Boomsday: A Novel” by Christopher Buckley

This book is a political satire. Before beginning my ‘brief’ of this book, I must tell you I am not politically motivated, and I’m not a political commentator. I am a ‘stay at home’ Mom whose nest is empty, so I read, I write, I love, and I laugh. I’m not a real fan of satire. I like stories with heart and a bit of depth. That said, I read this book in April, 2008, when my good friend, Ginger, announced it was her ‘pick’ for our book club. I’ve decided to ‘brief’ this book now, because of the political atmosphere in our country. I think we all feel a bit uneasy and maybe reading this funny little book will help….maybe not. It will promote thought.

I reluctantly opened this book during an early spring beach trip with my sister and Mother. They were “curious” about what I was reading because of the outbursts of giggles and laughter the book elicited from me.

Much to my surprise, I enjoyed it! “Boomsday” refers to “the day” the first of Baby Boomers begin to retire and the tsunami of debt to follow. The novel is a political satire that doesn’t lean ‘left or right’. Instead, through his characters, the author pokes good fun at everyone tied to the politics of our day and the circus like atmosphere on Capital Hill. Some of his characters include:

a potty mouth President’;
a jammie clad, blear-eyed blogger;
power hungry, pompous, puffed-up politicians;
a meddling, melodramatic, milking media;
a loitering, loco, lobbyist;
a renowned religious reformer;
a bullish, ‘bon vivant’ billionaire;

It’s a fun little romp about serious issues. Baby Boomers are referred to as ‘wrinklies’, ‘resource hogs’, and the ‘UN-greatest’ generation. Cassandra Divine, the novel’s protagonist, is from the “Whatever” generation, and she light-heartedly suggests on her blog that the U.S. government should provide incentives to U.S. citizens over the age of 75 to euthanize themselves. (called voluntary transitioning) Well, the idea is met with frenzy. The media throws more fuel to the fire and millions of outraged citizens respond; politicians rush about “re-posturing” themselves, and plenty of demonstrations break out on golf courses and retirement villages around the nation.

Even though this is a ‘laugh a minute’ book, it does provoke thought. It shines a spotlight on the concealed scheming of our politicians. It brings to the light of day the enormity of the tidal wave of debt that will inevitably destroy our economy. The novel opens our eyes to the fact that our politicians continue to ‘table’ the social security issues. They have seemingly done nothing to amend or solve the predicament of the social security problems facing both ‘boomers’ and ‘whatevers’. They seem to think ‘slapping on a band-aid’ and hoping for a quick fix will suffice.

This book, although a satire, is an engaging narrative on the greatest challenge facing our nation, our leaders, and their dereliction of duty in real problem solving. This book might not be for those who take themselves or politics too seriously. Otherwise, Get it! Read it
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm