State of the Union

I picked this at random and was very pleased. It had lots of action and also a lot of realistic behavior from our hero (and some action that definitely stretched my imagination!). I read this in a day and was sad to see no more novels by this author.

I found a remainder hard copy of the book for $4.95 and figured even though I never heard of the author, what could I loose. Suprisingly, it was an excellect story, it was written just as well as Tom Clancy could have done with about half the pages as Clancy would use - and the characters were all well developed. A newly honored war hero (Lieutenant Turzin) is recruited into the pentagon by Sherman (a former presidential canidate) and Admiral Forsten (vise chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff) to assist them in their personal plans. Upon realizing their possible treasoness behavior and falling in love with Sherman's mistress, Turzin has a lot of serious work cut out for himself.

Callahan's story and writing is great, but what makes this audiobook is the outstanding performance by Michael Beck! Beck brings to audio what John Wayne, Bogart and Louis Gossett, Jr. brought to the silver screen with a dash of Rich Little. Beck really makes the story come alive. His ability to produce a voice for each of the characters, including the women, is nothing short of fantastic. Do not miss this performance!

The book starts with a Grisham approach you would find in "The Firm". A hero gets a top job in the Pentagon and is lured by his respect to his boss. Then somewhere in the middle, the book turns into a fast pace Clancy. I read the book in three days. Something I haven't done in a long time. In fact I spent four hours transfixed on the last chapters as the plot begins to unfold. Keep it up Mr. Callahan. You're a natural.

I find political/military intrigue interesting and this story fills the bill. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of novel. A good read, I could hardly put it down.