Purple Dots: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Purple Dots are amusing!
Review: I didn't know Jim Lehrer wrote novels - amusing, articulate & suspenseful political thrillers. A rather telling expose of how a nomination can be torpedoed before it gets out of the bay & the bargaining that goes on behind the scenes. Both Charlie & Marty are likable rogues - one because he's seen it all & the other because he can't believe all he's seeing. One has an enduring marriage, likes his creature comforts & has a cadre of loyal retired spooks still active in the old bomb-the-opposition game. The other because he's so green & full of self-righteous perfect dreams. When the two of them clash the fun begins. & those purple dots? Ah, how petty are the things with which we barter. I enjoyed the romp. For my full review do check out [my website].


Rating:
Summary: No dept
Review: I expected something of a mystery with plot development. Wow, the plot never got higher than 6"s off the ground. The story was weak without any mystery and it had no development of charaters. The dialogue seemed to be at a 6th grade level because the story's character seemed to behave as 6th graders. If you read, Ludlum, Clancy, DeMille, Follet don't spend time opening this book. For those reviewers who thought this book had great insights into behind the scenes work of the government, you need to expand your reading list. The idea of the purple dots could have been a great story, but it never got off the launch pad. Most people have more excitement driving to work than what this story provided.

Rating:
Summary: I thought it was a witty, insightful political novel
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this, the first Jim Lehrer novel I've read. I found it to be a witty, insightful probe into the complicated inner sanctum of our nation's capital. The two main characters were quite realistic, both with foibles and strengths. I particularly enjoyed the details regarding restaurants and hotels and such, being a frequent visitor (and soon to be resident) of the fabulous amalgam that is Washington. Although I felt that the subplot of the fish hatchery scheme was a stretch, it did contribute to the conclusion in an interesting way. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys political thrillers with a satiristic subtext--plus, I read it in 2 evenings! I'll certainly read more of Lehrer's earlier offerings.

Rating:
Summary: No dept
Review: Jim Lehrer, in Purple Dots, puts us in the confirmation hearings of veteran CIA agent, Josh Bennett, as the new agency director. Josh finds himself, not only in a fishbowl, but the key to the advancement of a secret political agenda. Can his loyal friend and retired co-worker, Charlie, prevent damage to Josh's reputation? The author develops two symbolic themes. First, the cleansing properties of water and its ability to sustain life are shown in the need for Josh to restore honor and professionalism to CIA operations. Second, the symbiotic nature of fish propagation parallels how politics works in Washington. Lehrer's mystery describes how much camaraderie men can experience without actually building a treehouse. The humor and action flow as though you are watching Purple Dots "the movie."

Rating:
Summary: satirical answer to why they do that in congress
Review: pbs newsman jim lehrer has a new novel "Purple Dots" that is fun to read because it anwers the question i've often asked myself, "why does Congress do the things it does" in an amusingly satirical way. the book tells the story of a presidential appointment for director of the CIA and how his congressional confirmation becomes the struggle between his friends and a senator and his staff over the nomination. there are many games to be played out before the issue is resolved. Many of these have the ring of authenticity as well as being funny. The actions of the appointee's friends captures the fellowship and spirit of those who have worked together in prior relationships in an intense way. the friends who are all retired live on a charming area of the w. va. panhandle that gets some vivid description of the good life after retirement. all in all this is a good read ...but don't take it seriously.

Rating:
Summary: Quick, light, entertaining read
Review: This was the 1st of Jim Lehrer's books I've read. In fact, until I came across this book in the store, I had no idea Mr. Lehrer had authored any books. The story line was pretty good - interesting to read about all the different agendas each of the players in Washington had that affected their behavior. No character was all bad or all good but a product of their own experiences much as life really shapes all of us in different ways. The trades involved were not too unbelievable and makes you feel you are behind the scenes as you read about them. The end of the story is not too plausible and the dialogues and monologues toward the end begin to drone on and on but aside from those things it was an enjoyable read overall. Not serious straight-forward news worthy content as I would've expected from Jim Lehrer (due to his PBS show) but a quirky satirical story. A little too light in some areas but then if you aren't looking for anything too involved or in depth, you'll enjoy this short escape. I was amazed that he managed to fill over 200 pages with a story that could've been told in about 8, but then we wouldn't have the knowledge of each player's motivations and the characters involved much less see the collaborations evolve. So take it for what it is. A short story with a simple plot not to be taken too seriously. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Quick, light, entertaining read
Review: This was the 1st of Jim Lehrer's books I've read. In fact, until I came across this book in the store, I had no idea Mr. Lehrer had authored any books. The story line was pretty good - interesting to read about all the different agendas each of the players in Washington had that affected their behavior. No character was all bad or all good but a product of their own experiences much as life really shapes all of us in different ways. The trades involved were not too unbelievable and makes you feel you are behind the scenes as you read about them. The end of the story is not too plausible and the dialogues and monologues toward the end begin to drone on and on but aside from those things it was an enjoyable read overall. Not serious straight-forward news worthy content as I would've expected from Jim Lehrer (due to his PBS show) but a quirky satirical story. A little too light in some areas but then if you aren't looking for anything too involved or in depth, you'll enjoy this short escape. I was amazed that he managed to fill over 200 pages with a story that could've been told in about 8, but then we wouldn't have the knowledge of each player's motivations and the characters involved much less see the collaborations evolve. So take it for what it is. A short story with a simple plot not to be taken too seriously. Enjoy!