We recently received a great review from James Erickson of “The Great Separation”:

” I have read and admired the writings and the political understanding of authors of the stature of Manchester, McCullough and Sanberg, but I have never read a volume with the enlightened understanding of the American political system as demonstrated by the anonymous Dr, John Doe in his marvelous satirical volume entitled, The Great Separation.

” Dr. Doe must have been clairvoyant when he authored The Great Separation, for I cannot imagine a book being more timely, more appropriate or more meaningful than this brilliant satirical analysis of the current political scene in America.  While he would have had to have written it before the current political campaign was even begun, his hysterical portrayal of a fictional campaign could not more closely mirror what the nation is currently experiencing.

“It is a must read for political junkies caught up in the current U.S. Presidential campaigns, even though it is captured in a different time and a different place.  And no book could be more timely, as the nation faces the most controversial and the angriest Presidential race in its history.  It is also a volume that is certain to offend everyone on the right and on the left of the political spectrum, with those of conservative leanings taking an even greater beating.  While no direct reference is made to the current Clinton, Trump, Sanders campaigns, it would not take a rocket scientist to see the comparisons to those serving in the Presidential roles in this book.

“There are no sacred cows in this book.  Dr. Doe analyzes every issue from abortion rights to homosexuality, from global warming to fracking, and from civil rights to immigration reform, and in the process he takes no prisoners.  He sees flaws in our political system that are ignored by the establishment leaders on both sides of the political spectrum.

“His ‘Red State’ – ‘Blue State’ depictions are satirical, but ironically accurate.  The Red State designation of ‘Guns, God and Greed’ and his Blue State symbols of ‘Science, Socialism and Serenity’ capture the essence of these vastly divergent views which perfectly identify our two major political parties.  The setting of a natural tragedy centered on the U.S. Supreme Court sets the ideal stage for the dual presidencies representing the two political parties.  But what follows is a hilarious portrayal of something that might actually be plausible in this crazy and frenzied political climate in which the nation now finds itself in 2016.  The author, obviously a political science scholar of the highest magnitude, even goes as far as to name controversial programs in honor of Richard Cheney and  Donald Trump, thus obviously anticipating events yet to come when he authored this months earlier.

“At first review, the reader may question whether the author has gone much too far in exaggerating a ridiculous political scenario that defies all reason and logic.  But as one observes the unfolding of the current Presidential races in each party, he sees how plausible and realistic this creative and visionary author might be.

“Again, if one is a political aficionado who appreciates satire and humor, this is a volume that cannot be put down,  it is clever, creative, innovative, sophisticated and highly entertaining.  But it should also provide stimulation and great enjoyment for the intellectual, the enlightened and the reasoned student of politics who will see how accurately the author captures the political world of today, and perhaps tomorrow as well.

“I am one who began his career as a political reporter for a prominent news service and went on to become involved in higher education administration and teaching for over 50 years, and I am a prolific reader of political novels.  And I find this a must read for those attempting to find the answers to the problems and issues confronting our political and governmental leaders of today. And The Great Separation may in fact be the most stimulating and fascinating critique of that political system that I have read in that half century of analysis of such volumes.”

—James Erickson, June 2016