Official Review: Become a Dictator - A Short and Snappy G...
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Official Review: Become a Dictator - A Short and Snappy G...
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Become a Dictator - A Short and Snappy Guide" by Thejendra B.S.]
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Becoming a Dictator is a short little allegorical book that does exactly what the title states. It tells you how to theoretically become a dictator. The book is broken down into short passages like "Throne" and "Tribal Formalities" which are then followed by a short paragraph with advice regarding each of these important facets of being a dictator.
When I first read the description of this book, I honestly had no idea what to think. A guide to being a dictator? It sounded like a recipe for insults and underhanded jabs at world history, both things I love, so I picked up the book and started reading. I soon found out my initial impression of the book was absolutely correct and I was so pleased that it was. While extremely short in length, it was wildly entertaining and I tore through it, grinning like an idiot to myself much of the time.
So what was so great about it? Simple. It was clever and hilariously farcical. By creating allusions to the world's most infamous dictators and drawing upon stereotypical portrayals of international leaders, the author painted a very accurate picture of what we all imagine leaders of totalitarian society to be. On top of that, but it also contained a bit of political opinion in that it not only poked fun of the world's notorious villainous dictators, but our own nation as well. My favorite line, "Besides, it is not necessary to kill people to be called a dictator. Just take away the rights of people in the name of internal security," caused to me stop and laugh out loud because of the ironic humor it presents to America's current state.
The book is goofy and it is not meant to be taken with any degree of seriousness. While grains of truth lie beneath the humorous portrayals, one can see that the author did take liberties in her perception of dictators, and that is completely fine. The light tone makes for an enjoyable read, which is something I find so many novelists forget these days.
Overall, I give this book 3 out 4 stars. While I did not feel it contained the raw literary value deserving of four stars, it is still an excellent little read. It is extremely entertaining, short, and sweet. All in all, it is the perfect thing to read at the end of a tough day if you just want to relax and laugh a little bit. I recommend it highly.
***
Buy "Become a Dictator - A Short and Snappy Guide" on Amazon
Share This Review
When I first read the description of this book, I honestly had no idea what to think. A guide to being a dictator? It sounded like a recipe for insults and underhanded jabs at world history, both things I love, so I picked up the book and started reading. I soon found out my initial impression of the book was absolutely correct and I was so pleased that it was. While extremely short in length, it was wildly entertaining and I tore through it, grinning like an idiot to myself much of the time.
So what was so great about it? Simple. It was clever and hilariously farcical. By creating allusions to the world's most infamous dictators and drawing upon stereotypical portrayals of international leaders, the author painted a very accurate picture of what we all imagine leaders of totalitarian society to be. On top of that, but it also contained a bit of political opinion in that it not only poked fun of the world's notorious villainous dictators, but our own nation as well. My favorite line, "Besides, it is not necessary to kill people to be called a dictator. Just take away the rights of people in the name of internal security," caused to me stop and laugh out loud because of the ironic humor it presents to America's current state.
The book is goofy and it is not meant to be taken with any degree of seriousness. While grains of truth lie beneath the humorous portrayals, one can see that the author did take liberties in her perception of dictators, and that is completely fine. The light tone makes for an enjoyable read, which is something I find so many novelists forget these days.
Overall, I give this book 3 out 4 stars. While I did not feel it contained the raw literary value deserving of four stars, it is still an excellent little read. It is extremely entertaining, short, and sweet. All in all, it is the perfect thing to read at the end of a tough day if you just want to relax and laugh a little bit. I recommend it highly.
***
Buy "Become a Dictator - A Short and Snappy Guide" on Amazon
Latest Review: "Poor Percival Stories (Tale 1)" by Matthew Milson
