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Overton Window #1
The Overton Window
A plan to destroy America, a hundred years in the making, is about to be unleashed . . . can it be stopped? There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country. For Noah Gardner, a twentysomething public relations executive, it’s safe to say that political theory is the furthest thing from his mind. Smart, single, handsome, and insulated from the world’s problems by the wealth and power of his father, Noah is far more concerned about the future of his social life than the future of his country. But all of that changes when Noah meets Molly Ross, a woman who is consumed by the knowledge that the America we know is about to be lost forever. She and her group of patriots have vowed to remember the past and fight for the future—but Noah, convinced they’re just misguided conspiracy-theorists, isn’t interested in lending his considerable skills to their cause. And then the world changes. An unprecedented attack on U.S. soil shakes the country to the core and puts into motion a frightening plan, decades in the making, to transform America and demonize all those who stand in the way. Amidst the chaos, many don’t know the difference between conspiracy theory and conspiracy fact—or, more important, which side to fight for. But for Noah, the choice is Exposing the plan, and revealing the conspirators behind it, is the only way to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted. After five back-to-back #1 New York Times bestsellers, national radio and Fox News television host Glenn Beck has delivered a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that seamlessly weaves together American history, frightening facts about our present condition, and a heart-stopping plot. The Overton Window will educate, enlighten, and, most important, entertain—with twists and revelations no one will see coming.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2010
402 people are currently reading
2598 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Beck
70 books1,076 followersGlenn Edward Lee Beck is one of America's leading radio and television personalities. His quick wit, candid opinions and engaging personality have made The Glenn Beck Program the third highest rated radio program in America and Glenn Beck, one of the most successful new shows on the Fox News Channel. His unique blend of modern-day storytelling and insightful views on current events allowed him to achieve the extraordinary feat of having #1 New York Times bestsellers in both fiction and non-fiction. Beck also stars in a live stage show and is the publisher of Fusion magazine.
Online, he is the editor of GlennBeck.com and the publisher of TheBlaze.com.
Beck is the author of six consecutive #1 New York Times Bestsellers including his latest book, the thriller The Overton Window. When The Christmas Sweater, his first novel, debuted at #1 on the fiction list, Beck became one of a handful of authors to write books that reached #1 on both the fiction and non-fiction NYT lists.
Online, he is the editor of GlennBeck.com and the publisher of TheBlaze.com.
Beck is the author of six consecutive #1 New York Times Bestsellers including his latest book, the thriller The Overton Window. When The Christmas Sweater, his first novel, debuted at #1 on the fiction list, Beck became one of a handful of authors to write books that reached #1 on both the fiction and non-fiction NYT lists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 987 reviews
July 15, 2010
“I think we are seeing where intellectualisam [sic:]has gotten us. Many brains and no commen [sic:] sense is a disater [sic:] as we can see with our current administration. Worldly knowledge is not doing so well for us right now. Intellectual work is killing this country right now. Let us get back on track and do what is right. Palin may not be the right person but anything is better than this group of geniuses we have now.”
~Anonymous Poster on Politico.com July 14, 2010
A commenter on GR yesterday chided me for using Sarah Palin rather negatively in a review I’d written. However, after following the last presidential election closely and noting the persistent strain of anti-intellectualism that has continued, figures like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck scare the hell out of me. As you can see in the quotation from Politico above, there is a relentless dichotomy: a true American leads by his/her gut instinct and common sense (whatever that is) vs. the anti-American/intellectual whose knowledge of world affairs, history, and even matters outside of the political arena (gasp) is viewed as suspect and even unpatriotic.
Though a novel, The Overton Window by Glenn Beck prompted my curiosity enough so that I downloaded the first chapter or so. Consider this a preview-review-orama.
Beck states, in his overly long “A Note from the Author” that he hopes the book “costs you as much sleep reading it as it cost me creating it.” Given that Beck hired three people to write the book – and, in particular, Jack Henderson who, as Beck puts it, “went in and put the words down” (isn’t that the author?), I don’t think a reader needs to invest much time at all. And in case you’re wondering what etiquette exists for acknowledging ghostwriters, judging from Beck’s book it looks like this:
Beck distinguishes his novel from thrillers that merely seek to entertain by dubbing his book “faction,” a blend of fiction and nonfiction that both thrills and enlightens. Perhaps. Beck also cautions that “certain scenes and characters will likely feel familiar to you.” He would be right. Though Beck means he’s not using people or incidents from real life, the familiarity you feel reading this book stems from the fact that it is riddled with clichés and stock characters.
The first scene involves a man, Eli Churchill, at a phone booth (do those exist anymore?) fumbling with quarters as he tries—frantically—to tell “Beverly” (who is unidentified except for her name) of a group ready to “set up the economy to fall like a house of cards” and who have the “media all lined up.” There are also “eleven nuclear weapons unaccounted for.” In short, the world is in danger. But—surprise, surprise—Churchill sees a “glint of brilliant red light on the wall of the booth” and knows he's about to die. Churchill’s final prayer is ended by “a silenced gunshot" [why bother with a silencer? He’s in the middle of the Mojave desert on a “rutted dirt road”?:]; "a .357 semi-jacketed hollow point was the last thing to go through his mind.”
The next chapter and a half--which is as far as I read--is bodice ripper stuff. Our two protagonists, Noah (think Biblical) and Molly Ross (think Betsy Ross) meet. The chapter starts with Noah, turning 28, and thinking of the big 3-0, pondering his life and concluding, “it takes two to tango.” Fortunately, his dance partner arrives at that precise moment: “It was in the middle of these deep ruminations on life and love that the woman of his dreams first caught his eye.” Now, I’ll grant that there’s some irony in this line, but it doesn’t excuse the writing, which only gets worse. Noah’s descriptions of Molly go on for pages and pages. Here is a sampling:
“she was hot, but it was an aloof and effortless hotness”
[she has ”line,” which is explained at length prior to this quote:]: “[She had:] that same exquisite line, from the toes of her sandals all the long, lovely way up to her fingertips….he knew right then he was in love.”
“Something about this woman defied a traditional chick-at-a-glance inventory. Without a doubt all the goodies were in the right places…”
“Though he’d been in her presence for less than a minute, her soul had locked itself onto his senses, far more than her substance had” (emphasis mine).
Right, he’s penetrated her soul by describing her physical assets. Works for me. The descriptions of her “soul” continue on for pages. …Perhaps this book gets better, but somehow I doubt it.
March 9, 2011
What happens when government and big business conspire to manipulate national and world events... oh, wait, that's already happening. Okay, how about this -- what happens when corrupt politicians and government officials ignore the laws of the land to bring about their own agenda... wait a minute, that's already happening, too! Well then, what happens when a radio talk-show host and TV personality writes a novel based on all the things he's discussing on his program that are happening in today's events... you get the Overton Window. Believable, scary, hard to put down - I finished it in a long weekend. It's a great story with interesting "good guys" and really despicable villains. There's only one catch -- it's based on very conservative political idealism -- the real heros in this story are the American Founding Fathers; and hope for the future is firmly based in restoring the federal government to it's original and upright position.
If you find the book interesting, tune in to Fox News in the afternoon (5:00 Central)...you may be shocked to find out what's really going on in the country and the world. Beck has a gift for connecting the dots in real life events and painting the big picture. It's worth tuning into at least once or twice (record it if you're lucky enough to still have a job)...but I warn you, you may become addicted. It's like the book -- hard to put down.
If you find the book interesting, tune in to Fox News in the afternoon (5:00 Central)...you may be shocked to find out what's really going on in the country and the world. Beck has a gift for connecting the dots in real life events and painting the big picture. It's worth tuning into at least once or twice (record it if you're lucky enough to still have a job)...but I warn you, you may become addicted. It's like the book -- hard to put down.
January 31, 2022
A plan to destroy America, a hundred years in the making, is about to be unleashed…can it be stopped?
There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country… Now, in the face of a catastrophic terrorist attack, an apathetic young man is plunged into the maelstrom of political discourse and basic survival as he races to uncover the conspirators behind the destruction, and to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.
For Noah Gardner, a twenty-something public relations executive, it's safe to say that political theory is the furthest thing from his mind. Smart, single, handsome, and insulated from the world's problems by the wealth and power of his father, Noah is far more concerned about the future of his social life than the future of his country. But all of that changes when Noah meets Molly Ross, a woman who is consumed by the knowledge that the America we know is about to be lost forever. She and her group of patriots have vowed to remember the past and fight for the future—but Noah, convinced they're just misguided conspiracy-theorists, isn't interested in lending his considerable skills to their cause.
And then the world changes. An unprecedented attack on U.S. soil shakes the country to the core and puts into motion a frightening plan, decades in the making, to transform America and demonize all those who stand in the way. Amidst the chaos, many don't know the difference between conspiracy theory and conspiracy fact—or, more important, which side to fight for. But for Noah, the choice is clear: Exposing the plan, and revealing the conspirators behind it, is the only way to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.
After five back-to-back #1 New York Times bestsellers, national radio and Fox News television host Glenn Beck has delivered a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that seamlessly weaves together American history, frightening facts about our present condition, and a heart-stopping plot. The Overton Window will educate, enlighten, and, most important, entertain—with twists and revelations no one will see coming. Our possible future may be closer than you think.
There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country… Now, in the face of a catastrophic terrorist attack, an apathetic young man is plunged into the maelstrom of political discourse and basic survival as he races to uncover the conspirators behind the destruction, and to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.
For Noah Gardner, a twenty-something public relations executive, it's safe to say that political theory is the furthest thing from his mind. Smart, single, handsome, and insulated from the world's problems by the wealth and power of his father, Noah is far more concerned about the future of his social life than the future of his country. But all of that changes when Noah meets Molly Ross, a woman who is consumed by the knowledge that the America we know is about to be lost forever. She and her group of patriots have vowed to remember the past and fight for the future—but Noah, convinced they're just misguided conspiracy-theorists, isn't interested in lending his considerable skills to their cause.
And then the world changes. An unprecedented attack on U.S. soil shakes the country to the core and puts into motion a frightening plan, decades in the making, to transform America and demonize all those who stand in the way. Amidst the chaos, many don't know the difference between conspiracy theory and conspiracy fact—or, more important, which side to fight for. But for Noah, the choice is clear: Exposing the plan, and revealing the conspirators behind it, is the only way to save both the woman he loves and the individual freedoms he once took for granted.
After five back-to-back #1 New York Times bestsellers, national radio and Fox News television host Glenn Beck has delivered a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that seamlessly weaves together American history, frightening facts about our present condition, and a heart-stopping plot. The Overton Window will educate, enlighten, and, most important, entertain—with twists and revelations no one will see coming. Our possible future may be closer than you think.
May 21, 2011
This book is a very fast read and I read it in just a few days. I will admit that although Beck and I are the same religion I despise the man. I think most of the pundits like him are worthless, thankfully though he's a few steps up from the arrogant Rush.
However I saw this book at the library and said what the heck. I picked it up and read through it very quickly. I was surprised that I liked it so much, it's very well written. The story scared the crap out of me as well. I have no doubt there's a group of people headed by an Arthur Gardner type person trying to rule the world. How big they are or are not I have no idea. I thought it was interesting that Beck left the ending of the book a bit vague. What I'm saying is I think there's going to be a sequel. When it comes out I plan on reading that too.
A sign of a good fiction writer is that the reader cares for the characters. I quite like both Molly and Noah. I think Noah's name is a hint of what kind of character he is. I think Beck very intentionally gave him that name. It's irrelevant what your political beliefs this is a very good book. The truth should rule over all political affiliations.
However I saw this book at the library and said what the heck. I picked it up and read through it very quickly. I was surprised that I liked it so much, it's very well written. The story scared the crap out of me as well. I have no doubt there's a group of people headed by an Arthur Gardner type person trying to rule the world. How big they are or are not I have no idea. I thought it was interesting that Beck left the ending of the book a bit vague. What I'm saying is I think there's going to be a sequel. When it comes out I plan on reading that too.
A sign of a good fiction writer is that the reader cares for the characters. I quite like both Molly and Noah. I think Noah's name is a hint of what kind of character he is. I think Beck very intentionally gave him that name. It's irrelevant what your political beliefs this is a very good book. The truth should rule over all political affiliations.
February 26, 2022
This was a fast easy read. Had I read it a few years ago (it was published in 2010), I would have thought that it was pretty implausible, however come 2020 the premise becomes much more realistic and somewhat scarier. One downside is that it is only half a book. “The Eye of Moloch" continues the story. Fortunately, both are available on Kindle Unlimited.
August 26, 2011
Yes, I'm actually reading this. Stop laughing, Michelle.
.....
It is well known the Glenn Beck did not write this. Mr. Beck said so himself. Although the idea "was all mine" he attributes the actual writing of the novel to three "contributors"; Kevin Balfe, Emily Bestler, and Jack Henderson. The last writer is already a published author and some critics have noticed that Beck's novel has a not-so-coincidental similarity to Henderson's Circumference of Darkness. Be that as it may, the trick for the book reviewer is how to review a book that is the stated author's ideas but not his actual printed words. My solution is to separate the writing and the ideas.
The writing...
You think that with all Beck's money he could have bought better writers. The first thing that shouts at you is an overwrought cartoon style of prose. Descriptions like "liberated chestnut curls framed a handsome face made twice as radiant by the mysteries surely waiting just behind those light green eyes" and a sexually charged moment that include the phrase "Don't tease the panther" (It works for me in those pick-up bars...not!) represent the highlight of literary prose in this book. Basically, it makes Dan Brown look like John LeCarre but mercifully not so excruciatingly painful as the Left Behind series.
The plot, what there is of it, isn't much better. A powerful group of goverment leaders and evil corporation types are planning to detonate a nuclear bomb and attribute it to well-meaning tea partiers and defenders of the constitution in order to create a world-wide Fascist government. Our hero Noah Gardner, the son of the main conspirator, discovers this and attempts to foil the plot. Not really. He's too busy being smitten by the beauty of Molly (the one who is teasing the panther) and being drugged up and waterboarded to really do anything. Frankly, nothing much happens. There is a murder in the first 10 ten pages of the book that is simply dropped. The rare action is all anti-climatic as is the ending. (Hint: watch for a sequel) The "plot" is simply a way to tie in a bunch of lectures that illustrates Beck's ideas. Even this was accomplished much better by Ayn Rand. So on with...
The ideas. Well, It's Glenn Beck. Yes, I've read Beck's non-fiction books and I would recommend them over this if you wish to get a sampling of where he is coming from. I'm not going to dissect his philosophy except to say he tends to an extreme libertarian viewpoint and is an expert as selecting facts out of history, and out of context, to support even the oddest conclusions like net neutrality is a plot to take away your freedom of speech.. The ideas expressed in The Overton Window seems a bit muddled at times. After all, we're talking about a plot to destroy the constitution that started with Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Since he throws in the ACLU, corporations that sell bottled water, and every world leader, "Them" seems to be rather all-inclusive. The bottom line is that Beck is preaching to the choir with this novel. It won't change anyone's mind. Beck fans will love it and Beck haters will hate it. Again, dubiously comparing it to Ayn Rands' novels of ideas like Atlas Shrugged, at least Rand makes you think. Beck lovers will nod their heads and say "See. I told you" while the rest of us place the book in the recycle bin and beg for another book by... well...anyone... even Dan Brown or Ayn Rand!
.....
It is well known the Glenn Beck did not write this. Mr. Beck said so himself. Although the idea "was all mine" he attributes the actual writing of the novel to three "contributors"; Kevin Balfe, Emily Bestler, and Jack Henderson. The last writer is already a published author and some critics have noticed that Beck's novel has a not-so-coincidental similarity to Henderson's Circumference of Darkness. Be that as it may, the trick for the book reviewer is how to review a book that is the stated author's ideas but not his actual printed words. My solution is to separate the writing and the ideas.
The writing...
You think that with all Beck's money he could have bought better writers. The first thing that shouts at you is an overwrought cartoon style of prose. Descriptions like "liberated chestnut curls framed a handsome face made twice as radiant by the mysteries surely waiting just behind those light green eyes" and a sexually charged moment that include the phrase "Don't tease the panther" (It works for me in those pick-up bars...not!) represent the highlight of literary prose in this book. Basically, it makes Dan Brown look like John LeCarre but mercifully not so excruciatingly painful as the Left Behind series.
The plot, what there is of it, isn't much better. A powerful group of goverment leaders and evil corporation types are planning to detonate a nuclear bomb and attribute it to well-meaning tea partiers and defenders of the constitution in order to create a world-wide Fascist government. Our hero Noah Gardner, the son of the main conspirator, discovers this and attempts to foil the plot. Not really. He's too busy being smitten by the beauty of Molly (the one who is teasing the panther) and being drugged up and waterboarded to really do anything. Frankly, nothing much happens. There is a murder in the first 10 ten pages of the book that is simply dropped. The rare action is all anti-climatic as is the ending. (Hint: watch for a sequel) The "plot" is simply a way to tie in a bunch of lectures that illustrates Beck's ideas. Even this was accomplished much better by Ayn Rand. So on with...
The ideas. Well, It's Glenn Beck. Yes, I've read Beck's non-fiction books and I would recommend them over this if you wish to get a sampling of where he is coming from. I'm not going to dissect his philosophy except to say he tends to an extreme libertarian viewpoint and is an expert as selecting facts out of history, and out of context, to support even the oddest conclusions like net neutrality is a plot to take away your freedom of speech.. The ideas expressed in The Overton Window seems a bit muddled at times. After all, we're talking about a plot to destroy the constitution that started with Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Since he throws in the ACLU, corporations that sell bottled water, and every world leader, "Them" seems to be rather all-inclusive. The bottom line is that Beck is preaching to the choir with this novel. It won't change anyone's mind. Beck fans will love it and Beck haters will hate it. Again, dubiously comparing it to Ayn Rands' novels of ideas like Atlas Shrugged, at least Rand makes you think. Beck lovers will nod their heads and say "See. I told you" while the rest of us place the book in the recycle bin and beg for another book by... well...anyone... even Dan Brown or Ayn Rand!
February 26, 2011
Whether the premise of this book it real or not, the window is REAL and I have watch it work its wonders on this nation's people for the past 69 years. You think $3.21 gas is not bad looking at the rest of so called modern nations, dumb...its the same gas that I used to fill Grandpa's old Packard up for $5.00 a tank, its not the gas has gotten more expensive, it that the USD (FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE) is WORTH LESS. The plastic numbered society is so easy, just give me my(equal)share and I'll shut up NOT....I want to be equal to Ophra Winfrey, Bill Gates, George Sorors, Al Gore, the big money boys, of course most of their wealth is in properties, actual metals not paper or plastic.
They have use the window on our systems in Education, Communications, Health, Transportation, Banking, name something that they don't control. From your cell phone, computer, credit cards, car and Drivers License those chips are not for freedom of movement but control, knowledge of who, what and where you are. Discard this book for time wasted, however when the power goes off make sure you have a jar of actual metal change so that you can put some of that cheap (considering the rest of the world) gas in you tank.
They have use the window on our systems in Education, Communications, Health, Transportation, Banking, name something that they don't control. From your cell phone, computer, credit cards, car and Drivers License those chips are not for freedom of movement but control, knowledge of who, what and where you are. Discard this book for time wasted, however when the power goes off make sure you have a jar of actual metal change so that you can put some of that cheap (considering the rest of the world) gas in you tank.
February 20, 2023
I'm not the biggest fan of political thrillers or even politics in general, but Glenn Beck spins a great yarn, and the ending makes me want to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible.
July 31, 2010
Really great read. Reason for 4stars is that the book is about 200-300 pages too short.
The premise is based on fact: that America is being run by ad agencies that sell their ability to create false realities in the minds of hundreds of millions of people--even billions--and then twist public thinking into a knot that politicians, huge corporations, government agencies, and the like all use to gain more power.
The idea of moving what the public is willing to believe into areas of complete madness and then taking power was an idea first made popular by Edward Bernays. Why we have never heard of him alone is curious. The man that inspired Goebbels clear down to Zinn and Chomsky. This is where Beck shines. He is able to tie together these elements, including a fantastic poem by Kipling, "Gods of the Copy Books", and create a narrative that is now becoming popularized as FACTION.
Where I have a problem with this new type of literature is that the characters aren't fully explored and the plot is rushed. Our hero, Noah Gardner is moved along quickly from heir apparent to the largest influence peddling agency to a patriot with moral beliefs.
The book starts out great and lays a good foundation, but hastens along to the transition.
Don't get me wrong, I did like the book a lot. It just needs to be more detailed.
The premise is based on fact: that America is being run by ad agencies that sell their ability to create false realities in the minds of hundreds of millions of people--even billions--and then twist public thinking into a knot that politicians, huge corporations, government agencies, and the like all use to gain more power.
The idea of moving what the public is willing to believe into areas of complete madness and then taking power was an idea first made popular by Edward Bernays. Why we have never heard of him alone is curious. The man that inspired Goebbels clear down to Zinn and Chomsky. This is where Beck shines. He is able to tie together these elements, including a fantastic poem by Kipling, "Gods of the Copy Books", and create a narrative that is now becoming popularized as FACTION.
Where I have a problem with this new type of literature is that the characters aren't fully explored and the plot is rushed. Our hero, Noah Gardner is moved along quickly from heir apparent to the largest influence peddling agency to a patriot with moral beliefs.
The book starts out great and lays a good foundation, but hastens along to the transition.
Don't get me wrong, I did like the book a lot. It just needs to be more detailed.
July 13, 2010
I picked this one up in an airport on a whim. I had been hearing people froth about it, and wanted to see if it was as bad as they were saying, which apparently was bad enough to make the back teeth ache. But, as it turns out, it wasn't. Beck wrote a fictional pop-thriller, which means the prose has to be assembled out of two by fours, but as a result it was sturdy. And Beck is clever, and so gets a number of good lines off. But not surprisingly his main problem is theological, which I may write more about over at Blog and Mablog. As much as Beck loves his country, and wants to fight for it, his theological anthropology is the rot in our foundational timbers.
August 26, 2010
A very scary book. The writing wasn't great but not bad for Mr. Beck's first foray into the world of fiction. I listened to the book and the narration was great. I really enjoyed hearing from Glen in the beginning and again after the completion of the book. I am a Glen Beck fan, so take my review with that in mind.
Some of my favorite parts were when Beck quotes the founding fathers through his protagonists. It was great for me to hear our founders words in many cases for the first time. I was inspired by these words and I came to a realization that I have not been the best citizen of the USA. I have let my own feelings of frustration and maybe fear of being ostracized by my liberal friends keep me mostly silent as our country has moved further and further from the ideals of our Founders.
I am resolved to no longer sit silent when I hear my friends and relatives promote their progressive ideas. I must be willing to sacrifice popularity and friendship for freedom.
I liked the fact Beck doesn't blame the democrats for all the problems nor are the bad guys given some party designation. In fact Beck goes after Bush's policies with more venom than Obama's policies. The bad guys are all the politicians who have sold their souls for power and reelection. One stunning statistic quoted in the book is that congress has a 15% approval rating, yet a 90% of congress are reelected. This points directly to us the voters who think some other state's senator is doing a terrible job but ours is really serving us well by getting us all that federal money. It is this short sighted thinking by the electorate that has given us politicians who have no honor.
In the end I have come to the conclusion that it is mine and each of us that have lost our honor. We no longer take the long view of what is best for the future we are selling our souls for the quick fix. We are not willing to sacrifice our own comforts to help insure the comforts of our children and generations to come.
Loved the book.
Some of my favorite parts were when Beck quotes the founding fathers through his protagonists. It was great for me to hear our founders words in many cases for the first time. I was inspired by these words and I came to a realization that I have not been the best citizen of the USA. I have let my own feelings of frustration and maybe fear of being ostracized by my liberal friends keep me mostly silent as our country has moved further and further from the ideals of our Founders.
I am resolved to no longer sit silent when I hear my friends and relatives promote their progressive ideas. I must be willing to sacrifice popularity and friendship for freedom.
I liked the fact Beck doesn't blame the democrats for all the problems nor are the bad guys given some party designation. In fact Beck goes after Bush's policies with more venom than Obama's policies. The bad guys are all the politicians who have sold their souls for power and reelection. One stunning statistic quoted in the book is that congress has a 15% approval rating, yet a 90% of congress are reelected. This points directly to us the voters who think some other state's senator is doing a terrible job but ours is really serving us well by getting us all that federal money. It is this short sighted thinking by the electorate that has given us politicians who have no honor.
In the end I have come to the conclusion that it is mine and each of us that have lost our honor. We no longer take the long view of what is best for the future we are selling our souls for the quick fix. We are not willing to sacrifice our own comforts to help insure the comforts of our children and generations to come.
Loved the book.
July 17, 2015
Apparently this book was not actually written by Glenn Beck, but by a collaborative team of three other 'authors'. It has a rather clunky style to it, in places it is good but there are quite a few areas where the writing doesn't seem up to scratch. Overall a disappointment, as the book doesn't do justice to the research which has gone into it. Some areas did make me stop and think, so in that aspect it worked. It does make various political statements, and would probably appeal to those who enjoy reading about conspiracies, either real or imagined.
The book largely deals with how PR and spin can affect the mindset of the general population. In this case the erosion of civil liberties. I just feel that with a little more care and attention this book could have been so much better.
The book largely deals with how PR and spin can affect the mindset of the general population. In this case the erosion of civil liberties. I just feel that with a little more care and attention this book could have been so much better.
August 15, 2010
Quite a thought-provoking book. Glenn Beck (with the help of three of his friends, I believe)writes a fictional thriller with the intent of causing his readers to 'think' about what they are being taught and manipulated into believing and accepting....based on the theory that the most extreme thoughts we are exposed to cause us to shift just a little bit at a time towards that thought becoming a reality.
His intent was successful...the novel was just a bit lacking in substance.
Favorite Quotes:
Molly...pointed out a bracketed rectangle that enclosed part of the illustration on the slide in front of them.
What's that box? She said.
"It's called the Overton Window. My father stole the concept from a think tank in the Midwest; it's a way of describing what the public is currently ready to accept on any issue, so you can decide how best to move them toward what you want."
I don't understand...how does it work?
"The ends of this long line"---Noah walked up to indicate the starting point---"represent the extreme possibilities. At this end of the scale is the unthinkable, and all the way over at the other end is something else you can't imagine ever happening, but in the opposite way. Too much good here, too much evil over there. If we were talking about government, it would be too much liberty at this end---which would be anarchy---and a complete top-down Orwellian tyranny at the other, so no liberty at all. Those in-between points are milestones along the way."
"Use airline security as an example...Forty years ago people could pull up to the airport a few minutes before their flight, be treated with courtesy and respect, present no ID, just a ticket, and then get on the plane with just about anyting in their pockets and their bags. There was some security, but it was almost invisible. Today that's unthinkable, right? It seems like we could never go back to those days. Now at the other end of the spectrum, let's make the passengers arrive four hours early for the security line, allow no carry-ons, enforce a mandatory strip search, full-body Xray, a cavity probe for everyone, and you have to stay in your seat the entire flight with a stun bracelet on your wrist in case you try to get up to go to the bathroom---which, of course, no longer exists. ....If you suddenly had to go through everything I just mentioned you'd give up flying, correct? And with no security at all, you'd also never set foot on an airplane. So your Overton Window is somewhere in the middle, within this box. But my goal is to get you to accept more of those radical things over there, one step at a time. ...
Let's say tomorrow some idiot makes his way onto a flight with a little tiny homemade explosive of some kind. It'd be all over the news for weeks, whether the guy actually did any damage or not. You get scared, and the TV is telling you that all we have to do is buy some more expensive screening machines, hire some more of the same people who let that nut on the plane in the first place, and give up a little more dignity at the checkpoints, and we'll be safe. That, of course, is a lie, but it has the desired effect."
It moves the window.
Right, we put a false extreme at both ends to make the choices in the middle look moderate by comparison. And then, with a little nudge, you can be made to agree to something you would never have swallowed last week."
And this Overton Window, it's used all the time?
"All the time, everywhere you look. We never let a good crisis go to waste, and if no crisis exists, it's easy enough to make one.
"So even if they can't get us to accept everything at once, they're satisfied to move us a little closer toward the end." p145-147
Faith Hope Charity
Faith--our rights come from a higher power. Men can't grant them, and men can't take them away. That's the difference, I think, between what happened in the French Revolution and what we achieved in ours. We believed we had the will of God behind us, and they believed in the words of Godwin. One endures, and the other fell to human weakness.
Hope--That means we believe in the strongest part of the human spirit. Hope and truth are tied together; if everything we know is a lie, we don't have a chance. When a doctor tells you you're sick, you don't blame her for the diagnosis. You have the truth, then, no matter how bad it is, and you can make a plan to get better. That's hope. To know that even when things look darkest, there can be a better day tomorrow.
Charity--Charity is simple. We believe that it's up to each of us to help one another get to that better tomorrow. Ben Franklin explained my whole bracelet when the president of Yale asked him to sum up the American religion. He answered; that there is a God, that there is life after this one and He will hold us accountable for our actions in this life, and that the best way to serve Him is to serve our fellow man. That's faith, hope, and charity." p 167-8
"When you lie for a living, you sometimes can't see the truth even when it's staring you right in the face. That's a weakness that could clearly be exploited."
"A thousand things were flying through his mind. It was a condition that his father referred to as a 'topical storm', a state in which so many conflicting thoughts are doing battle in your brain that you lose your ability to discern and to act on any of them. This state was regularly induced by PR experts to cloud and control issues in the public discourse, to keep thinking people depressed and apathetic on election days, and to discourage those who might be tempted to actually take a stand on a complex issue." p 288
"Remember, the Overton Window concept is that only the few scenarios that currently sit inside an established window of acceptable debate will be taken seriously by the public. To move the Window toward their ultimate goal, those pushing an agenda have the introduce radical ideas that fall outside of the current comfort zone. While those fringe ideas will normally be dismissed, the Window will also be subtly nudged in their direction. This allows ideas that would've previously seemed unthinkable to be introduced and, eventually, even seriously considered as solutions." p 293
His intent was successful...the novel was just a bit lacking in substance.
Favorite Quotes:
Molly...pointed out a bracketed rectangle that enclosed part of the illustration on the slide in front of them.
What's that box? She said.
"It's called the Overton Window. My father stole the concept from a think tank in the Midwest; it's a way of describing what the public is currently ready to accept on any issue, so you can decide how best to move them toward what you want."
I don't understand...how does it work?
"The ends of this long line"---Noah walked up to indicate the starting point---"represent the extreme possibilities. At this end of the scale is the unthinkable, and all the way over at the other end is something else you can't imagine ever happening, but in the opposite way. Too much good here, too much evil over there. If we were talking about government, it would be too much liberty at this end---which would be anarchy---and a complete top-down Orwellian tyranny at the other, so no liberty at all. Those in-between points are milestones along the way."
"Use airline security as an example...Forty years ago people could pull up to the airport a few minutes before their flight, be treated with courtesy and respect, present no ID, just a ticket, and then get on the plane with just about anyting in their pockets and their bags. There was some security, but it was almost invisible. Today that's unthinkable, right? It seems like we could never go back to those days. Now at the other end of the spectrum, let's make the passengers arrive four hours early for the security line, allow no carry-ons, enforce a mandatory strip search, full-body Xray, a cavity probe for everyone, and you have to stay in your seat the entire flight with a stun bracelet on your wrist in case you try to get up to go to the bathroom---which, of course, no longer exists. ....If you suddenly had to go through everything I just mentioned you'd give up flying, correct? And with no security at all, you'd also never set foot on an airplane. So your Overton Window is somewhere in the middle, within this box. But my goal is to get you to accept more of those radical things over there, one step at a time. ...
Let's say tomorrow some idiot makes his way onto a flight with a little tiny homemade explosive of some kind. It'd be all over the news for weeks, whether the guy actually did any damage or not. You get scared, and the TV is telling you that all we have to do is buy some more expensive screening machines, hire some more of the same people who let that nut on the plane in the first place, and give up a little more dignity at the checkpoints, and we'll be safe. That, of course, is a lie, but it has the desired effect."
It moves the window.
Right, we put a false extreme at both ends to make the choices in the middle look moderate by comparison. And then, with a little nudge, you can be made to agree to something you would never have swallowed last week."
And this Overton Window, it's used all the time?
"All the time, everywhere you look. We never let a good crisis go to waste, and if no crisis exists, it's easy enough to make one.
"So even if they can't get us to accept everything at once, they're satisfied to move us a little closer toward the end." p145-147
Faith Hope Charity
Faith--our rights come from a higher power. Men can't grant them, and men can't take them away. That's the difference, I think, between what happened in the French Revolution and what we achieved in ours. We believed we had the will of God behind us, and they believed in the words of Godwin. One endures, and the other fell to human weakness.
Hope--That means we believe in the strongest part of the human spirit. Hope and truth are tied together; if everything we know is a lie, we don't have a chance. When a doctor tells you you're sick, you don't blame her for the diagnosis. You have the truth, then, no matter how bad it is, and you can make a plan to get better. That's hope. To know that even when things look darkest, there can be a better day tomorrow.
Charity--Charity is simple. We believe that it's up to each of us to help one another get to that better tomorrow. Ben Franklin explained my whole bracelet when the president of Yale asked him to sum up the American religion. He answered; that there is a God, that there is life after this one and He will hold us accountable for our actions in this life, and that the best way to serve Him is to serve our fellow man. That's faith, hope, and charity." p 167-8
"When you lie for a living, you sometimes can't see the truth even when it's staring you right in the face. That's a weakness that could clearly be exploited."
"A thousand things were flying through his mind. It was a condition that his father referred to as a 'topical storm', a state in which so many conflicting thoughts are doing battle in your brain that you lose your ability to discern and to act on any of them. This state was regularly induced by PR experts to cloud and control issues in the public discourse, to keep thinking people depressed and apathetic on election days, and to discourage those who might be tempted to actually take a stand on a complex issue." p 288
"Remember, the Overton Window concept is that only the few scenarios that currently sit inside an established window of acceptable debate will be taken seriously by the public. To move the Window toward their ultimate goal, those pushing an agenda have the introduce radical ideas that fall outside of the current comfort zone. While those fringe ideas will normally be dismissed, the Window will also be subtly nudged in their direction. This allows ideas that would've previously seemed unthinkable to be introduced and, eventually, even seriously considered as solutions." p 293
October 20, 2010
The Overton Window by Glenn Beck (pp. 336)
A modern-day conspiracy thriller by one of the more polarizing voices in America. The problem with reviewing a fiction book by Glenn Beck is that his personality is so pervasive in the media that it’s hard to separate the book from the man and his ideology. I have no specific politic and consider myself pretty down the middle, so Glenn Beck neither offends me nor am I sitting front-and-center hanging on his every word like it was my 9 year old in his first Oscar winning role at the school assembly.
That being said, this book is awful. To call it a thriller is really stretching the word. It’s choppy, lacks a fundamental central plot that actually moves, has incredibly static stereotypical characters, one wishy-washy main foil who’s supposed to make you think but really just comes across as a patsy, and contains way too many ripped-from-the-headlines-while-in-buddy-cop movie moments, not to mention that it is horribly edited. (‘Law and Order’ has the patent on being derivative of itself.). And on the very long list of military, conspiracy, and political thrillers I’ve read feels like it was written by committee in an ‘Intro to Fiction Writing’ Discover Center class. It’s actually offensive to call it a thriller.
It’s clear that the only reason that this was published is that it was written by Glenn Beck. Without his name attached, this would have never been published. What boggles my mind is that it’s been so persistent on the best seller list. Regardless of your politics, a good political thriller can be appreciated by any political view, but this leaves me slackjawed. Even the open ending - ON A THRILLER- left me wanting to punch a wall. Mr. Beck, these were a very lazy 336 pages for a man who can spout the equivalent words in a day and be more interesting.
So where’s the good stuff? Beck does pull inspiration from a wide-scope of news articles, government published documents and historical writings. His intent to try to get the average person to think about how a few behind the shadows fringe groups are (potentially) influencing the direction of America (you decide) gets made, but again at the failing of a decent story and clear plot line. And while, yeah, you made your point, you can have written a much better book with the same content if you edited, provided a more interesting main character who wasn’t just a talky mouth piece, or changed the format to a Socratic chapter-by-chapter questioning of different aspects of the documents you cite. Adding the flavor without the layered substance makes for a poorly presented idea if your goal is to be thought provoking and fact based.
Beck has a clearer voice in his radio and TV programs when he’s off the cuff than what was presented here. Good for him for trying. Bad for him that he foisted on the public what clearly is a rambling first draft that should have been refined. If part of your goal is to teach by example, here you’re shooting yourself in the foot by communicating to the world that a name and some fast, poorly written fiction with jumbled ideas is exactly what the Founding Fathers had hoped for in the future and potential of America that you so often revere and expound.
Also, to the thriller authors who supplied review blurbs for the dust jacket: I respect your writing, but you need to stop having your agent and PR people submit these quotes. You obviously did not read the book.
A modern-day conspiracy thriller by one of the more polarizing voices in America. The problem with reviewing a fiction book by Glenn Beck is that his personality is so pervasive in the media that it’s hard to separate the book from the man and his ideology. I have no specific politic and consider myself pretty down the middle, so Glenn Beck neither offends me nor am I sitting front-and-center hanging on his every word like it was my 9 year old in his first Oscar winning role at the school assembly.
That being said, this book is awful. To call it a thriller is really stretching the word. It’s choppy, lacks a fundamental central plot that actually moves, has incredibly static stereotypical characters, one wishy-washy main foil who’s supposed to make you think but really just comes across as a patsy, and contains way too many ripped-from-the-headlines-while-in-buddy-cop movie moments, not to mention that it is horribly edited. (‘Law and Order’ has the patent on being derivative of itself.). And on the very long list of military, conspiracy, and political thrillers I’ve read feels like it was written by committee in an ‘Intro to Fiction Writing’ Discover Center class. It’s actually offensive to call it a thriller.
It’s clear that the only reason that this was published is that it was written by Glenn Beck. Without his name attached, this would have never been published. What boggles my mind is that it’s been so persistent on the best seller list. Regardless of your politics, a good political thriller can be appreciated by any political view, but this leaves me slackjawed. Even the open ending - ON A THRILLER- left me wanting to punch a wall. Mr. Beck, these were a very lazy 336 pages for a man who can spout the equivalent words in a day and be more interesting.
So where’s the good stuff? Beck does pull inspiration from a wide-scope of news articles, government published documents and historical writings. His intent to try to get the average person to think about how a few behind the shadows fringe groups are (potentially) influencing the direction of America (you decide) gets made, but again at the failing of a decent story and clear plot line. And while, yeah, you made your point, you can have written a much better book with the same content if you edited, provided a more interesting main character who wasn’t just a talky mouth piece, or changed the format to a Socratic chapter-by-chapter questioning of different aspects of the documents you cite. Adding the flavor without the layered substance makes for a poorly presented idea if your goal is to be thought provoking and fact based.
Beck has a clearer voice in his radio and TV programs when he’s off the cuff than what was presented here. Good for him for trying. Bad for him that he foisted on the public what clearly is a rambling first draft that should have been refined. If part of your goal is to teach by example, here you’re shooting yourself in the foot by communicating to the world that a name and some fast, poorly written fiction with jumbled ideas is exactly what the Founding Fathers had hoped for in the future and potential of America that you so often revere and expound.
Also, to the thriller authors who supplied review blurbs for the dust jacket: I respect your writing, but you need to stop having your agent and PR people submit these quotes. You obviously did not read the book.
October 16, 2010
I know most of the stuff in this book really has occurred in real life. Even though this is a fictional book I wouldn't be surprised if it ALL was really going on (replacing names with people who currently hold power within the government). This book definitely makes you think about your own personal overton window. I like the notes at the end of the book. Next time I read this I will go through the notes at the end of the book as I'm reading.
[Side note: I don't believe in the 9/11 rumors of our government having a hand in that attack and didn't understand why anyone would think this lie until reading the notes at the end of this book. Specifically the part where a HUGE amount of money (2.3 TRILLION dollars) was reported "missing" by the government the day before the attack. Once nearly 3000 people died the next day in the Twin towers the trillions of missing dollars was a story that was quickly buried.]
I really enjoyed this book mainly because it so closely relates to what is currently going on in The Land that I love.
[Side note: I don't believe in the 9/11 rumors of our government having a hand in that attack and didn't understand why anyone would think this lie until reading the notes at the end of this book. Specifically the part where a HUGE amount of money (2.3 TRILLION dollars) was reported "missing" by the government the day before the attack. Once nearly 3000 people died the next day in the Twin towers the trillions of missing dollars was a story that was quickly buried.]
I really enjoyed this book mainly because it so closely relates to what is currently going on in The Land that I love.
November 13, 2020
Not a boring book, but if I was supposed to solve mysteries, I'd have called Scooby-Doo, for I did not understand a thing in here.
February 20, 2019
„Залезът на демокрацията” е добър трилър, перфектен за лятната ваканция, който освен завъртяна фабула, няколко доста интересни обрата и фанатизирани десни националисти, представя и доста теми за размисъл. Нещо което всяка хубава книга трябва да прави, освен и да забавлява. Готино е да има екшън, но когато е гарниран и с въпроси, които да накарат сивото вещество да се размърда, е още по-добре.
Всъщност оригиналното заглавие е написаното с малък шрифт на предната корица, а именно „Прозорецът на Овертон“ и то за мен звучи много по-яко и е много пряко свързано с фабулата и идеите, залегнали в основата на книгата. Но съм наясно защо издателите са направили този маркетингов трик. Естествено, че заради славата на автора. И точно заради нея, аз се постарах да подходя непредубедено към книгата и бях приятно изненадан.
Ноа Гарднър е специалист по връзки с обществеността в компанията „Дойл & Мърчант“, която принадлежи на баща му и в една обедна почивка случайно среща в стаята за отдих любовта на живота си. Но се оказва, че Моли Рос е нещо много повече от нископоставен служител с временно назначение. Тя успява да го въвлече в свят на интриги, терористи и сложни заговори, както от страна на политиците, така и на противопоставящите им се националисти. Оказва се, че фирмата, където работи Ноа, се занимава със социално инженерство по поръчка на правителството на САЩ, а той самият се оказва пионка в ръцете и на двете страни.
Романът на Глен Бек е художествена литература, това не трябва да се забравя, и като такава, може да си позволи да екстраполира до крайност отделните гледни точки и страни в конфликта, без това да звучи изсмукано от пръстите или нелепо като в „документалните” книги, посветени на конспирациите. Това крайно извеждане на тези работи много добре за целите на историята и за посланието, което автора иска да поднесе. Художествената литература със своите похвати се справя перфектно с мисията на зумер, на катализатор за идеи и на алегоричен разказвач на проблемите на обществото и политиката.
Тук-там из нета срещнах категоризиране на книгата, което, освен че не ми хареса, не приляга и на романа. На места „Залезът на демокрацията” е поставен освен в категория „трилър” и в „теория на конспирацията”, което може да подведе доста потенциалните читатели. От една страна феновете на добрия трилър, ще погледнат скептично на книгата, защото ще очакват нещо от сорта на „разказ по преразказ на неочевидец”, което определено не е така. От друга – почитателите на конспирациите няма да бъдат залети от обичайният поток неподкрепени с нищо или откровено измислени твърдения, но пасващи перфектно на представата им, че светът се управлява от фамилиите Рокфелер или Ротшилд, евреите, масоните, рептилите или някаква друга тайна организация, имаща още по-тайно ръкостискане.
Всъщност Бек не казва нищо ново. Технологията, която описва под името „Прозорецът на Овертон“ е позната на всеки, който се занимава с реклама, маркетинг или PR, а примерът с бутилираната вода е христоматиен за света на рекламата. Останалите теми също са се появявали многократно по-рано в литературата. На прима виста се сещам за трима автори, които са се занимавали с горещите „картофи” в този роман – конституцията на САЩ, свободата на словото, данъчната политика, глобализацията, промяната на обществените нагласи, както постепенно, така и рязко, дори и чрез план за инсцениране на терористичен акт и т.н., а именно Том Кланси, Робърт Лъдлъм и Майкъл Крайтън, при това в романи, писани преди десетилетия. Но няма нищо лошо в това пак да се разглеждат тези теми през призмата на новите геополитически и социални реалности.
Романът е базиран на документи, на статии и въобще на информация, която я има в мрежата, но и която всеки човек, интересуващ се конкретно от политика и икономика може да следи. Тенденциите описани в книгата не са нещо ново, а са такива от десетилетия и са явни за всички, освен за онези със забодените носове в конспиративните теории и чакащи казионни откровения в стил Ян ван Хелзинг.
Дали настъпва края на демокрацията? Всеки може да види, че промени има. На места за лошо, на други за добро. И докато някои държави се върнаха към несменяемо-избираеми лидери, характерни за тоталитаризма, но ги наметнаха с мантията на демокрацията, въпреки че те са авторитарни управници, които служат на свои цели, а не в полза на народа, то други продължават по пътя на демократичното управление. Да промени ще има, но все си мисля, че те няма да са края на тази политическа форма, която не е най-добрата, но за жалост по-добра до момента не е намерена. В края на краищата вопли, че идва нейният край са надавани и когато се е заговорило за правото на жените да гласуват или за премахване на робството. И надежда има. Защото, докато в страната на великият лидер Путин разстрелват журналисти и го обявяват едва ли не за месия и най-великият политик на всички времена – системата се чупи, а в гадния САЩ, където президента е откровен идиот – системата работи. Сената прескочи президента и продължи санкциите срещу Русия, разследват се сигналите за корупция, полицаите, убили протестиращи, влизат в затвора, а се намират и все още хора като Сноудън, че дори и филми се правят за него.
Всъщност оригиналното заглавие е написаното с малък шрифт на предната корица, а именно „Прозорецът на Овертон“ и то за мен звучи много по-яко и е много пряко свързано с фабулата и идеите, залегнали в основата на книгата. Но съм наясно защо издателите са направили този маркетингов трик. Естествено, че заради славата на автора. И точно заради нея, аз се постарах да подходя непредубедено към книгата и бях приятно изненадан.
Ноа Гарднър е специалист по връзки с обществеността в компанията „Дойл & Мърчант“, която принадлежи на баща му и в една обедна почивка случайно среща в стаята за отдих любовта на живота си. Но се оказва, че Моли Рос е нещо много повече от нископоставен служител с временно назначение. Тя успява да го въвлече в свят на интриги, терористи и сложни заговори, както от страна на политиците, така и на противопоставящите им се националисти. Оказва се, че фирмата, където работи Ноа, се занимава със социално инженерство по поръчка на правителството на САЩ, а той самият се оказва пионка в ръцете и на двете страни.
Романът на Глен Бек е художествена литература, това не трябва да се забравя, и като такава, може да си позволи да екстраполира до крайност отделните гледни точки и страни в конфликта, без това да звучи изсмукано от пръстите или нелепо като в „документалните” книги, посветени на конспирациите. Това крайно извеждане на тези работи много добре за целите на историята и за посланието, което автора иска да поднесе. Художествената литература със своите похвати се справя перфектно с мисията на зумер, на катализатор за идеи и на алегоричен разказвач на проблемите на обществото и политиката.
Тук-там из нета срещнах категоризиране на книгата, което, освен че не ми хареса, не приляга и на романа. На места „Залезът на демокрацията” е поставен освен в категория „трилър” и в „теория на конспирацията”, което може да подведе доста потенциалните читатели. От една страна феновете на добрия трилър, ще погледнат скептично на книгата, защото ще очакват нещо от сорта на „разказ по преразказ на неочевидец”, което определено не е така. От друга – почитателите на конспирациите няма да бъдат залети от обичайният поток неподкрепени с нищо или откровено измислени твърдения, но пасващи перфектно на представата им, че светът се управлява от фамилиите Рокфелер или Ротшилд, евреите, масоните, рептилите или някаква друга тайна организация, имаща още по-тайно ръкостискане.
Всъщност Бек не казва нищо ново. Технологията, която описва под името „Прозорецът на Овертон“ е позната на всеки, който се занимава с реклама, маркетинг или PR, а примерът с бутилираната вода е христоматиен за света на рекламата. Останалите теми също са се появявали многократно по-рано в литературата. На прима виста се сещам за трима автори, които са се занимавали с горещите „картофи” в този роман – конституцията на САЩ, свободата на словото, данъчната политика, глобализацията, промяната на обществените нагласи, както постепенно, така и рязко, дори и чрез план за инсцениране на терористичен акт и т.н., а именно Том Кланси, Робърт Лъдлъм и Майкъл Крайтън, при това в романи, писани преди десетилетия. Но няма нищо лошо в това пак да се разглеждат тези теми през призмата на новите геополитически и социални реалности.
Романът е базиран на документи, на статии и въобще на информация, която я има в мрежата, но и която всеки човек, интересуващ се конкретно от политика и икономика може да следи. Тенденциите описани в книгата не са нещо ново, а са такива от десетилетия и са явни за всички, освен за онези със забодените носове в конспиративните теории и чакащи казионни откровения в стил Ян ван Хелзинг.
Дали настъпва края на демокрацията? Всеки може да види, че промени има. На места за лошо, на други за добро. И докато някои държави се върнаха към несменяемо-избираеми лидери, характерни за тоталитаризма, но ги наметнаха с мантията на демокрацията, въпреки че те са авторитарни управници, които служат на свои цели, а не в полза на народа, то други продължават по пътя на демократичното управление. Да промени ще има, но все си мисля, че те няма да са края на тази политическа форма, която не е най-добрата, но за жалост по-добра до момента не е намерена. В края на краищата вопли, че идва нейният край са надавани и когато се е заговорило за правото на жените да гласуват или за премахване на робството. И надежда има. Защото, докато в страната на великият лидер Путин разстрелват журналисти и го обявяват едва ли не за месия и най-великият политик на всички времена – системата се чупи, а в гадния САЩ, където президента е откровен идиот – системата работи. Сената прескочи президента и продължи санкциите срещу Русия, разследват се сигналите за корупция, полицаите, убили протестиращи, влизат в затвора, а се намират и все още хора като Сноудън, че дори и филми се правят за него.
August 11, 2022
Solid read - 4 stars. Lose half a star for ridiculous instalove. Lose another half a star for Mary Sue heroin that is supposedly the best human in the universe but somehow manages to come off in the book as a next level hagerella. You can’t just tell me she’s amazing in the book to make me believe, you have to show me.
April 20, 2022
Изключително четиво. Задълбочен анализ и провокиращ бленд от факти и въображение.
Глен Бек взима концепта Прозорец на Овертон, обучава читателя да го забелязва и борави с Него, докато затваря същия читател в същия този Прозорец.
Глен Бек взима концепта Прозорец на Овертон, обучава читателя да го забелязва и борави с Него, докато затваря същия читател в същия този Прозорец.
August 23, 2010
If you know me, you know I’m a pretty big fan of Glenn Beck. I’ve been listening to his radio show for about five years now and have followed his forays into television, live stage performances, and books. It may be no surprise, then, that I liked “The Overton Window,” Glenn’s latest book, a fiction thriller.
Now that I’ve said that, let me qualify it.
“The Overton Window” is a simple story, really. It has its plots and twists like a good thriller should, but its overall story arc is pretty straightforward. The protagonist is an unlikely good-guy, just an average Joe named Noah Gardner. He’s a young, single public relations guy at a big firm in New York City.
The bad guy? Barack Obama.
I’m kidding, but that answer is not that far from the truth. The antagonists in this story is a group of rich, powerful socialists, one of which happens to be Noah’s father. Having declared the old ways of the constitution and freedom-loving America to be a failed experiment, they’re ready to transform the country into what it should be: controlled by a knows-better big-government.
Noah meets Molly Ross, a smart, beautiful seemingly easy-going girl who is has an odd quirk: she’s heavily involved in a movement to get America back to its founding roots.
Intent on getting to know Molly better, Noah attends a meeting at a club in New York, his first Tea Party as it were. While the speakers tell story after story about how the government and those in power are intent on destroying the Constitution and eliminating people’s individual liberties, Noah’s cycnicism and realism boils over. When he utters something loud enough for those around him to overhear, he is asked to explain himself with a microphone so that everyone can hear.
“The United States was built to run on individual freedom, that’s true, but because you’ve let these control freaks have their way with it for about a hundred years, your country now runs on debt. Today Goldman Sachs is the engine, and in case you haven’t realized it yet, the American people are nothing but the fuel.”
Noah goes on to explain all the conspiracy theories bantied about like the Bildeberg Group, the Trilateral Commission, etc. are all true and they’re wealthy beyond believe and they’re globalists.
Noah knows all this because these powerful organizations have long been using PR firms like his father’s to push their transformative ideas on the people of the world.
“There’s no respect for you in Washington. They laugh at you. You say you want a revolution? That Constitution the lady was holding up a while ago? It gives you the power to revolt at every single election. Do you realize in a couple of weeks every last seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for grabs? And the presidency? And one-third of the Senate seats?
“The approval rating for Congress is somewhere around fifteen percent. You could turn the tables and put them all out of a job on that one day. But do you know what’s going to happen instead? I do. The presidency is going to change hands, but the corruption will accelerate. Over ninety percent of those people in Congress— people who are deeper into the pockets of the lobbyists every day they spend in Washington— over ninety percent of them are going to get reelected.”
The story puts Noah on a collision course with destiny. What he learns both from his new friends in the freedom movement and via his ties to the powerful forces through the PR business helps him shed his cynicism and start to believe in the cause.
Now, this book is a very easy read. It’s 321 pages but it goes by fast. My only real complaint about the writing is that much of dialogue between characters doesn’t read like believable dialogue. It reads like it’s written, not spoken. You could easily say the same thing about any fiction written by Ayn Rand, but Beck’s dialogue is a lot easier to comprehend.
The Afterword, the last chapter in the book, contains a surprising amount of information about items in the story that are actually based in truth.
Now that I’ve said that, let me qualify it.
“The Overton Window” is a simple story, really. It has its plots and twists like a good thriller should, but its overall story arc is pretty straightforward. The protagonist is an unlikely good-guy, just an average Joe named Noah Gardner. He’s a young, single public relations guy at a big firm in New York City.
The bad guy? Barack Obama.
I’m kidding, but that answer is not that far from the truth. The antagonists in this story is a group of rich, powerful socialists, one of which happens to be Noah’s father. Having declared the old ways of the constitution and freedom-loving America to be a failed experiment, they’re ready to transform the country into what it should be: controlled by a knows-better big-government.
Noah meets Molly Ross, a smart, beautiful seemingly easy-going girl who is has an odd quirk: she’s heavily involved in a movement to get America back to its founding roots.
Intent on getting to know Molly better, Noah attends a meeting at a club in New York, his first Tea Party as it were. While the speakers tell story after story about how the government and those in power are intent on destroying the Constitution and eliminating people’s individual liberties, Noah’s cycnicism and realism boils over. When he utters something loud enough for those around him to overhear, he is asked to explain himself with a microphone so that everyone can hear.
“The United States was built to run on individual freedom, that’s true, but because you’ve let these control freaks have their way with it for about a hundred years, your country now runs on debt. Today Goldman Sachs is the engine, and in case you haven’t realized it yet, the American people are nothing but the fuel.”
Noah goes on to explain all the conspiracy theories bantied about like the Bildeberg Group, the Trilateral Commission, etc. are all true and they’re wealthy beyond believe and they’re globalists.
Noah knows all this because these powerful organizations have long been using PR firms like his father’s to push their transformative ideas on the people of the world.
“There’s no respect for you in Washington. They laugh at you. You say you want a revolution? That Constitution the lady was holding up a while ago? It gives you the power to revolt at every single election. Do you realize in a couple of weeks every last seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for grabs? And the presidency? And one-third of the Senate seats?
“The approval rating for Congress is somewhere around fifteen percent. You could turn the tables and put them all out of a job on that one day. But do you know what’s going to happen instead? I do. The presidency is going to change hands, but the corruption will accelerate. Over ninety percent of those people in Congress— people who are deeper into the pockets of the lobbyists every day they spend in Washington— over ninety percent of them are going to get reelected.”
The story puts Noah on a collision course with destiny. What he learns both from his new friends in the freedom movement and via his ties to the powerful forces through the PR business helps him shed his cynicism and start to believe in the cause.
Now, this book is a very easy read. It’s 321 pages but it goes by fast. My only real complaint about the writing is that much of dialogue between characters doesn’t read like believable dialogue. It reads like it’s written, not spoken. You could easily say the same thing about any fiction written by Ayn Rand, but Beck’s dialogue is a lot easier to comprehend.
The Afterword, the last chapter in the book, contains a surprising amount of information about items in the story that are actually based in truth.
September 13, 2022
Where do I begin? I think it can be said that one star is way too generous of a rating. As I close this book, I want to write to Glenn Beck and request an indemnity for my time squandered on this tin-foil hat propaganda and that he plants a million trees to compensate for all the poor ones cut down to print this garbage. But then I remember he is an alt-right climate denialist and probably thinks God hates trees as well.
I first heard of the term “Overton Window” from a former friend turned alt-right maniac. He took five minutes describing the concept only for me to realize that is a redneck version of the anchorage principle from Kahneman/Tversky. Funny enough, now racists, homophobes and nazis use the “Overton Window” to gain back space in society. Couple years later, this book falls in my hand and I try to burst the bubble and hear the other side. I’m never leaving my bubble ever again, after this.
Before diving into the concepts, let me say that the book is awfully written. It seems like the script of an early 2000s bad conspiracy movie, so over the top it is. I can almost see a 40-year old Tom Cruise playing the 28-year old Noah, looking purposefully and ominously at the camera at every chapter’s ending. (Molly would be a pretty mediocre actress 20 years younger than him). It feels like Beck wanted to format a conspiracy blog under a Dan Brown style and ended up with a lunatic copy of the Da Vinci code - not exactly a Pulitzer winner itself.
There is two major plot twists in this book, one is completely predictable and the other is not - however, it bafflingly insults the intelligence of the reader (or maybe it shows how little Beck thinks of his target audience). I don’t want to spoil it to any poor sod that may want to read this, so I won’t comment that much on the plot (insane) development, but I will say this: the writer tries to manipulate the reader to root for or against certain characters the whole book. He fails. His intentions not only are very clear, as you still feel exactly the opposite of how he intends.
About the conspiracy theories and political positioning of the book, I’d like to cut a snippet from an excellent book: Angry White Men, by Michael Kimmel. There is a chapter ob this book that details how and why uneducated white men see clearly they are being screwed over by the political system but, due to their beliefs and upbringing, believes the minorities and human rights are to blame. This book is clearly cut from this cloth. It identifies several instances where the political system screws us over but believes the answer is turning to bunkering up with a rifle and a picture of God and another of Thomas Jefferson. It’s like reading a political essay from one of the Columbine shooters.
With one similarity: it made me want to shoot myself in the head instead of continuing.
I first heard of the term “Overton Window” from a former friend turned alt-right maniac. He took five minutes describing the concept only for me to realize that is a redneck version of the anchorage principle from Kahneman/Tversky. Funny enough, now racists, homophobes and nazis use the “Overton Window” to gain back space in society. Couple years later, this book falls in my hand and I try to burst the bubble and hear the other side. I’m never leaving my bubble ever again, after this.
Before diving into the concepts, let me say that the book is awfully written. It seems like the script of an early 2000s bad conspiracy movie, so over the top it is. I can almost see a 40-year old Tom Cruise playing the 28-year old Noah, looking purposefully and ominously at the camera at every chapter’s ending. (Molly would be a pretty mediocre actress 20 years younger than him). It feels like Beck wanted to format a conspiracy blog under a Dan Brown style and ended up with a lunatic copy of the Da Vinci code - not exactly a Pulitzer winner itself.
There is two major plot twists in this book, one is completely predictable and the other is not - however, it bafflingly insults the intelligence of the reader (or maybe it shows how little Beck thinks of his target audience). I don’t want to spoil it to any poor sod that may want to read this, so I won’t comment that much on the plot (insane) development, but I will say this: the writer tries to manipulate the reader to root for or against certain characters the whole book. He fails. His intentions not only are very clear, as you still feel exactly the opposite of how he intends.
About the conspiracy theories and political positioning of the book, I’d like to cut a snippet from an excellent book: Angry White Men, by Michael Kimmel. There is a chapter ob this book that details how and why uneducated white men see clearly they are being screwed over by the political system but, due to their beliefs and upbringing, believes the minorities and human rights are to blame. This book is clearly cut from this cloth. It identifies several instances where the political system screws us over but believes the answer is turning to bunkering up with a rifle and a picture of God and another of Thomas Jefferson. It’s like reading a political essay from one of the Columbine shooters.
With one similarity: it made me want to shoot myself in the head instead of continuing.
August 6, 2013
Noah Gardner is a lackluster son of a highly powerful, political puppet master, Arthur Gardner. Noah is lured in by Molly Ross who intrigues him with her disdain as well as her passion for the cause of American freedom. She is part of a group known as the Founder’s Keepers, who seek to peaceably preserve American freedoms as set out in the Constitution.
Noah is embroiled in Molly’s schemes to gain access and information from his father’s computers. They learn that Arthur Gardner is part of a group of elite power brokers who are seeking to bring about a one world government. These men will use money, power, manipulation, bribery, coercion, and whatever other means necessary to achieve their goal. Molly (and the reader) learn of a tool known as “the Overton Window” which measures public opinion. This tool allows the monied powers to manipulate public opinion by setting up events that slowly push the boundaries of public acceptance closer and closer to the desired controls sought by the puppet masters.
Noah is kidnapped and it becomes clear that Molly used him from the outset. Yet he thinks there was more between them than the obvious lies. Noah again seeks to help Molly as a nefarious terrorist plot slowly unfolds -- a horrible act of violence that is being arranged by the puppet masters but will be blamed on Molly’s group.
The beginning was a bit slow as I wondered at the detailed descriptions of Noah’s obsessive interest in Molly. However that is understandable as the plot progresses. After an hour or two in I was glued to listening to this story until it finished. I was impressed with the writing skills as well as the characterization and plot. All of the elements reveal the extreme intelligence of the author – regardless of what one might think of his political and religious views. Does it contain a message on politics and religion? Yes - clearly on politics and subtly on religion. Is it a good thriller? Absolutely.
Beck starts the book with a preface that declares the work to be in the nature of “faction” – a fictional story woven around facts. The story presents a present day situation that should open eyes and make each of us look at the circumstances around us to see if we can really discern truth from intentionally manipulated PR. I loved the story and am anxious to begin the next book, The Eye of Molech, which I am reviewing for Simon and Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.
Audio Notes: This story was good on its own but the narration enhanced my enjoyment and made it move much more quickly than if I had read a print or ebook version. James Daniels does a really good job keying into the character personalities. I will look for other works narrated by Mr. Daniels.
Noah is embroiled in Molly’s schemes to gain access and information from his father’s computers. They learn that Arthur Gardner is part of a group of elite power brokers who are seeking to bring about a one world government. These men will use money, power, manipulation, bribery, coercion, and whatever other means necessary to achieve their goal. Molly (and the reader) learn of a tool known as “the Overton Window” which measures public opinion. This tool allows the monied powers to manipulate public opinion by setting up events that slowly push the boundaries of public acceptance closer and closer to the desired controls sought by the puppet masters.
Noah is kidnapped and it becomes clear that Molly used him from the outset. Yet he thinks there was more between them than the obvious lies. Noah again seeks to help Molly as a nefarious terrorist plot slowly unfolds -- a horrible act of violence that is being arranged by the puppet masters but will be blamed on Molly’s group.
The beginning was a bit slow as I wondered at the detailed descriptions of Noah’s obsessive interest in Molly. However that is understandable as the plot progresses. After an hour or two in I was glued to listening to this story until it finished. I was impressed with the writing skills as well as the characterization and plot. All of the elements reveal the extreme intelligence of the author – regardless of what one might think of his political and religious views. Does it contain a message on politics and religion? Yes - clearly on politics and subtly on religion. Is it a good thriller? Absolutely.
Beck starts the book with a preface that declares the work to be in the nature of “faction” – a fictional story woven around facts. The story presents a present day situation that should open eyes and make each of us look at the circumstances around us to see if we can really discern truth from intentionally manipulated PR. I loved the story and am anxious to begin the next book, The Eye of Molech, which I am reviewing for Simon and Schuster through Audiobook Jukebox.
Audio Notes: This story was good on its own but the narration enhanced my enjoyment and made it move much more quickly than if I had read a print or ebook version. James Daniels does a really good job keying into the character personalities. I will look for other works narrated by Mr. Daniels.
February 26, 2011
Another Booksquirm Book Club pick. Thankfully, this book did not make it past month 2! Our 2 month assignment for this book had us suffer through the Prologue through Chapter 4. Here are the thoughts I posted for the book club.
Prologue - Chapter 2 observations:
How exactly did Mr. Beck think that I would take him seriously when he writes on page 8 "Top psychologists tell us in Maxim magazine..." Really??? You expect me to believe that people who are at the top of the psychological field would really honestly take the time write for Maxim? I know that men only get that magazine to read the articles, but I wouldn't think the foremost experts in psychology would publish there! All in all, it's not the worst book I've read... (Then again, we were reading Rogue by Danielle Steel that month as well)
Chapters 3 - 4 observations:
First, I would like to thank my fellow booksquirm members for feeling the same way as I feel about this book. It looks like it will thankfully be voted off the island. I felt like my soul was dirty after reading the assigned chapters this month, and I wanted to quickly sneak the book back into the return slot at the library before anyone noticed I had it checked out! lol. The one thing that stuck in my mind from reading this was the list of "red flagged" individuals (not comprehensive, as it was noted). After reading the list - 3 times to be certain - I was left wondering if there was anyone left (other than, of course, the author) that didn't fit into at least ONE of the "to be watched" groups. I think I fit in more than one category! I can honestly say that I don't even know what the book was supposed to be about... I missed character/plot development entirely - being too distracted with idiocracy of it all! I would like to thank wikipedia for giving me some insight into what Mr. Beck was go adept at making me miss! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_...
Prologue - Chapter 2 observations:
How exactly did Mr. Beck think that I would take him seriously when he writes on page 8 "Top psychologists tell us in Maxim magazine..." Really??? You expect me to believe that people who are at the top of the psychological field would really honestly take the time write for Maxim? I know that men only get that magazine to read the articles, but I wouldn't think the foremost experts in psychology would publish there! All in all, it's not the worst book I've read... (Then again, we were reading Rogue by Danielle Steel that month as well)
Chapters 3 - 4 observations:
First, I would like to thank my fellow booksquirm members for feeling the same way as I feel about this book. It looks like it will thankfully be voted off the island. I felt like my soul was dirty after reading the assigned chapters this month, and I wanted to quickly sneak the book back into the return slot at the library before anyone noticed I had it checked out! lol. The one thing that stuck in my mind from reading this was the list of "red flagged" individuals (not comprehensive, as it was noted). After reading the list - 3 times to be certain - I was left wondering if there was anyone left (other than, of course, the author) that didn't fit into at least ONE of the "to be watched" groups. I think I fit in more than one category! I can honestly say that I don't even know what the book was supposed to be about... I missed character/plot development entirely - being too distracted with idiocracy of it all! I would like to thank wikipedia for giving me some insight into what Mr. Beck was go adept at making me miss! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_...
July 24, 2010
Before reading this book, you have to view this trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW4Iiw...
This Rudyard Kipling poem, chilling (and true) on its own, plays a great role in the story, and it really helps to hear the poem as read in the trailer.
Anyone who still doesn't believe there are evil forces trying to take down this country need to read this book. It is fiction, but based on so much fact, as evidenced by the sourced research in the back of the book.
The book started out as more of a love story than a thriller, and it kind of bothered me, but the deeper the story goes the more I saw the need for the love story, and it ended up being a great twist.
A sequel would be very welcome.
This Rudyard Kipling poem, chilling (and true) on its own, plays a great role in the story, and it really helps to hear the poem as read in the trailer.
Anyone who still doesn't believe there are evil forces trying to take down this country need to read this book. It is fiction, but based on so much fact, as evidenced by the sourced research in the back of the book.
The book started out as more of a love story than a thriller, and it kind of bothered me, but the deeper the story goes the more I saw the need for the love story, and it ended up being a great twist.
A sequel would be very welcome.
December 15, 2017
I was intrigued by the description on the back of the book. This was a pretty good conspiracy type thriller. The story sets up a rather scary scenario where rich and powerful members of society have been working, for many years, to control the populace by declaring that the old ways of America, its constitution and the idea of freedom, are a failed experiment. Their plan is to transform America slowly , until they finally have complete control. When the son of one of the staunch supporters of this plan understands what this all means, he becomes involved in a way that he never dreamed possible.
June 18, 2018
I'll give Glenn (and his collaborators) 2 Stars for this one. The concept was fine but the book was too short to accommodate what he wanted to get across. The characters and situations are just too cardboard and disjointed. Glenn knows his history and will make sure he gets his points across, like a slap upside the head. I like Glenn but he needed to spend more time and words to get this one right.
June 18, 2010
Not as bad as lefties want it to be, not as good as Beck's fans want it to be. A pretty good first effort on Beck's part, though. It started off great, but was slow to get to any action. What little of it there was was largely unsatisfying. And Beck was more interested in setting up a sequel for an apparent series than he was in crafting a good ending. I'm sure I'll pick up the next book, anyway.
August 23, 2019
This is Glenn Beck's attempt to put all his rhetoric and ideas into a fictional setting. I don't necessarily disagree with the premise, but it is not "Atlas Shrugged." There is no plot worthy to uphold all his lofty ideals. When I got to part three I was finally excited to see some action and adventure, and then..... nothing. WTH!?
So, read if you want some thinking and a little Glenn Beck time. To everyone else, avoid.
So, read if you want some thinking and a little Glenn Beck time. To everyone else, avoid.
May 29, 2020
It ended up being pretty interesting, but it seemed to start slow and then a lot of stuff happened all at once. I don't regret reading it, but I also likely won't add it to my permanent library. I do plan to read Eye of Moloch though.
July 6, 2023
Whether this is good fiction will depend on which side of the aisle you hang out on. That’s unfortunate, because I would think either side will find a reason to be either amused/disgusted by this or they’ll stop and exclaim, “Hey! This is 2023!”
Noah Gardner is a typical American guy. His dad, a George Soros-type person, heads up a successful public relations firm. He harbors extremely progressive views, and he has patiently worked to bring about the kind of change that will put experts in charge and minimize or entirely obliterate ideals set forth in the constitution. All it will take is a single cataclysmic crisis. Why should the people be in charge of anything when organizations like The World Economic Forum or a similar cadre of experts would do a far better job of running things?
Noah Gardiner has avoided politics most of his life; he’s leaving it to his dad and the elites with whom his dad associates to deal with that. But the pretty, young temp worker in his building has fully captured his attention, and he vows to learn more about her.
Molly Ross is sure the nation is on the wrong track. She’s a firm believer that it has strayed far from its constitutional roots, and she is a part of a group who want to find ways to convince the populous that a return to the basics of the constitution is the only hope.
Noah is at first skeptical. She’s a crazed conspiracy theorist, he reasons. But the more he listens and reads, the surer he is that his initial assessment was wrong. Before this ends, he will have quietly committed to stop his father’s efforts and do all possible to save Molly’s life.
As Beck writes in the book, “There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country…”
Beck quotes from Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “the Gods of the Copybook Headings” to make his point. The poem describes a society that has become infatuated with fashion, frills, snazzy new ideas designed to replace truths, and similar things. But Kipling points out the inevitable temporary status of these glittery new ideas that run counter to eternal truth, and he warns that those truths are permanent while the fads and fashions of the day are not. The final stanzas sober me every time I read it:
“As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began.
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire;
And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!”
This has relevance to me in our time. If a dirty bomb explodes in Ukraine, regardless of who set it off, could we not be plunged into the depths of a horrific war? If banks fail at an increasing rate in 2024, could that not trigger decisions to introduce whole new forms of currencies that will be more stable according to the treasury secretary and even programmable? Who can say? I’m certainly no pundit to declare any of these as realities or silly conspiracies. There’s plenty of melodramatic jangling on all sides. But this is highly readable fiction, and I’ve ordered the second book in the series from my public library. For what it’s worth, I suspect this is heavily ghost written, and the author seems to admit that in his note.
Noah Gardner is a typical American guy. His dad, a George Soros-type person, heads up a successful public relations firm. He harbors extremely progressive views, and he has patiently worked to bring about the kind of change that will put experts in charge and minimize or entirely obliterate ideals set forth in the constitution. All it will take is a single cataclysmic crisis. Why should the people be in charge of anything when organizations like The World Economic Forum or a similar cadre of experts would do a far better job of running things?
Noah Gardiner has avoided politics most of his life; he’s leaving it to his dad and the elites with whom his dad associates to deal with that. But the pretty, young temp worker in his building has fully captured his attention, and he vows to learn more about her.
Molly Ross is sure the nation is on the wrong track. She’s a firm believer that it has strayed far from its constitutional roots, and she is a part of a group who want to find ways to convince the populous that a return to the basics of the constitution is the only hope.
Noah is at first skeptical. She’s a crazed conspiracy theorist, he reasons. But the more he listens and reads, the surer he is that his initial assessment was wrong. Before this ends, he will have quietly committed to stop his father’s efforts and do all possible to save Molly’s life.
As Beck writes in the book, “There is a powerful technique called the Overton Window that can shape our lives, our laws, and our future. It works by manipulating public perception so that ideas previously thought of as radical begin to seem acceptable over time. Move the Window and you change the debate. Change the debate and you change the country…”
Beck quotes from Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “the Gods of the Copybook Headings” to make his point. The poem describes a society that has become infatuated with fashion, frills, snazzy new ideas designed to replace truths, and similar things. But Kipling points out the inevitable temporary status of these glittery new ideas that run counter to eternal truth, and he warns that those truths are permanent while the fads and fashions of the day are not. The final stanzas sober me every time I read it:
“As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began.
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire;
And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!”
This has relevance to me in our time. If a dirty bomb explodes in Ukraine, regardless of who set it off, could we not be plunged into the depths of a horrific war? If banks fail at an increasing rate in 2024, could that not trigger decisions to introduce whole new forms of currencies that will be more stable according to the treasury secretary and even programmable? Who can say? I’m certainly no pundit to declare any of these as realities or silly conspiracies. There’s plenty of melodramatic jangling on all sides. But this is highly readable fiction, and I’ve ordered the second book in the series from my public library. For what it’s worth, I suspect this is heavily ghost written, and the author seems to admit that in his note.
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