Official Review: Energy Dependence Day

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L_Therese
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Official Review: Energy Dependence Day

Post by L_Therese »

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Energy Dependence Day" by Christian F. Burton.]
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On the surface, Energy Dependence Day by Christian F. Burton is about a terrorist attack. In this suspenseful thriller, the reader will follow the build-up to a major terrorist strike on United States soil. The reader will witness how the perpetrators are recruited and planted near their target sites, and then how they execute their missions. Mr. Burton shows his readers the networks that plan, fund, and carry out these feats of violence in very believable detail.

What is more remarkable, though, is the way Mr. Burton selects and portrays his characters. Throughout the book, the focus shifts in short chapters from one character to another, allowing the reader to see through many different pairs of eyes. The reader is permitted to look into the mind of ordinary women from both Saudi Arabia and the United States, foreign intelligence operatives in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian law enforcement, informants, reluctant terrorists, repentant terrorists, enthusiastic terrorists, and resigned terrorists.The variety of perspectives gives the book an intricacy that brings the problems between the United States and the Middle East, as well as the problems within the Middle East, into the light of complexity that they truly merit.

After reading a book like this, the reader is sure to adopt a more measured perspective on the violence that engulfs international affairs. It would be impossible to argue in total favor of the United States’ policies, and likewise, it would be impossible to argue in total opposition to the same. Yet, Mr. Burton doesn’t abandon his reader to this ethical and political debate, but provides wisdom through the mouths of his characters to show his reader how he sees the problem, and what he wishes the solution could be, were it only possible. (I won’t give that one away. Read the book.) Most of the characters are very much a product of their environments, and this distinction from true inhumanity is a crucial truth that is too frequently missing from American political discussion.

But beyond the theoretical reasons why this book is so excellent, it bears mentioning that it is also incredibly well-written. Each character has his or her own voice, and the thought processes that drive them are subtly apparent, such that the reader can believe in the feasible existence of each character. Moreover, the book is character-driven, rather than plot-driven, which is a break from the norm for the political thriller/suspense-type genre. It is abundantly clear that the book is intended to be true to life, and in my opinion, it has succeeded.

I am happy to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. In addition to capturing the reader, Energy Dependence Day will also provoke thoughtful discussion of events and trends that affect our daily lives. Mr. Burton shows his readership the value of considering the consequences of actions, not just to oneself, but also to those on the peripheries. Anyone who has watched the news in the last 13 years, this book is for you.

***
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ALRyder
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Post by ALRyder »

By your last comment I suppose I already know the answer to what I'm about to ask, but I will ask anyway; do you think someone who doesn't normally read the genre, but is still open to it, would like this book?
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L_Therese
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Post by L_Therese »

I'd say it's certainly worth trying. If it gets too intense or confusing, you could always put it down or find a reading buddy with whom to talk about it. It would be a shame to let this book go unread if you have the opportunity to try it.
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ALRyder
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Post by ALRyder »

Ah, I probably wouldn't have an issue with it being intense or confusing. I just don't pick up a lot of Political Thrillers. I haven't read very many because a lot of them don't catch my interest; I'm a little more picky with the genre. I'm the same way with Legal Thrillers. It's interesting, because I really like Historical Thrillers. I may have to give this one a try to see if it's as good as you say though.
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Post by TrishaAnn92 »

Not a genre I normally venture into but it certainly sounds interesting!
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Post by kio »

Not my usual venture, but it sound pretty good!
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Post by CapeBretonBookLover »

I could see this book being very popular, especially due to the recent tragic events such as the Israel ground invasion and the Malaysian airplane crash in Russia. The cover and description are also very interesting.
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Post by sahmoun2778 »

This sounds like a good story. I always appreciate an author who can show events from multiple viewpoints. After all, we don't live in a vacuum.
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Post by Sunjay »

As long as the books are interesting, i dont care of genres. I like the book and im interested in governement. I cant wait to read this book. So many books that i want to read but theres a little bit of time. The review one of the best so far i had read. Thanks
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Post by chrishegan »

This approach reminds me of Kurosawa's seminal film Rashomon, the story of a rape and murder recounted from the self-serving viewpoints of the individual participants. In the end the ghost of the murdered woman ... well, I won't tell you. Fish out the flick; very clever. As a writer I've often toyed with using this approach. Look forward to seeing how Burton handles it.
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Post by H0LD0Nthere »

This does sound different. I've tried a few political thrillers, but they always tend to bore me with an overemphasis on Machiavellian intrigue that degenerates into nothing but action with no character development. Whereas such thrillers could be so rich on the character side. I would never have picked up this book were it not for your review, but now I'd be willing to give it a go.
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Aan Granados
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Post by Aan Granados »

This sounds great. I love political thrillers and espionage. Thanks for your review.
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Post by Amy Luman »

I love suspense/thrillers. Terrorism is something that I am interested in, too. I really want to be able to understand why some think violence is the only option.
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Post by Wayne Njoroge »

This looks intriguing. But I think I will take a pass on this book. Thank you for the review.
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Post by Anna Bookowski »

Again a book on terrorism... I understand that this is an important issue and true danger, but I feel so tired of it. Thanks for a great review anyway.
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