Iowa Author’s Peace Novel Even More Relevant Today
By Meta Hogan
“Joe
Coffee's Revolution” is about an idealistic political neophyte trying
to participate in big-time American politics. He is a Democrat trying
to tell the truth in Iowa.
Book Review: “Joe Coffee's Revolution” by Mike Palecek
by Meta Hogan, Voice of Olympia, Olympia, Washington
It is
always refreshing to read about creative, compassionate people who are
working to effect positive change against great odds. It's almost as
inspiring as being around such people. But “Joe Coffee's Revolution” is
anything but inspiring. Don't get me wrong – the story is
substantial and satisfying. The characters' lives are full of palpable
detail, handled deftly by the author. Palecek's greatest talent lies in
his ability to depict the ordinariness of life. Many of the
scenes arein real time, grinding along at the pace of the characters' days, full
of the irrelevant details that mortals must endure. Coffee cups are
handed across tables, food is chewed, doors slammed, children listened
to, movies rented, trucks thrown into reverse in muddy driveways. After
a few chapters of Palecek's tender attention to the characters' small
lives, readers will feel the same itch for revolution that the
characters give into. By the end of the book, we are so familiar with
the characters' bodily space and personal experience that it is almost
physically painful when the [end comes]. It is a good read….
The
action in this book is far removed from the powers that govern it,
making the characters even more helpless, not only to effect change,
but even to defend their very lives. People planning to challenge the
status quo should be informed about the difficulties they will
potentially face. They should be aware that powerful, well-organized
opponents await them, and that even their allies have a built-in
resistance to change.
You can order your copy of “Joe Coffee’s Revolution” at www.iowapeace.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
Mike
Palecek lives with his family in northwest Iowa. He was the Iowa
Democratic Party nominee for the United States House of
Representatives, Fifth District, in the 2000 election. He received
67,500 votes on an anti-military, anti-prison, pro-Hispanic platform in
a conservative district. His novel, “Joe Coffee's Revolution,” gives a
fictional account of his campaign experience.
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