Fiction, Fiction Subjects, Science Fiction & Fantasy
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Overview
There's no way William A. Cozzano can lose the upcoming presidential election. He's a likable midwestern governor with one insidious advantage. An advantage provided by a shadowy group of backers. A biochip in his head hardwires him to a computerized polling system. The mood of the electorate is channeled directly into his brain. Forget issues. Forget policy. He's more than the perfect candidate - he's a special effect.Synopsis
There's no way William A. Cozzano can lose the upcoming presidential election. He's a likable midwestern governor with one insidious advantage. An advantage provided by a shadowy group of backers. A biochip in his head hardwires him to a computerized polling system. The mood of the electorate is channeled directly into his brain. Forget issues. Forget policy. He's more than the perfect candidate - he's a special effect.
Editorials
Pixel Planet
The totally realistic characters, coupled with the interesting plot line create a very interesting novel....Highly recommended both for SF fans and those who enjoy the machinations of politics.Publishers Weekly -
Bury (a pseudonym for Neal Stephenson, author of Snow Crash , and J. Frederick George) has concocted a clever premise for his complex, entertaining, frequently funny political thriller. Right before the next presidential election, the incumbent proposes to solve the problem of the national debt by simply refusing to pay. This irks a powerful alliance of investors, and they move into action. Illinois Gov. William A. Cozzano suffers a stroke and, as a part of a radical new therapy, has a biochip implanted in his brain. The chip allows Cozzano to make a miraculous recovery--and also gives him access to an instantaneous polling system. He can ``sense'' the mood of the voters and instantly responds by telling them what they want most to hear. The campaign proceeds as (meticulously) planned, through the debates, primaries and conventions, and Cozzano seems like a sure bet--until he begins to slip out of control. Crammed with throwaway detail on the political process, medical and computer advances, the media and much, much more, Bury's vision of a system ultimately controlled by media handlers is so entertaining that you don't really mind when his plot goes a bit over the top. (Apr.)Library Journal
The combination of mind control and presidential politics has long been a powerful theme for political thrillers. Bury updates the idea by making the mind controller a biochip implanted in one candidate's brain. The chip is controlled by a wealthy, clandestine network. When the current president declares that the government will renege on the national debt, the network stands to lose trillions. It swings into action by lining up neurosurgeons, computer experts, campaign managers, and all the minions needed to win the election and control the presidency. Bury combines such diverse themes as brain research and dirty politics with unruly and colorful characters. While it may all amount to too much of a good thing, there are veins of humor and insight that keep pace with the breakneck plot developments. The story is well written and contains some great dialog. A good bet for spring and summer reading.-- Barbara Conaty, Library of CongressBook Details
Published
May 1, 2005
Publisher
Random House Publishing Group
Pages
640
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780553383430