No Way to Treat a First Lady

This was the first Buckley novel I have listened to, but since then have listened to two others. Each one starts off with a great premise and loads of roman a clef characters, countries, etc.

But this one, like the other two, peters out at the end.

The author knows how to set up the situation, but once having written himself into a corner, doesn't know how to get out.

It's as if he suddenly realized that the manuscript is due and so he ends if without any of the cleverness and care taken in the beginning of the book.

But as pure ear-candy, it's not that bad. And the narrator of this book is quite good.

It is a laugh riot. Just enjoy. Amazing. Do not think too much, use your book credit on this it is worth more then 2 of them!

If there is a single American value, belief or icon that isn't parodied, teased and lampooned in this book, I missed it. Buckley takes aim at every sacred cow grazing in comtemporary America. Some miss the mark, many make you smile, a few lead to out loud laughter. The surprising thing about this book was the story. The unfortunate President was a not too thinly disguised combination of JFK and Bill Clinton with a Hillary look alike, including the law degree, as the First Lady. Marilyn Monroe shows up in a strong supporting role. Buckley is even able to morph a sleazy lawyer into a sympathetic character. While all this sounds like a cast for the theater of the absurd satire, it developed into a real page turner. My biggest surprise is that I got totally involved in the story, and the smiles, laughs and groans became a pleasant bonus.

It is certainly not great literature but then again not much is. It is a nice respite for the compulsive mystery/thriller addict.

If you're looking for the next tome on what's wrong with the world, how to make money without trying, or by-the-numbers sadists trying to destroy the world, you need Christopher Buckley to teach you how to listen to a book and just LAUGH. Oh, the rest of us need it too. The guy is hilarious. I don't recommend driving while you listen, it could be hazardous to your health. If you have no sense of humour, don't waste your money because you'll hate it, but maybe Buckley can teach you something about enjoying your life more.

This was an enjoyable trip into the private life of the President and First Lady. I found myself laughing out loud while listening. The mix of mystery and light hearted comedy was very refreshing and entertaining. I didn't need to strain and follow many different and confusing characters and plots, just sit back and enjoy the entertainment. The main character of Boyce Baylor was a combination of wealthy arrogance, humor and sarcasm. This character reminds me very much of Andy Carpenter in the David Rosenfelt books. In fact, both authors have used Grover Gardner as the reader who is great. Mr. Gardner does a wonderful job of switching characters and really had me convinced that he was that character. I think Mr. Gardner has really found his niche as the wise cracking, sarcastic rich attorney as well as the other colorful characters of the story. After listening to all of David Rosenfelt's books, I felt starved for more of the type of humor and mystery mix and found it in this book. Please mr. Buckley, give us more of the Boyce Baylor character and use the excellent reading of Grover Gardner. Loved it!

You really just can't "put it down". The last time I gave 5 stars to a book was 4 years ago, and finaly this book is worth 5 and more.
It has satire (smart), mystery (which is constantly developing! a thriller!), romance (not over or under done), and the rare thing is that they all work together without weakening the book. Worth reading!

Yes, the lighthearted look at serious yet preposterous situations makes it not just a good listen, but also a pleasant one that put me in a good mood.

The tone was good for the material, slightly dry but acknowledging the humor.

I have only recently started reading Christopher Buckley. This was second one after Boomssay, which inloved. The combination of humor, serious yet ridiculous topics, a smart wit, and good characters make his books a real treat and I will be reading all of them.

There are often occasions when I want to read something humorous yet smart. Other options for these occasions are Carl Hiassin, Tom Robbins, Christopher Moore. Buckley isn't really like these authors but he fills a similar need for me.

No one can write about DC politics better than Christopher Buckley.
I doubt anyone could make an 'act of congress' any funnier than he.

If you've had your ears open and your eye on the news over the last decade, you will have fun relating Buckley's "fictional" characters to real life newsmakers. It's a terrific plot with a good pace but less than satisfying ending. Definitely a good read.

Great story, great twists and turns in story line... nothing is sacred. Perfectly funny and hard to put down.