Author:  Glenn Beck
Title:  The Overton Window
Publisher:  Threshold Editions 

First a little political theory—the Overton Window refers to the acceptable spectrum of public responses to ideas and opinions on any particular issue. Take, for example, the use of synthesized pianos, electric guitars and drums in Sunday morning church services. Not too many years ago it would have been unthinkable to have a band leading the music from the same stage as a minister's pulpit. But the usage of these instruments, as well as the style of music, has shifted through the degrees of public acceptance—from unthinkable to radical, then acceptable, sensible, popular and now where it is almost regarded as religious policy.

How do you manipulate a culture shift like this? One way is to publicize extreme viewpoints in an effort to change public opinion and shift the window to include or move toward a belief system. Not only has Glenn Beck named his new book after this political theory, he uses The Overton Window himself in an attempt to change the political debate in our country, or at least with his readers.

Second, the definition of "faction"—Beck suggests this is the genre for his novel since it both enlightens like a nonfiction book and entertains like a thriller. He says his book has its plot rooted in fact.  Others disagree. Comedy Central's website suggests that Beck is shifting from being the "best-selling author of paranoid political opinion to best-selling author of paranoid political fiction." They certainly have the best-selling point down; Beck is celebrating that in its first week over 132,000 hardback copies were sold.

From the very beginning I didn't like this book. I've read my share of political thrillers including all of Tom Clancy's novels and nearly all of Robert Ludlum's expansive library. I can put up with some far-fetched plots for the sake of a well-told yarn. I'll even let myself get carried away by a good conspiracy story if it is entertaining. What I can't stomach is fear-based propaganda and preaching—and that is exactly what is served up in The Overton Window. There are pages full of out-of-context quotes, pseudo-history lessons and long soliloquies from the characters. They come across as extremely biased and only telling one side of the story—not unlike some radio programs you can tune in to these days. I'd say it is more fraction than faction.

The story centers around Noah Gardner, a public relations executive and the privileged son of a megalomaniac billionaire (Arthur Gardner), who carries significant political weight. On the opposite side of the spectrum is Noah's (sort of) girlfriend, Molly Ross, an anti-government activist who has infiltrated the Gardner PR firm in order to steal their one-world government secrets. Schizophrenic Noah bounces back and forth from being a cocky, street-wise, New York lawyer to bumbling, easy-to-manipulate cad—Arthur treats him as a puppet, while Molly strings him along like a marionette. Unfortunately the story ends with a setup for a sequel. Beck even scarily suggests there could be Star Wars-esque prequels.

Beck writes, "I know this book will be controversial; anything that causes people to think usually is. In this case, I hope that you are forced not only to think, but also to research, read history, and ask questions outside of your comfort zone." At least to me, this book wasn't about creating dialog, it was just another way to push an agenda.

Bottom line, fans of his radio show, The Glenn Beck Program, will recognize the speeches and love this book. Those who don't will wail and gnash their teeth at this politicalized version of Left Behind.

 
**This review first published on July 1, 2010.