Rating: 
Summary: Decent Little Book Doesn't Need A Deep Analysis
Review: There are times when people take things too seriously. Buckley writing a novel about Elvis Presley! Must be some deep thinking going on here. According to my conservative local newspaper, this was quite an exceptional book that saluted Elvis' achievement but juxtaposed it with his demise in hedonistic behavior. I don't think so. A cute story that is imminently readable from page one. Most literate people will find this an easy book to read thanks to main character Orson. Orson's childhood friend eventually goes on to become Priscilla, however the main interest in the book is Elvis's friendship with Orson. Far too many of the reviews have tried to find deep meaning in this book and have taken Buckley to task for not developing characters enough or having more meaning in the book and I think the criticism is unfair. This is not a serious book that can be considered grand literature. It's an entertaining book with a cute story that is kind of tribute to Elvis while also lamenting what might have been if it wasn't for his excesses. Reading this book will not change your world or provide you with great inspiration or insight. On the other hand, it will make a cross country flight or a rainy day go by a lot easier. In short, I don't recommend this as a must-read book, but if you like Buckley, or Elvis, or if you are looking for a quick, light read, go ahead and read it.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment
Review: This book offers nothing new or striking on Elvis or his times. The story is more about Orson, an Elvis fan and socialist. Character development is disappointing, and the story line is implausible, particularly for this reader who has some familiarity with Elvis history. There are too many coincidences that conveniently appear when needed to move the story along. There are also annoying inconsistencies with reality, indicating a lack of homework. Important "real-life" characters are not accurately portrayed. Some are given short shrift or not mentioned. I really expected much more from Mr. Buckley.
Rating: 
Summary: Cute little book about Marxism and good ole rock n roll
Review: We expect odd names like Baggins and Dobby and Skywalker in fantasy fictions, but this book does not present itself as one of those. Orson's last name is Killere, so Elvis comes up with a cute nickname for him - "Killer". I'm thinking it's the other way around - Buckley thought "Killer" would be a cool, or as Buckly would probably say - "gloriously divine" nickname, so he came up with the name Killere for his main character. It's such a contrived, ridiculous sounding name that it becomes quite an annoyance throughout the book. Why not Kennier, or Killian? I doubt there's a single person in the world named Killere. And the rest of the book is written in the same, implausible, self-satisfied fashion. Buckley should stick to the incomprehensible conservative yammering for which he is much beloved, and leave the novels to people who know how to write. On the other hand, if you're into high-brow, over-written, unfunny type of humor, then this book will please you to no end. This book is funny and entertaining in the same way that George Will's writing is funny and entertaining. I'm not sure who's funnier - Bill Buckley or George Will. There's a passage in Will's "Men At Work" where he humorously compares Roberto Clemente's flubbed catch in the '73 game against the Red Sox with Plantegenet's failed raid on the Hedbonshire encampment at Lussox. I literally busted a gut when I read that. But there are also some good belly-laughs to be had in this cute little Elvis book by Buckley.
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