Jerry Beller

Madam President follows the term of President Kalinda Resbo, who takes on a major crisis in Iran, investigates traitors within the government, and brings white-collar corporate criminals to justice, while, at the same time, is in the middle of a tough reelection campaign. This is not your normal president, however. President Resbo is a single black woman, the first in US history. As such, she brings out the best and worst in people at all levels. Some like her, but an equal number despise her and who she is. This is a fairly interesting, though not very original, story about the struggles of the president of the United States. The trials and tribulations of President Resbo are patterned after those of our current president, President Obama. I particularly enjoyed the way this story showed a more human side of a person of power. The corruption and dog-eat-dog world she lives in is very realistic and well portrayed. However, I wish the author had taken more time to edit the book because there were errors in spelling, tenses, etc. This and the fact that the story and its plot were not very original resulted in a lower rating by me. There just wasn’t enough difference from the trials and tribulations we read about that our current president undergoes. Before I read the book, I expected a story very loosely patterned on the administration of President Obama, not the same story of the president, only with a female black woman incumbent rather than a male. Nevertheless, the story and characters are well developed and interesting. I am not sure about the chemistry between President Resbo and her Chief of Staff, as it kept changing throughout the book. This book did provide me a glimpse into what life for a female president would be like, which I appreciated. I think anyone who has an interest in current events and/or politics or anyone who wants to experience the life of a female president will enjoy this book. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.… (mehr)

To be honest, I was not able to make it past the first chapter in this book (it was that awful). I was expecting a thrilling novel about a woman who bucks tradition and stands up for her beliefs against all political odds. But this is not a novel, this is a vicious, hate-filled bash that isn't even well-written.

The author constantly repeats himself. For example: "Skylar and her husband, Art, are still madly in love, just as they were teenagers. Their romance still burns brightly, seeming to become stronger with each passing year." One paragraph later, after talking about how wonderful the relationship between these two characters is: "They are a couple who have been together for going on three decades, and their relationship is stronger than ever." Two pages later: "They have the kind of long-term love that eludes the average couple" which leads into another paragraph on how wonderful their relationship is. Don't get me wrong, I think a strong marriage relationship is a good thing but this constant, unoriginal repetition made me cringe. And this isn't the only time the author does this.

I also find Resbo to be unbelievable as a character. It might just be that I haven't read far enough into the book but she appears to have no flaws and is "perfect" (believes all the "right" things, attacks her opponents viciously and gets away with it, etc). She also spouts her mouth off at everyone who disagrees with her. I seriously doubt someone could do that and become President with the support of a major political party (the book opens with her having been a Democratic presidential candidate).

Finally, I have no love for the GOP but I cannot agree with the author's vicious mudslinging in their direction. It is childish and immature. If you have a problem with what someone believes you do not call them names, you answer them with facts and prove them wrong. I also don't see how calling the Democrats publicly results in anything constructive (once again, Resbo is not believable). I was very disappointed.

I found the idea of a woman running as President and holding both parties accountable despite all odds to be very intriguing but, thanks to poor writing and what seems to be deep-seated bitterness, this book does not do that plot idea justice at all. I would recommend passing on this read. :(
If you don't and the book gets better later please post a review stating at which page it does so I can skip directly to it.

Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.… (mehr)

This novel is about a man who discovers himself by moving to a different part of the world.

Set in the 1980s, River is a high-level Congressional staffer in Washington. Suddenly, he quits his job and sells his car. He packs up his possessions, and hops a plane to Jamaica. He had visited the island in the past, and fell in love with the scenery.

He intentionally bypasses Kingston, the capital, which is full of tourists. His intention is to stay in Jamaica, longer if possible, while he writes a novel set during the Vietnam War. He finds a place to live near the town of Port Antonio. He does not tell anyone back home where he is living, not wanting to deal with people who invite themselves for a visit. He meets a number of decent, reasonable people in his travels, along with people who are best avoided as much as possible. Like it or not, Jamaica is still a Third World country, with a huge gap between rich and poor. Hurricane Gilbert hit the island a few weeks previously, causing a lot of damage.

River's ultimate intention is to be accepted as a Jamaican, not as some rich white tourist just passing through. He writes for several hours a day, as if the story is just pouring out of him. He spends the rest of each day enjoying the scenery and ocean views. He is very uninterested in several romantic offers from female tourists who make it to that part of the island. One day, in a local park, he spots a young woman who, emotionally, knocks him on his rear end. He has no idea who she is, or where she lives, but he can't get her out of his head. Does River finish his novel? Does he speak to his mystery woman?

Here is a very quiet, but beautifully written novel. The scenery of Jamaica is just as much a character as any of the natives, who speak in actual Jamaican patois. For anyone who has visited, or wants to visit, Jamaica, read this book. You won't be disappointed.… (mehr)