Review of Incentives
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Elaine Fowler
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- Latest Review: Incentives by George Frankllin
Review of Incentives
[Following is a volunteer review of "Incentives" by George Frankllin.]
In George Franklin’s new novel Incentive: The Holy Water of Free Enterprise, he takes readers on a hilarious romp through the world of political grift. As a former lobbyist and government relations executive for the Kellogg company, Franklin has been both spectator and participant in a world where enrichment at the expense of the government can be very lucrative for those who play the game well. Irony, sarcasm, outlandish characters, and a quick wit all combine to make this tale comical from beginning to end.
Readers are first introduced to the author’s fictional counterpart, Red Johassen, an economic incentive executive from Michigan with a marginally successful career. At this point in his life, Red wants something more, something big in his life, not only for him but his equally unsatisfied wife, Igrid, a pastor in “The Path Forward Church,” a new age group espousing “Christian Capitalism.” Through luck, chance, and working a system he knows so well, Red brings together a motley group of characters that include a corrupt oilman, two drug dealers from Tampa, and two politicians in their last terms, scared of losing all the perks that come with the job. This ensemble is complete with the addition of two Irish boys whose mothers proudly drank while pregnant, and two Georgia boys whose only talent seems to be drinking and urinating on themselves while passing out in bars. Through pure luck and happenstance, the latter two wind up as national heroes and eventually the hosts of America’s Most Wanted. “Government Subsidized Capitalism” at its finest is on display throughout this book. Once Red connects all the dots and bring this odd assortment of opportunistic wolves together, they all descend on the tiny town of Glenn, Michigan, a depressing place whose dire economic situation makes the town a perfect opportunity for exploitation.
The most positive aspect of this novel is the author’s style of writing. The outlandish nature of the characters and the absurd situations they find themselves in will keep readers entertained all while making them forget that this type of grift goes on in real life. A seedy oil baron with a reputation for being “the dirtiest man alive,” evolves into a hero for the environment, and drug dealers turn into “ganjapreneurs” selling potent edibles all under the guise of a minority Health initiative. There is no end to the grift; however, the sarcasm and quick wit that permeate this novel make watching hard earned tax money enrich criminals very funny.
The only negative aspect of this story is that toward the end, some of the situations become a little farfetched. The idea of Michigan’s governor finding himself belly up in the water and being towed to shore is a bit much and so is the governor’s relationship with his girlfriend Matilda. Her complete transformation from concerned citizen advocate to a raving lunatic all because of some edibles seems a bit silly, but it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this story.
This book is well edited, and it’s obvious that the writer speaks from experience. He knows how the system works, and readers see that on display. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to laugh, particularly at the absurdities that pervade this nation’s political system, one that often invites and encourages opportunists to take advantage. This is a great read. I give this book four out of four stars.
******
Incentives
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In George Franklin’s new novel Incentive: The Holy Water of Free Enterprise, he takes readers on a hilarious romp through the world of political grift. As a former lobbyist and government relations executive for the Kellogg company, Franklin has been both spectator and participant in a world where enrichment at the expense of the government can be very lucrative for those who play the game well. Irony, sarcasm, outlandish characters, and a quick wit all combine to make this tale comical from beginning to end.
Readers are first introduced to the author’s fictional counterpart, Red Johassen, an economic incentive executive from Michigan with a marginally successful career. At this point in his life, Red wants something more, something big in his life, not only for him but his equally unsatisfied wife, Igrid, a pastor in “The Path Forward Church,” a new age group espousing “Christian Capitalism.” Through luck, chance, and working a system he knows so well, Red brings together a motley group of characters that include a corrupt oilman, two drug dealers from Tampa, and two politicians in their last terms, scared of losing all the perks that come with the job. This ensemble is complete with the addition of two Irish boys whose mothers proudly drank while pregnant, and two Georgia boys whose only talent seems to be drinking and urinating on themselves while passing out in bars. Through pure luck and happenstance, the latter two wind up as national heroes and eventually the hosts of America’s Most Wanted. “Government Subsidized Capitalism” at its finest is on display throughout this book. Once Red connects all the dots and bring this odd assortment of opportunistic wolves together, they all descend on the tiny town of Glenn, Michigan, a depressing place whose dire economic situation makes the town a perfect opportunity for exploitation.
The most positive aspect of this novel is the author’s style of writing. The outlandish nature of the characters and the absurd situations they find themselves in will keep readers entertained all while making them forget that this type of grift goes on in real life. A seedy oil baron with a reputation for being “the dirtiest man alive,” evolves into a hero for the environment, and drug dealers turn into “ganjapreneurs” selling potent edibles all under the guise of a minority Health initiative. There is no end to the grift; however, the sarcasm and quick wit that permeate this novel make watching hard earned tax money enrich criminals very funny.
The only negative aspect of this story is that toward the end, some of the situations become a little farfetched. The idea of Michigan’s governor finding himself belly up in the water and being towed to shore is a bit much and so is the governor’s relationship with his girlfriend Matilda. Her complete transformation from concerned citizen advocate to a raving lunatic all because of some edibles seems a bit silly, but it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this story.
This book is well edited, and it’s obvious that the writer speaks from experience. He knows how the system works, and readers see that on display. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to laugh, particularly at the absurdities that pervade this nation’s political system, one that often invites and encourages opportunists to take advantage. This is a great read. I give this book four out of four stars.
******
Incentives
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Incentives by George Frankllin
