Customer Reviews

The Best Laid Plans

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Well, I certainly agree with those who said this book isn't very funny. I've been struggling with this book for over a month now. It tries but just doesn't cut it. For humour it can't compare to the Leacock Awrd winner Ian Ferguson's, 'Village of the Small Houses", a man who I think is funnier than his brother Will.

A fun and good read. You know what is going to happen very quickly, but don't know how. Fallis makes it an interesting road to travel down. As a "below the 48º'er, I found the contrast bewteen governments intersting. Bought it for my US book club.

This book manages to walk comfortably a very fine and funny line between taking a serious look at Canada's political system, warts and all, and telling a truly funny story. It could have so easily slipped into the cynical and rediculous, but it instead makes us want to root for the system and the poor guy who is trying with all his might to run a losing campaign. It is sensative, fun, an easy read and leaves you wanting more. Humour may be the hardest thing to write, but Fallis has a knack that forces you at points to laugh out loud. His description (using Parliamentarty language) of the finding his girlfiend in an her MPs office late at night engaged in "proceedings" is a classic that will be quoted for years by anyone who has ever worked in Parliament.

Buy this book for anyone you know who has an interest in Parliament. Buy it for anyone you know who has an interest in politics. Buy it, even for those we all know who are cynics about our political system. It will make them laugh out loud and make them care about our democracy.

If you're Canadian and into Canadian politics, you just might like this book. There are jokes in here, and some of them are actually funny. The premise is basically "what would happen if somebody who didn't care if they were elected actually was elected, and didn't owe anything to anyone, and could just speak their mind and do whatever they thought was best". Of course, that wouldn't necessarily be a good thing, but in this book it is. The Scottish thing is a little weird if you're not Scottish, but that's pretty minor.

I'm often disappointed in books by Canadian authors, especially those that win prizes. However, this one is excellent!!! Well written, excellent turns of phrase and most important of all, funny! Humor is the most difficult kind of writing but this author knows his stuff. A very appropriate read after our stunning Federal election. Highly recommended!

Daniel Addison, the narrator, decides to quit his job as head speechwriter for the opposition leader to teach English at the University of Ottawa. As a condition for deserting his beloved Liberal Party, Daniel promises to find a candidate for a local riding held by the popular Conservative Finance Minister. In desperation, Daniel promises an old professor that he will teach his English for Engineers' class in exchange for the professor's name on the ballot. On the campaign team, he's joined by a retired candidate living in a senior's home and two punk alternative students from his English class. It seems like an unlikely winning combination but of course, the outcome is not as predictable as anticipated. 'Best Laid Plans' is an enjoyable romp that takes the predictable and still makes it fun.

Terry: Thank you for having the confidence to self-publish this book in 2007! I chose the book for my book club to read this April after listening to "Canada Reads". I am looking forward to their comments. Who knew we would be in an Election now! Very timely to be reading this book at this time! One needs a laugh at Politics! The characters are colourful personalities and entertaining in their own way. Angus McLintock's conversations to his wife were heart warming and one would not have expected that from him. This book is the most entertaining book I have read since the Millenium series. My husband was wondering why I was laughing so much. He decided to read it and is laughing too. "The High Road" is another great read!! Keep on writing. Faye

This is not a book I would normally choose for myself, but it was actually pretty hilarious! Once you really get into it, you won't be able to put it down. I definitely recommend this book.

The Best Laid Plans is a completely satisfying novel. The narration flows easily, the characters are recognizable and the plot is compelling. Best of all, the battle between political ideologies is fought by equally strong opponents and the outcome is a complete surprise. The descriptions of Parliament Hill from behind the scenes were fascinating. I especially enjoyed the glimpses of real political maneuvering. Obviously written by someone "in-the-know". Highly recommended.

The Best Laid Plans has to be one of the best books this year. The author has an insiders knowledge of the Canadian political system. Without boring us with the day to day minutae he is able to give us a clear picture of what is wrong with the system and lets us form our own opinions on how it might be changed. Mr. Fallis has a delightful sense of humour and has no difficulty letting us in on the joke. How wonderful life would be if only we really did have a few politicians such as are described in this book. I shall be seeking more books by this author.