the Second Amendment. It's at this point that Patterson's knowledge of Washington, its politics and power brokers really comes to the fore as Kerry becomes involved in a no-holds-barred battle with his nemesis, Senate Majority Leader Frank Fasano. There is enough political intrigue and legal maneuvers in "Balance of Power" to keep everyone listening from rapid-fire start to boffo finish. - Gail Cooke
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