Rating:  Summary: More aptly titled "An Author in Ruins" Review: In this world of media make believe I have difficulty believing that Uris actually wrote this book, and not some freshman Lit major who was brought up on a steady diet of public education propaganda and Captain Planet cartoons. This apparent ghostwriter took a mixture of trite left-wing cliches' and utterly predictable social commentary and, with little imagination, bludgeoned them into an incoherent sleeper. From the lack of precision in defining common acronymns (GPS is Global Positioning System not Ground Position Satellite) to the microscopically thin veiled reference to the NRA, this novel lacks any of the characteristics that marked an earlier Uris as a storyteller a cut above the pack. The scene of the heads of AMERIGUN (NRA) almost reaching orgasm by reciting the names of weapons manufacturers is reminiscent of a Beavis and Butthead script. Or our hero telling his naive daughter that one contribution to the gun show mindset is perhaps corporal punishment as a child; give us a break! This is a book for the masses of unthinking perpetual adolescents typified by our present commander in chief. As for entertainment value, it is sorely lacking.
Rating:  Summary: A dissapointment Review: I was prepared for the polically correct, ultra liberal slant, but not for the sophomoric writing. Uris must need money. He is either way past his prime or he hired a freshman lit major to write this and put Leon's name on it
Rating:  Summary: If you like Uris, avoid this garbage. Review: Tremendous disappointment from a big Uris fan. I can't ever remember discarding a dearly bought hardback book after a single reading but this one is in my hotel room trash can. This book is a travesty for anyone expecting the kind of deeply researched and informed novels that Leon Uris has produced in the past. I have to believe that most of Mr. Uris' "research" came from the NY Times and the White House/Hillary for Senate Press Offices. Avoid.
Rating:  Summary: How about giving credit where credit is due? Review: Contained within this Leon Uris offering - A God in Ruins - are 2 poems written by a young, talented New York poet. Uris failed, in his responsibility, to copyright credit this gifted writer.In my opinion, these poems were the only redeeming quality of the book.
Rating:  Summary: A great "beach" read! Begs a sequel. Review: I don't know what book the other "reviewers" read, but I couldn't put this one down. Having read ALL of Uris' other works, I rank this one among his best. It was a bit reminiscent of Ayn Rands' idealistic stories. Maybe I'm not the cynic that some are, but I'm hopeful a person as idealistic and morally correct as Quinn Patrick O'Connell will come along to lead us out of the miasma of soft money and slimy politics and into the future. I totally agree with Mr. Uris re: the 2nd Amendment, the sorry state of racism, the prurient interests of the media and the public in devouring the escapades of Bill & Monica (yuk!) and the loss of delight of the American school child in taking a family trip to the library. Brave stroke, Mr. Uris. Fear not and write on! I'll read you!! Regards - L. Dale O'Donnell Sease - Denver.
Rating:  Summary: has someone kidnapped Leon Uris? Review: Has someone kidnapped Leon Uris. I find it hard to believe that the author of A God in Ruins is the same as the genius behind Exodus.
Rating:  Summary: A Huge Disappointment for Uris Fans Review: Like many dedicated Leon Uris fans, I bought this book just as soon as I heard about it. I have a feeling that's exactly what Mr. Uris and his publisher, Harper Collins, were banking on. They have cranked out a sophomoric, poorly researched, badly edited book. The editor couldn't even get the title of one of his previous works (Mitla Pass) correct. Knowing Uris' considerable talents for telling a riveting tale, I can only assume that this book was designed to make a quick buck on the merits of his reputation and the knowledge that many readers, like myself, would hungrily snap up anything he wrote.I am a liberal and in agreement with many of his political views, yet I found Uris' characterization of the right wing in this country offensive. The opposition are much more interesting when they are portrayed as intelligent and sincere, rather than the cartoon-character yahoos haunting this book. One character is supposed to be a physics and electronics genius, yet he is depicted as not being able to comprehend even the simplest of political pitfalls. Others are motivated by base greed, or are eaten up with hatred or insanity. Mr. Uris does not seem to think that it is possible for some people to become conservatives based on a well-considered philosophy. Uris' idea that a presidential candidate suddenly revealing that he is a Jew would result in rioting in the streets and the hysterical burning of synagogues reflects a deep paranoia. There are bad elements in this country, but the great majority of Americans have gotten past an Archie Bunker mentality. Uris should recognize it.
Rating:  Summary: Not worth the time Review: There are far better books to read, and whatever you are reading is better than this. I finished it, hoping for some energy, some type of crescendo that would make it worth my while. Alas, right down to the poem on the last page that I read three times hoping I would understand what Uris was going for, this book is a major disappointment. While the story is timely certainly, never does it rise to anything that draws the reader in or excites us. It's drab and boring.
Rating:  Summary: He should stick to historical settings Review: Uris demonstrates in this novel that, while he is excellent at weaving a human story around historical events, he is unable to fashion a believable story without such a setting. His lack of knowledge concerning computer technology and firearms (the issues of his two antagonists) renders this book as grossly unreal. Uris is definitely not cut out to write science-fiction. If they offered the choice of less than 1 star, this book would have gotten it. No other author has ever disappointed me this thoroughly.
Rating:  Summary: I couldn't put this book down! Review: I couldn't put this book down! Its shots at the corrupt system of elections in the U.S. and the Second Amendment lunatics and their dealers was on target. It's a good mystery, a good love story (or two) and a liberal political sermon all rolled into one. This story won't fly with those on the right, but to those who are concerned with the important issues of gun control, campaign finance reform, the environment, etc., it should be quite fulfilling. After all, Leon Uris can tell a story as well as make a point.
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