A farcical look at the role of guns in our society and imagines a day when gun ownership becomes mandatory. This thought-provoking premise poses a lot of interesting intrigue and imagines changes in day-to-day living from several different points of view. An interesting read for sure... ( )

'Big Guns' is yet another winning political satire from a guy who sounds way too smart to have spent 16 years in Congress, Steve Israel. This time the topic is gun control, or almost its exact opposite in that an idea hatched by a gun manufacturer to pass a law requiring universal gun ownership gets traction and suddenly becomes a cause celebre by the right. It's played out against a small town mayoral election in the Hamptons, which pits a female longtime lefty mayor against an aging movie star. I know, it sounds silly and it is, but Mr. Israel is a fine writer who drops insights into the inner workings of DC politics all over the place for our enjoyment. ( )

Steve Israel spent 16 years in the US House of Representatives, plus being the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. To say that he is acquainted with the political process would be a gross understatement. To say that he unfamiliar with the lures of the lobby process would be equally ridiculous. To say that he has created a story promulgating the best defense is a strong, obscure offense would be to simplify the storyline of his new book, Big Guns, A Novel. Israel has chosen the very timely topic of gun violence and translated it into a civics lesson on how not to accomplish anything in all branches of our government.

A long time ago there was a subject taught in American Schools called Social Studies. That subject has been largely lost basically guaranteeing that young American students never have to take a course in the basics of their government. In place of Social Studies this books should be required reading for graduation from High School. It might just begin to explain the incredibly ridiculous and corrupt workings of our government, how things are done, how deals are made and the resultant insanity. Oh, you want to remind me that this book is a work of fiction, maybe, but probably it is closer to truth.

Funny in places, outrageous in others, Israel has political satire as a weapon in his back pocket and from the ending it appears that he will be reprising this theme.

Thank You NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC

Former Congressman Steve Israel takes on the gun issue in this satirical novel of American politics. Could he be any more prescient? Amusing laugh out loud moments are poignantly reflective of the current state of our country and our government. Should be required reading in all civics classes…except we really don’t have civics classes any more, do we? ( )

Talk about a timely book! One city bans guns, and in reaction, a congressman introduces a bill to require all citizens to own a gun. Israel covers the absolute insanity of both sides of the gun control debate, the incredible dysfunction of our government, and the people caught in the middle. All while delivering a highly readable and enjoyable story. The novel moves along rapidly, sucking you in the whole way. I can't wait for the next installment, but I understand that the issue is still developing, and no one can yet know what strange twists and turns will be taken. This book should be required reading for all American citizens, both pro gun, anti gun, and those who have no opinion. It probably won't change anyone's core beliefs, but it would sure be helpful to be able to at least realize that there is more than one side to the story. Highly recommend! ( )