Posted by BJ
One of my latest reads is “Boomsday”. It’s by Christopher Buckley, who also wrote “Thank you for Smoking”. If you read that book (or saw the movie!), you’ll know Christopher’s style. I actually found this book in the back pocket on a plane, obviously left behind by someone. As it happened, I had left a book, half read, on the plane (yet again!) from which I had just disembarked.
This book is fairly irreverent and sort of “out there” but always making sense in a scary sort of way. I suspect Christopher Buckley is one of those writers whom people either love or hate (and no doubt there are those who also love to hate him, as I find to be the case with Stephen King.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the opening quote, “Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.” (Herbert Hoover), to the closing paragraphs. But I should qualify this (before Jon takes me to task!). I like books (and their authors) that don’t take themselves too seriously and this is definitely one of those. The feel of the writing is also similar that of Carl Hiaasen (Sick Puppy, Strip Tease… the titles just about say it all, right?). But I also want a book to challenge my thinking (and that of others) and this book does that as well. After all, it does present a fairly plausible way to fix the social security problem quickly and easily.
So why bring this up here? Well, one is to provide a recommendation for reading. As an avid reader I’m always on the look-out for a good reading recommendation and assume many readers appreciate hearing about a good book.
It’s also relevant to proposals. This book has a unique perspective and it presents a solution that is both very logical and very controversial. The lead characters consider options, think through strategies and make decisions based on expected results. They also fight hard for their positions and beliefs. I see similar dynamics within the best proposal teams. Multiple options considered, some great debates and strong opinions expressed. (I experience this almost daily as Jon is a former debate champion and is neither of us is ever lacking a strong opinion on a subject.).
Definitely worth a read.
One of my latest reads is “Boomsday”. It’s by Christopher Buckley, who also wrote “Thank you for Smoking”. If you read that book (or saw the movie!), you’ll know Christopher’s style. I actually found this book in the back pocket on a plane, obviously left behind by someone. As it happened, I had left a book, half read, on the plane (yet again!) from which I had just disembarked.
This book is fairly irreverent and sort of “out there” but always making sense in a scary sort of way. I suspect Christopher Buckley is one of those writers whom people either love or hate (and no doubt there are those who also love to hate him, as I find to be the case with Stephen King.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the opening quote, “Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.” (Herbert Hoover), to the closing paragraphs. But I should qualify this (before Jon takes me to task!). I like books (and their authors) that don’t take themselves too seriously and this is definitely one of those. The feel of the writing is also similar that of Carl Hiaasen (Sick Puppy, Strip Tease… the titles just about say it all, right?). But I also want a book to challenge my thinking (and that of others) and this book does that as well. After all, it does present a fairly plausible way to fix the social security problem quickly and easily.
So why bring this up here? Well, one is to provide a recommendation for reading. As an avid reader I’m always on the look-out for a good reading recommendation and assume many readers appreciate hearing about a good book.
It’s also relevant to proposals. This book has a unique perspective and it presents a solution that is both very logical and very controversial. The lead characters consider options, think through strategies and make decisions based on expected results. They also fight hard for their positions and beliefs. I see similar dynamics within the best proposal teams. Multiple options considered, some great debates and strong opinions expressed. (I experience this almost daily as Jon is a former debate champion and is neither of us is ever lacking a strong opinion on a subject.).
Definitely worth a read.
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