Boomsday

By: Christopher Buckley

Narrated by: Janeane Garofalo

Outraged over the mounting Social Security debt, Cassandra Devine, a charismatic 29-year-old blogger and member of Generation Whatever, incites massive cultural warfare when she politely suggests that Baby Boomers be given government incentives to kill themselves by age 75. Her modest proposal catches fire with millions of citizens, chief among them "an ambitious senator seeking the presidency." With the help of Washington's greatest spin doctor, the blogger and the politician try to ride the issue of euthanasia for Boomers (called "transitioning") all the way to the White House, over the objections of the Religious Right, and of course, the Baby Boomers, who are deeply offended by demonstrations on the golf courses of their retirement resorts.

A thought-provoking hoot

This book was a riot. I'm the furthest thing from a political junky, but found this look at DC hi-jinks great fun. At the same time, the book really makes you think about the government mortgaging our future, agism and messaging to the masses.

Light fun on a long drive

Not terribly sophisticated plot or characters but it was fun to listen to. It was good enough that I will try another of Buckley's books. Garofallo's representation of characters isn't the best but still tolerable. I would hesitate to purchase another read by her, though.

Entertaining and prescient.

I had to look (twice) to confirm that this book was, in fact, written before the current election cycle. The story is fun and entertaining, but the experience was really made for me by Garofolo's reading, which is excellent, and the crystal ball through which Buckley was looking when he wrote this. Definitely enjoyable listening.

Buckley strikes again!

Boomsday has excellent character development and many funny moments. At 10 hours it is a long book, but just when you think it can not make you laugh anymore, the book has new twists and turns. If anyone can find humor in the Social Security funding crisis, it is Christopher Buckley! Be sure to check your ego at the door because he skewers a wide range of characters.

America's

Janeane Garofalo reads the tale of a brilliant brat who joins the military, becomes a national figure riding through a minefield with a U. S. Senator, and as a public relations guru, offers a most remarkable solution to the dilemna of funding baby boomers' retirement entitlements.

The story is light, occasionally ill-informed (the Social Security Admininstration building is in Woodlawn MD, not D.C., after all) but full of energy and imagination. As with most of Buckley's work, the destination is just an excuse for the ride. Very entertaining stuff.