Absolute Power Abridged

Rating:
Summary: Excellent work
Review: The beginning got me going. It keeps you wanting to read on. The book was great but the ending was disappointing. Why did Luther die in the first place. He should of been the one who gets to tell the world. I still enjoyed the book

Rating:
Summary: Was I too late?
Review: Always had a desire to read the book before I see the movie. Got hold of this book (which was released 1996)on my way to Japan. Thought I'd never finish the book (with the hectic tour sked) but finding out I had to allot a few hours a day for this gem. The book is a page turner. It never runs out of the "just when you thought it was this, it turns out to be that" storyline. One can just imagine how "Absolutely Powerless" we ordinary citizens are in the story (in my side of the world, this story of politicians abusing their powers do really happen in real life). I dare not reveal the ending less it becomes anticlimactic. But those who haven't read this one yet, grab a copy before it's too late. Now, if I can only leave this office this instance to get "Total Control"...

Rating:
Summary: Perfect "read on vacation" novel
Review: The plot and multiple coincidences are a little far-fetched. But, Baldacci does a fine job of spinning a fast paced, interesting story that keeps the reader wanting to know what's on the next page. Not great literature, but it was good, entertaining reading. The perfect companion on a long trip or a visit to the relatives. I'm looking forward to reading his next effort. The book is far better than the movie, which was "taken" from the book but cut several subplots and added some 'Dirty Harry' scenes for Clint Eastwood (no mystery who the director was)

Rating:
Summary: Fast food for inattentive readers.
Review: Though Luther Whitney is an engaging hero, he seems lifted from the frames of "To Catch a Thief" and dropped behind an improbable two-way mirror to witness the most contrived murder the history of national politics. Mr. Baldacci has left nothing to chance, spinning into the plot-driven cuisineart an abusive President, a career driven Chief of Staff, untrustworthy Secret Service agents, an aging cat burglar and his estranged daughter who's ex-boyfriend lawyer is -- wouldn't you know it -- a cracker jack corporate attorney who hankers to return to the meaningful criminal defense work he misses. Whew! Did I miss anything? This script -- I mean novel -- is more of a palimpsest than a full blown story. The kind of "runaway besteller" that is most kindly be described as a fast read

Rating:
Summary: Finally! An Original Idea in a Fast-Paced Thriller!
Review: The plotting is intricate, the idea is fascinating. Conspiracies abound everywhere, coincidences pile up on coincidences, making this one of the best thrillers I've read in years. If the prose were to flow just a bit more naturally, I would have rated this a ten--but please read this book

Rating:
Summary: Suspenseful and at the same time , frightening
Review: From the opening chapter to the exciting conclusion, this was a book you couldn't put down. It's ironic that there are so many books being written about the office of the presidency at a time the present occupant of the White House so many alleged scandals brewing. That's why I find this story a bit unnerving. As they say..."Sometimes, more often than not, fiction is stranger than fact". My name is...Antonio DiBenedetto, 80 Hanover St., Fall River, MA 02720-5224. p.s. The movie version of Absolute Power pretty much follows the book storyline with a few changes but they do not detract from the story

Rating:
Summary: Super 'on the edge of your seat' political thriller!
Review: One of the best page-turners I have read this year. It had so many twist and turns I thought I would get a whip lash! I loved the way that Baldacci showed, through the character of Burton, the danger of giving loyalty to one who is undeserved of that loyalty and that absolute power has the potential to corrupt absolutely!

Rating:
Summary: Totally fantastic
Review: One of the best books that I have ever read! Rock on Baldacci

Rating:
Summary: Quintessential escapist fiction!
Review: Thrillers, political or otherwise don't get much better than this. A terrific premise. Characters to love and great characters to hate! If you like terrific, non-stop, page-turners, this is the book for you. The movie is also very well done. However, be warned. The movie is to be taken on its own merits. Similarities to the book are purely coincidental

Rating:
Summary: GRIPPING!
Review: Baldacci does a great job! Absolute Power is gripping and intense. A great Washington novel