Customer Reviews

...by the people...

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The story of first-term congressman Roberto Huerta's quick rise through the US political system makes for a compelling fantasy. "...By The People..." manages to be funny and suspenseful while presenting some serious thoughts about integrity and true leadership. This book has a huge cast of characters, frequently switching viewpoints and speeding through an outrageous plot. While it skewers business as usual in DC, it mostly shies away from partisan politics and keeps from getting overly preachy. Some of the characters are a bit hastily drawn to serve the fast-moving plot, but Huerta and his underdog allies quickly grab your attention and have you rooting for them. A couple of tawdry sex scenes probably rule the book out for younger readers who might otherwise benefit from this book's view of Washington's inner workings.

This wisecracking lightning-strike of a book romps through all the dangers of Washington, D.C., including its federal city and the neighborhoods we know. Like a medieval knight errant, Schmalfeldt's hero is incorruptible, indefatigable, irrepressible and...a real hard head. When this reluctant crusader rushes in to save the maiden, he leaves his flanks exposed and then ... Will the former wrestling-scholarship-boy pin the dragon to the mat?

If you like a fast, funny read that's not allergic to ideas; if you like politics that aren't allergic to hope; if you like K.C. Constantine, George V. Higgins and Elmore Leonard, try William M. Schmalfeldt. The guy writes like the bastard child of Molly Ivins and Charles Dickens. Can't wait for the sequel...