Amazon.com: J. Cameron-Smith "Exp...'s review of The Whole Truth
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars `Why waste time discovering the truth when you can so easily create it?', March 14, 2009
Why indeed? Far outside the world of spin doctors (whose words generally contain at least a kernel of truth) are the `perception managers' whose role it is to create particular situations or the fear of those situations in such a way that people, organisations (and governments) react in specific ways.

Far fetched? Hmm. That may depend upon your own perceptions of the powers of those who are solely motivated either by self-interest or by a view that only they know what is real and what is not. We can each make up our minds there.

The worlds of Nicolas Creel, Shaw, and Katie James are not pleasant places. You may make up your own mind about how far people might actually go in the pursuit of ends they consider important.

This novel was an excellent `rainy day read' for me. I didn't care for the character development, nor did I always accept some of the reactions. For these reasons I am not giving the novel five stars. However, this is a fast-moving story that does, if you are so minded, catch you up within a world where facts are relative, where some will stoop to nothing in order to try to manipulate for the outcomes they are seeking. A little like someone starting a fire to demonstrate how effectively they might put it out. Some of you may see parallels in other recent world events, others may dismiss it as pure hyperbole. Your choice: but definitely worth reading. I'd like to read more from Mr Baldacci in this particular space.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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3.7 out of 5 stars (137 customer reviews)
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Location: ACT, Australia

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Showing 1-8 of 8 posts in this discussion
Initial post: Mar 15, 2009 6:58 PM PDT
 Nancy Grisso says:
Love the title of your review. Seems that you either love this book or hate it, but to tell the truth, it does sounds interesting. I need to check out this author. Thanks.
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Posted on Mar 16, 2009 5:44 PM PDT
Last edited by the author on Mar 16, 2009 5:47 PM PDT
 H. Schneider says:
I tried one Baldacci book some time ago (Last Man Standing) and did not manage to like it. Should I give him a second chance?
I suspect you of deceiving us! has there been any rain in Canberra lately?
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Posted on Mar 16, 2009 9:21 PM PDT
 J. Cameron-Smith says:
LOL! Would I deceive you? I enjoy some Baldacci, in a 'rainy day, page turning way' when I am reading simply for escapism. This book intrigued me, despite some deficiencies in execution because of the perception management issue. I don't want to ignite a debate here (but feel free to eMail me) about aspects of perception manipulation which is all to easy in a world where people rely on quick media grabs and sensationalism for much of their information. VJ
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In reply to an earlier post on Mar 16, 2009 9:23 PM PDT
 J. Cameron-Smith says:
Thank you, Nancy. It is a quote from within the novel itself and seemed particularly apposite in the circumstances. I find Baldacci novels of variable quality but are usually good page turners for me. Jenny
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Posted on Mar 22, 2009 4:26 AM PDT
 Paul Weiss says:
Baldacci is one of my favourites and this one is definitely on my list. Thanks for a fine review, Jenny.
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Posted on Mar 23, 2009 3:49 PM PDT
 Linda Bulger says:
I've read a few of his books and really enjoyed them -- others not so much. I'm not sure this one is for me, but thanks for reminding me of a writer I want to keep an eye on.
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Posted on Mar 23, 2009 11:22 PM PDT
 Teddy says:
Nicely done! I don't think this would be a book that I would enjoy.
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Posted on Mar 29, 2009 6:13 AM PDT
 Karen Joan says:
Clearly when we watch the news these days, there is no relation to the real truth. Truth is being created everyday. I end up yelling at the TV, which is not good for anyone.
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