This Town

This political bomb of a book proves that no matter how many times you've lost an election, been indicted, or been caught in a scandal or no matter how cynical you are, you can still raise cash and be a player in our nation's capital. Further, the media will report every word and record every move. Joe Barrett narrates with a seriousness of purpose and a voice to match. He's formal and deliberate, and his slightly raspy delivery endows the work with authority. The problem is that this book cries out for sarcasm and elasticity, and Barrett doesn't have that kind of voice. Barrett does have his moments when he comes alive, but his overall approach is not a good fit for a savagely critical volume. R.I.G. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine