Review: How To Alienate Readers
Rating: 1 out of 5
Date: 05 30, 2013
Mr. Stelljes has broken a cardinal rule with the publication of this book: "Thou shalt not identify political parties by name in a work of fiction." I've read many novels over the years that were based to some extent on political issues or characters, but I can't recall any that (1)immediately identified both the protagonists and antagonists by their respective political parties, and/or (2)announced the author's strong political stance within the first few pages. This was my second Stelljes book, and there's no doubt the author has talent. What amazes me about this book is the author's apparent willingness to alienate 50 percent of future book sales by ignoring an unwritten rule in the fiction arena. Just as the hero in the author's books is practically perfect, so, too, is the Democrat party. Apparently, Mr. Stelljes hasn't kept up with current events while writing his new book, or perhaps he agrees with the Democrats' obvious premise that the Bill of Rights doesn't apply to conservatives. While no political party is 100 percent right or wrong, it's ironic that the author chooses to demonize the Republican Party at a time when the scandals coming out of the White House make Watergate look like a parking ticket. The book received glowing reviews, and I'm sure Mr. Stelljes would laugh all the way to the bank if he read this review; however, I have a feeling that quite a few readers tossed aside (or deleted) the book, didn't write a review, but decided this would be their final Stelljes book. I'm just glad I only wasted a buck.