God's Favorite: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Panamanian Panorama
Review: A novel of the highest order, taking in religion, history, various world views, politics, and cultures while introducing the reader to modern times. Set in Panama in the late '80's it is a bottom's up view of the top of the hierarchy and how the way that world works from both the macro and microscopic view. The bloody view of personal and corrupted power will make the reader wince, laugh out loud, and possibly bring a tear to the eye. We find out how an ugly Mestizo can own a country and as the reader gets into Mr. Noriega's skin to see his view, we find that the writer has a good grasp on the ordinary things that bring meaning to one's life; however it is also the view of a mad man. We are given a look at the USA machinations into that region and the ultimate purposes involving new-old fashion terrorism, narco-terrorism, with a pinch of romance. Often I felt as if I were participating in the movie Casablanca. An enjoyable read from front to back. On the other hand, my wife put the book down after page 10.

Rating:
Summary: Riveting Reading.
Review: An utterly arresting blend of fact and fiction, "God's Favorite" thrusts the reader into the bloody maelstrom of Panama under Noriega. The book is incredibly accessible, even entertaining, but it never loses its intent to put you into the heart of the situation, sparing no one, revealing everything. Of course, one cannot know what a historical figure thinks, believes or desires. Even their own words are tainted by the unswerving gaze of history. Wright, however, does not let his book rest on his assumtions of thoughts and feeling. He brings a trained observers calculated analysis and the well known documented facts of the situation to frame his narrative.

This is a truly delightful experience, crisp in style, engaging in content and memorable in the final experience. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Riveting Reading.
Review: An utterly arresting blend of fact and fiction, "God's Favorite" thrusts the reader into the bloody maelstrom of Panama under Noriega. The book is incredibly accessible, even entertaining, but it never loses its intent to put you into the heart of the situation, sparing no one, revealing everything. Of course, one cannot know what a historical figure thinks, believes or desires. Even their own words are tainted by the unswerving gaze of history. Wright, however, does not let his book rest on his assumtions of thoughts and feeling. He brings a trained observers calculated analysis and the well known documented facts of the situation to frame his narrative.

This is a truly delightful experience, crisp in style, engaging in content and memorable in the final experience. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: God's Favorite by Lawrence Wright
Review: God's Favorite is a novel that in part is fiction, non-fiction, and imagination. Initially I was under the impression that the author was biased; now, after reading the book, I have to admit that Mr. Wright is a fluid writer. I enjoyed the piece on Noriega and the fictional Panama setting. I also found in many sections a great deal of humor. I had to put the book down to laugh. I have read works on Panama and Noriega and found this book flowing; it was not boring, dry, or difficult to read and understand. On the contrary, the book was an enjoyable read.

For those who would like to look at Panama under fiction, this is the book. It does not highlight a detail history; it does include fictional/non-fictional parts that can very well be argued in a political science course.

I would recommend this book for leisure, escape, and for fluid reading which allows the reader to enjoy. Wright's Noriega is a complex, somewhat understood character. Afte reading several works on Noriega (non-fiction), I would highly agree with this book for humor, leisure, and for imagination. Readers should not take the whole book for fact; it is a work of fiction and imagination.

Rating:
Summary: In a word--Outstanding
Review: Once started, I simply could not put this book down--an intelligent thriller/political satire from someone who writes SO well. Wright spares no one in his telling of the fiasco in Panama and if you aren't compelled after finishing it to read the factual accounts, you clearly didn't read the same book I did. At times appalling and comic, the story and its characters are completely fascinating and heart-breakingly sad. How does George Bush sleep at night?