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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
2006: The Chautaqua Rising,
This review is from: 2006: The Chatauqua Rising (Hardcover)
Two thoughts occurred to me as I finished Jack Cashill's superb novel,"2006: The Chautauqua Rising." First, that I had just read a superb novel. Second, that it didn't seem possible this compelling and entertaining "who-done-it" could be anyone's first novel. "How-did-he-do-it?" is my question."The Chautauqua Rising", set in Western NY, paints a vivid picture of the region and a mildly disturbing picture of the political landscape of an America comfortably and purposefully drifting towards socialism. Comfortable, at least, for those who don't get in the way. In 2006, you really don't want to get in the way, especially of the CDA--the Children's Defense Act-- a legislative vehicle for D.C. politicos to tell America just what is best for our children. Or is it "their" children? "The Chautauqua Rising" eerily blurs the lines of fiction and reality. The actual "rising"--an Irish term for insurrection-- is a small but crucial political upheaval spearheaded by five distinctl and memmorable characters. The upheaval is intended to give back to Americans the right to make basic choices about their everyday life, choices that have been given up in the name of security and vague promises of helping "the children." This entirely plausible story, peppered with extra helpings of intrigue and suspense, centers around a Boston Globe sports writer, TJ Conlon. TJ is a pretty happy guy. Happy that is until he receives a telephone call (a higher calling?) that changes his comfortable, single-guy, live-in girlfriend, sportswriter's life. His father, Jack Conlon, the owner/publisher of a string of small newspapers in Chautauqua County, New York, has been found dead. Suicide. This disturbing call forever changes TJ's plans for a simple, albeit unexplored, relatively undisturbed existence. Returning to his boyhood home to bury his father, TJ embarks on a tumultuous 8 month journey during which he unearths much information and wisdom concerning his father's death, himself, American politics, history and love. The insight and ease with which Cashill writes about these matters is sheer intellectual delight. Returning to his boyhood home , TJ meets many acquaintances of his deceased father, and his transformation begins. He doesn't just inherit the newspapers. He inherits a mystery, a mystery involving his father's death as suspected by a small group of passionate friends. This group possess information that could explain darker motives behind the presumed suicide. While reading this excellent work, I marveled at Jack Cashill's masterful juxtaposition of the electorate's complacency and the raw political power and ambition of those political figures that feed their bureaucratic lust on this well-documented sloth. Masterful because it is dead on accurate and vital to explaining problems TJ and his country face. Finally, a newspaperman who does his job! Without revealing too much, there is a conspiracy in "2006: The Chautauqua Rising." But please allow the author this fact: Conspiracies do occur. Powerful people do scheme. Ethics and morality are not always practiced by those with power and who are desirous of more. The only way to uncover a good, old-fashioned conspiracy is to do good, old-fashioned investigative work. Jack Cashill reveals a deep appreciation and understanding of fact-finding and police work. TJ would make Columbo proud. What ultimately makes this novel so compelling is, of course, several wonderfully conceived, interesting and diverse main characters. TJ, Siona Wallace (a folk singer and divorced mother separated from her young son by force of "law"), Father Lemanski (a Catholic priest), Ike Cornplanter (an American Seneca Indian) and Strong Samuel (an Amish farmer). All are bound together by a love of their country, its traditions and Constitution. All are determined to fight the good fight--the struggle against the codification of a political correctness that incorrectly and harshly usurps basic freedoms. With all the talk of legacies, "2006: The Chautauqua Rising" explores the legacy of a father and our founding fathers. Cashill, through his knowledge, patience and skill, leads the reader to reflect upon these legacies and their lessons, all the while providing first-class entertainment. Bonus. Finally, "2006: The Chautauqua Rising" reveals a never condescending and sincere respect for genuine romance, women, minorities, religion and...Al Gore. What kind of a label can be put on that? I'll try one: "Must read."
15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chatauqua Rising--individual rights versus group empowerment,
By
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This review is from: 2006: The Chatauqua Rising (Hardcover)
Jack Cashill has crafted an elegantly drawn, eminently readable story of epic proportions. His rich characters are placed within a believable framework which expands current political trends to their frightening conclusions. The moment that you open the book, you are drawn into a puzzling mystery which quickly expands to illustrate the consequences of ignoring current popular beliefs. To wit: SUVs are no longer available, tobacco products are available only with a prescription or from Native Americans, totalitarian programs are framed as being "for the children." Even if you have no interest in politics or trends, the mystery story itself is so well crafted that it will draw you into its intricate, well written structure. Fans of good writing, and those who are politically alert will both appreciate and enjoy this well told tale.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Atlas Shrugged-Lite,
By Gary Griffiths (Los Altos Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: 2006: The Chatauqua Rising (Hardcover)
When it comes to conservative nonfiction, Jack Cashill is a serious heavyweight. "Hoodwinked", "First Strike", and "Ron Brown's Body" are all well-researched, thoughtful exposes of alleged conspiracies and liberal scallywags. "2006: The Chautauqua Rising" is his first try at fiction, and he pulls it off with aplomb. As the title would suggest, it is 2006, Al Gore is president, and "progressive" politics have run amok. Under the veil of "Is it good for the Children?", civil liberties are crushed like granola and SUVs fill the junkyards as America is molded in an image fitting of Noam Chomsky or Al Franken. Steven King watch out - these are scary thoughts indeed.
From this apocalyptic background, Cashill spins a fast paced and entertaining tale of the power of democracy in its purest form - an ultimately refreshing story of the silent majority standing united and declaring "we're mad as hell, and we're not gonna take it anymore." In undisguised homage to Ayn Rand's John Gault, Cashell's western New York state takes its leadership from the equivocal John Freeman, the inspiration for an unlikely alliance of Amish, Seneca Indians, Catholics, and independent thinkers in rebellion against a federal government unhinged. Written back in pre-9/11 2000, with six-years of supposedly conservative control of Washington notwithstanding, it is eerie just how much of Cashill's warnings and prognostications ring true in the real 2006. Sure to infuriate those keeping their Kerry/Edwards bumper stickers intact and certain to delight the National Review crowd, this is nonetheless insighful fiction - well crafted and enjoyable. If you can keep an open mind, regardless of your politics, you'll find Jack Cashell a thoughtful and thought provoking author.
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