For his first foray into fiction, political commentator and radio host Michael Smerconish points his sharp satirical arrow at the U.S. political system and the role modern media play in corrupting democracy. Stanislaw Pawlowsky is a radio DJ who falls into the role of talk host when his Floridian station switches from rock music to conservative punditry. Provided with a "consultant," Stanislaw changes from a pot-smoking sloucher to Stan Powers, Tea Party activist. He doesn't share the political beliefs he's espousing, but he enjoys the income his fictional ideology rakes in.
A shocking announcement from the Democratic president leaves the upcoming election in upheaval, and as the conservative voice of the I-4 corridor in a crucial swing state, Stan has unmatched influence on the eventual outcome at the polls. This is his golden chance at fame and national syndication, and he must be willing to sacrifice anything--including his moral compass--to grab it.
Using a pointedly moderate voice, Smerconish aims at many factors that have made politics in the U.S. a battlefield where compromise and cooperation are as career-threatening as a radio personality dropping the f-bomb on air. His target may be a large one--encompassing dysfunctional primary elections, irrelevant mud-slinging and old-fashioned greed--but Smerconish certainly hits the bull's-eye.
The novel's colorfully diverse cast and party-neutral tone make this powerful satire attractive to most any reader. Funny, disturbing and most importantly thought-provoking, Talk has a lot to say; we should be listening. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts