The Man from Somalia, Citizen of the World

Scott's fictional account of Barack Obama's rise to power is thinly disguised and embarrassing. In the novel%E2%80%94allegedly written by a longtime associate of the president%E2%80%94Barack's name is Bret, while the author coyly refers to Michelle as Marcia "for reasons of delicacy." Key politicos are featured, including a chief of staff named "Saul" and Secretary of State "Helena Clayton." Although the plot follows real-life events, Scott admits he's happy to fill in blanks "with abundant gossip." Scott's assessments of the players are concise and biting. Marcia has an "uncommon capacity to influence things under her sway." Bret's cabinet%E2%80%94assembled to "look like America"%E2%80%94is purported to include a transvestite, although Scott notes dryly, "I never saw any sign of %E2%80%98cross dressing.'" As might be expected, Scott's evaluation of the Obama administration is negative. Scott compares Bret's response to the "war on terror" to "finding a solution to a puzzle which has no answer." And while Obama's story has yet to be determined, in Scott's world, not surprisingly, it ends in a violent maelstrom. If Scott was hoping to emulate the brilliance of William F. Buckley Jr., he fell far short. This is pure partisan fiction; line up accordingly, to either purchase or pass.