The Talk Show

by Dr Joe Wenke

Someone is following Jack Winthrop-most likely the gunman who tried to kill America's most controversial talk show host, Abraham Lincoln Jones. Ever since that fateful night when Jones called Winthrop with his audacious proposal, life has never been the same. Winthrop, an award-winning New York Times reporter who calls the Tit for Tat strip club his second home, agreed to collaborate on Jones' national "Emancipation Tour." The plan is to bring Jones' passion for radical change to the people and transcend television by meeting America face to face. Now Winthrop has to survive long enough to make the tour a reality. As the reach of his stalker spreads, so does the fear that Winthrop's unconventional family is also in danger-Rita Harvey, the gentle transgender ex-priest and LGBT activist; Slow Mo, the massive vegetarian bouncer; and Donna, stripper and entrepreneurial prodigy-as well as the woman who is claiming his heart, media expert Danielle Jackson. Steeped in the seamy underbelly of New York City, The Talk Show is a fast-paced and mordantly funny thriller that examines how the forces of nihilism threaten our yearning for love, family and acceptance.

Genres: LGBT

348 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2014

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Goodreads First Reads and author Joe Wenke for the good fortune of winning this wonderful book! Author Joe Wenke is a terrific author, one of the best that I have come across. He is able to set a scene brilliantly, putting the reader right in the action. This book was a thought provoking commentary on our country, our society, and humankind in general, set in an exciting storyline. His characters are terrific, amongst them are a lesbian transsexual Catholic priest, strippers, and a larger than life charismatic talk show host, as well as some real bad guys. These strange characters could have been cartoon people, but Wenke fleshed them out turning them into real people. This book has a lot of say, and I recommend that anybody who cares about the future of our society should read it.

[Marjorie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review



The Talk Show: A Novel by Joe Wenke was not at all what I had expected. There were way too many foul words used all throughout. I could not finish the book. Foul words are not constantly needed to make something funny. I can't recommend this one, so readers you are on your own with this book.

[Jay Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wenke is brilliant, imaginative and insightful. He tells a great story .Unfortunately, with a PhD in English he must frighten his editor. The story could have been 20 pages shorter without losing a thing. It is still a good read, but could have been great.

[JMV · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received from NetGalley for a honest review. The Talk Show maybe for a lot of people but I don't think that's me. I really tried to get into it but found it hard to keep my attention. I do think if this is your style ( like a lot of other reviews) go for it. Just wasn't for me.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abe Jones is a controversial person.but he has masterminded the Emancipation Tour. Abe had called jack who was a Pulitzer winning journalist who worked for the N Y Times. Abe wants jack to collaborate on Abe’s national Emancipation tour. - a traveling talk show. Abe believes this tour will bring back truth to the American people. Jack helped Abe to design his program for the tour. Jack was in the audience when Abe was shot where Abe had his speaking engagement. Jack thought he had seen two shooters aim at Abe. Jack looked away for a minute and one shooter was gone. Jack swore he would find out who shot Abe. Jack’s second home was the Tit For Tat Strip Club. Jack has some people helping him try to solve this puzzle like Don who is a former homicide detective for NYPD also Danny who is a media expert. Then don is found dead in his apartment. Jack fears he has endangered his second family including Donna who is a stripper and has Jack’s heart.
I didn’t really care for this story for several reasons. First I thought there was way too much swearing you don’t need all that kind of language to get your point across.Although the writing was good considering. There was also a lot of racial slurs.The writing style was a little weird as far as I am concerned and for some reason I didn’t enjoy it. The story was also slow moving for the most part and I had a lot of problems keeping any interest in this story. I was disappointed with this story.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Talk Show by Joe Wenke

348 Pages
Publisher: Trans Uber LLC
Release Date: October 15, 2014

Fiction, Politics, Strip Club, Transgender, LGBTQIA+

Jack Winthrop has two Pulitzer Prizes. Abraham Lincoln Jones (ALJ) is a controversial talk show host. He contacts Jack and offers him a partnership to take the Emancipation Tour across the country talking about hot topics. ALJ and Senator Jason Bradley are shot in Manhattan. It was a warning. Jack thought he saw two shooters but cannot be sure. Now he is being targeted by Speck, a guy who also frequents the Tit for Tat strip club. When he asks others to help find out the truth, he unknowingly puts them in danger.

The story jumps around and had a slow pace. I found it hard to follow. The language is very crude – there is a lot of cursing. There are interesting characters including a transgendered woman who was a priest. I wish it was a little cleaner and written smoother. It was written in the third person point of view. It might have been a better read.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited about getting this one to read, but I have to say I was sort of disappointed. The language is not the best and some of what the characters believed in is not my cup of tea, but that is just my opinion. Others may really like this one so you should give it a shot for yourself! Sorry!

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abraham Abe Lincoln Jones (ALJ, African American, talk show host) was quite the flamboyant & controversial individual.
He was the master-mind behind the Emancipation Tour.
The speaking/rally engagement was close by the Plaza Hotel & Sherry-Netherland Hotel.
Abe’s life was ended that day by a sniper or 2 maybe.

Jack Winthrop (NY Times reporter) swore he would figure out who did the assassination & bring justice/closure to the matter.
Jack’s favorite hangout was the Tit for Tat strip club.
Manny Snider was the owner, Donna Marone (stripper) managed the place/girls; Sheila (stripper) Robin (stripper), & Bree (stripper). Slow Mo was the vegetarian bouncer. Karina is Sheila’s daughter.

The Gay Religious Action Committee for Equality (GRACE) was held on St. Patrick’s Day,
Captain Frank McCarthy (NYP/D) arrested Jack, Rita Harvey (transgender ex-priest, LGBT? activist) & several others.
Don Germany (aka Felix Quinn, ex-homicide detective NYP/D) is helping Jack figure out who the killer(s) are.
Danielle Jackson (media expert, aka Danny) is helping Jack piece the puzzle together also.
A Speck name keeps popping up?

Manny sells the place to Donna, she partners with several others & hires Gerad (bouncer) Misty (stripper) & Z (stripper).
Don Germany is found dead in his lavish/luxurious apartment.
Fast forward the Emancipation tour of 12 cities is set. 1st stop Central Park. Mayor Hector Martinez, Jason Bradley & Sheena Bradley (wife, super model) are the honored guests.

Entertainment is provided by Anthony Baines aka Rocket man (High wire act), Yo Bitch (female rap group), & Spunk Gism (heavy metal band).

Who is Speck?

What a very fantastic intelligent author/writer & what he gives back to the GLBT? Communities.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dun-it crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great who-dun-it crime movie, or mini TV series. A book I couldn’t put down. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Tex Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 of 5 stars – Intelligent Satirical Suspense with a Diverse Cast.

I'm a fan of political thrillers, but I didn't know how much I was getting into a satirical, evangelical trip with this one.

Joe Wenke gave me an interesting story with nice, intelligent phrasing (like ALJ's almost evangelical, hip-hop dialogue) that built suspense slowly, keeping me engaged with his description of surroundings, characters and action. The satire (or cynicism) was spot on, but the cuts weren't too deep and uncomfortable - Wenke kept it pretty generic, but made his points. It was realistic, in a skeptical sort of way - it was real (down and dirty), didn't sugar coat things, and presented such things as a strip bar, its employees and its patrons in a everyone-takes-their-pants-off-one-leg-at-a-time way.

Wenke had some pretty complex characterizations, and I would have liked to see more of it in the minor characters to draw me more emotionally in. I love the diversity in race, gender, age, religion, sexuality, social status, professions, backgrounds, you name it. With all of that build up, though, I did feel the ending was almost a let down. What with all the nice hype, and some foreshadowing cueing me in on what might happen, it didn't quite come up to my high expectations, didn't engender the emotional reaction in me that it had with the people in the story itself. It was kind of like the author had to describe people getting excited to let me know that this was how excited I should be.

I haven't done this much, but let me vent for bit on a pet peeve. There are those who caution that this book is not for everyone, which is true. But every book is not for everyone, so this novel shouldn't be knocked or downrated because of that. This comment was mainly made, I believe, due to the offensive language. Counter to some, I didn't mind but expected the language to be off-color, so to speak - that's what can come with the realism and satire, and I went with the flow and humor and even applauded it. It provided some color to the story (sorry, again I can't stay away from the puns). It's unfortunate a book gets a low rating for being what it is. If it's good at it, it should get a decent rating (if it's a YA or light romance, then don't downgrade it for its YA or romance focus - same with satire/political suspense).

So, like every book, take into account the genre when considering this as a choice. And if you like this type, then this one is a good one. Amen.

[Rebecca Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing first, for all the readers out there looking for more diverse characters this might be the book for you. This novel contains wonderful three dimensional characters from different races and members of the LGBTQIA community. And honestly, just for that representation I have so much love for this book.

This story follows New York Times reporter Jack Winthrop. Late one night he receives a phone call from anti-Oprah, king of talk tv, Abraham Lincoln Jones. Jones wants Winthrop to join him on a traveling talk show, that will bring back the truth to America. However, before their plans can truly take off Jones is shot. Even though there were hundreds of people attending the African American Parade, Winthrop was the only one to witness two separate gunmen. The story revolves around Winthrop trying to uncover and find these would be assassins.

As I said before this book has a wide range of characters, Winthrop is one of them. We don’t receive an actual description of him until about 2/3 of the book. There is speculation on his sexuality but he doesn’t confirm or deny. His was very fluid in his sexuality, we see this when he talks about his sexual history or when he is about to engage in sex.

Besides Winthrop, we find out almost immediately that Jones himself is gay. The topless bar that Wnthrop sees as his sex home, the Tit for Tat, is filled with character that bisexuals and homosexual.

A character that stands out for me is Father Rita. She was an ordained priest for many years in the catholic church but she underwent her gender reassignment surgery. Rita is the leader of G.R.A.C.E. which is a lgbtqia group that want to be represented in their catholic community. She is so naive and good. She is a wonderful juxtaposition to the scandalous things going on at the Tit.

I am giving this book a B. I thought the writing was great. It brought up a lot of hard subjects and dealt with them in a sad but realistic manner. I really hope there is a sequel on its way, because this book left me wanting more.

Warning: This book contains a lot of racial slurs, members of the lgbtqia community, ignorant people, references to/casual sex. If these things make you uncomfortable this might not be the book for you. However, I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone.

[Connie Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book to read and give my honest review. At first, I didn't know if I could continue on. There was gratuitous, constant hard core swearing. But I really got into the book big time when I realized that the main character wasn't Abraham Lincoln Jones, the radical talk show host turned activist of sorts. He was just too full of himself. The main character was the New York Times journalist, Jack Winthrop, who was teaming up with ALJ for a tour: talk directly to the American people. If you have read "King of the World", this plot line reminded me of that book.

Here is where the book really peaks my interest. Jack Winthrop was in the audience when a gunman (or was it two? He thought he saw two) took aim at Jones while he was on a stage after a parade. Jack saw two different guns aiming for Jones, but Winthrop looked away for just a moment, and the 2nd gunman (who did not fire a shot) had vanished. The first gunman was toying with Jones, Winthrop realized. He talked things out with his "second family" at the Tit for Tat strip club. These are some crazy characters that you never saw coming/ They make up the majority of the laughs.

Wenke's writing style is a bit bizarre and may not be for sensitive people. However, that is what makes his writing style so good to me. It is fresh, bizarre maybe (ok, not maybe), humorous and unpredictable. For these reasons, I believe this to be a great read, if you are up to the challenge. I will read this book again and again. It may become a cult classic!

[WriteKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Talk Show: a novel was an enjoyable, satirical take on the state of our society.

In this quasi-political suspense, Joe Wenke is an imaginative, even refreshing, author in his honest, if raw, portrayals. He employed clever phrasing and plot, which is hard to pull off especially with satire of this nature, and he largely succeeded. And as a bonus, for those familiar with the territory, the locale of NYC was described nicely.

He had a collection of colorful characters, and they were indeed a bunch characters. But I did feel that only the MC, Winthrop, was fully developed. Most of the others are good guys, but I didn't really glimpse many faults. It was the situation, the politics, the politicians, the organizations that were cast in a satirical light. I did notice that, ironically, the strip club where Winthrop hangs out (so I'd expect it to be in there a lot), unlike the rest of the situations, gets a slanted view that is a little too positive (in contrast to at least what I'm aware of), and could have been more realistically portrayed like the other things in society that the book knocks. But maybe that's an irony the author was trying for?

Wenke kept me engaged, and created some smiles, giggles, and thought-provoking eyebrow raising for me along the way - deserving IMHO 4 stars.
[I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, amanda!]

[J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Talk Show

A novel by Joe Wenke

“The Emancipated Mouth, the Black Hole that swallowed America, the Master Blaster of Talk Show Disaster — Abraham Lincoln Jones” has a plan to conduct a nationwide tour. It will be “beyond talk shows, beyond all the politics, beyond all the m____f_____ b___s___ and lies.“ It is to be titled “The Emancipation Tour “ and its aim is to be a “referendum on freedom and equality in America.“ In order to pull it off he enlists the aid of Jack Winthrop, a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist. Together they design a program that will give street gang members a chance to air their grievances amid a show-stopping extravaganza of popular music, fireworks and aerial acrobatics. But nothing is ever that easy, or without opposition.

"The Talk Show" is a foul-mouthed rant against all things traditional and conservative, thinly disguised as a novel. Naturally, the forces of evil triumph, and guess what? They are white! Who would have guessed that knowing the author is a “social critic and LGBTQ activist,” eh? You would think that the only bigots, racists and homophobes in this country are white Republican men if you take Mr. Wenke seriously.

I strongly recommend that you avoid this novel.

I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for this review.

[David Lamb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway and have, after about a month, found the time to read it. I read it on a nice snow day so I could delve in and not have distractions. I think the overall story was engaging and fun. The story moved quickly and the message behind the work (equality, fairness...) was strong. I was turned off, however, by the relatively frequent passages in which the protagonist is hanging out in a strip club and the need to describe the dances and numbers. At one point, it's mentioned that the strip club is "not sexist" because it was honest/people chose to be there...yet there is still too much focus on the "teenage goddess" whose sole role, it appears, is to be a sex object for the protagonist.

I think this could be a great book if there were 1) less of the strip club or 2) a better balance in the type of dancers from the beginning. It's noted that by the end of the book, there is an "African American chick" dancing to Europop...perhaps this could happen sooner? The owners also discuss diversifying into different types of dancers other than "teenage goddess", but that line never really goes anywhere.

Regardless, worth a read and it has good points in it. I just could have done without the every-other-scene being in a strip club.

[Lorrea - WhatChaReadin'? · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading this book for a week and only making it to 25% of the way through, I have decided to give it a rest for now. Reasons I could not finish this book:

1. The Language--While I am not offended by foul language, dropping the 'F' bomb 10+ times in the first 2% of the book is a bit extreme. I did a search for the word on the Kindle and found out it appears over 100 times throughout.

2. The story is moving way too slowly for me. At 12% there is a shooting and at this point I still don't know what happened to the victims. But, we've met a few strippers and a transgender priest who also babysits, and a crazy copy named Germany(at least I think he's a cop, I was quite confused when he entered the story).

3. Finally, it's not holding my interest. Every time I start reading, I start to fall asleep.

When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was excited about it, but it fell short of my expectations.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

[Niko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I enjoyed the overall madcap story and the diversity of the characters. I didn't have a problem with the swearing or the politics, but I felt that the narrative was interrupted a lot in order to explain various political viewpoints or goings-on. I expected the author to expound his views (this is a political satire novel, after all), but I think this could have been done more smoothly; as it is, it comes across as a lot of telling, not showing.

There were also a few scenes that didn't seem to add anything to the story or serve as part of a larger argument that the author was trying to make. Was there a point to the exchanges with the teenage stripper, or was her inclusion in the book just fanservice?

These complaints aside, the novel was funny, sincere, and well-written. 3.5 stars.

[Lucie Paris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm… I was really puzzled by this story.

I can see the author has a great way to picture an atmosphere and describe a scenery like you were yourself watching it. Only problem, even if you try to be modern and young, you don't have to swear and to use "Fuck" all the time.
I've spent more time rolling my eyes at the full mouth all the characters have than to really being able to enjoy the author writing. :-(

Then, the pace was slow. Even if I like the melting pot of different people… Jeezzz, I was not reading this book as bedtime story! Sigh!
I've wanted some action and the shooting is coming way to far. I was already lost and bored.

So, not really my cup of tea even if I see a lot of potential in the writing style.

Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's get this out of the way, first and foremost, I loved this story!!!

If you are at all political, you may have some difficulty with this book. The characters are very liberal and outspoken politically. I lean much more to the conservative side, so while I agree with some things in this story, there is quite a bit of rhetoric I can not begin to agree with.

That said, this was a very engaging story with extremely likeable and colorful characters. It is well written and worth overlooking all the politics. Regardless of your political leanings, if you remain open-minded you can not help but enjoy this read! And, it's set up perfectly for a sequel!

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads to read and review. Unfortunately, I can’t uphold my end of the bargain. While I am no prude and can accept some foul language novel (and do in many cases), this one went too far for me. I saw no need to insert foul language into every sentence uttered, as I think there are better ways to tell a story. I gave up trying after several pages. I guess this book can appeal to some readers and some will even like it, based on a couple of reviews I read, but it is not for me. I had no idea the book would be so raunchy when I agreed to read and review it.

[Trina Knittle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

This is definitely one of those books that was just hard to tell whether I loved it or hated it. I can say i am in the middle of this book. If you get offended easily or don't care for cuss words I would stay away from this book. But if you are open-minded and love to give something a chance then read this book. I found myself reading this book almost nonstop besides the breaks I had to take for school. A good read.

[Don Gorman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wenke needs to try and make up his mind, does he want to write good mystery/thriller stories or push his politics? He almost is able to do both in this endeavor but it just does not quite get it. Jack Winthrop is a very cool customer, but his behavior is way too over the top, his involvements a little too unbelievable and the story around him bordering on completely ludicrous. There is potential here, but some refinement is needed.

[Justin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did NOT receive the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Won the giveaway but never got the book. Noted as not received but there was no correspondence. (Won in Nov)

Will change review if ever received.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as part of a Goodreads giveaway for an honest review. Well, what can I say other than it's an interesting read with some really interesting characters which can be hard to read because of the harsh language. All in all I give this a 3.75. Not a book for everyone.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads and didn't realize how bad the language is. I can't give it a fair review since I didn't read much of it. the first page alone had the F word in almost every line and the language and theme continued to be very off color.

[Philip Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps a commendable effort to raise awareness of racial intolerance, or LGBT issues, or defense of “Shock Jocks”. With an overall decent plot, but for my taste just overboard on the racial aspect even if it is the norm in some circles.

[Bree Hodges · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great , fast read. :)

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and think that it interesting. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Barb Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this in a GOODREADS drawing.

It is a fast paced, interesting and thought provoking read, would recommend it!

[Julia David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much swearing for me. Couldn't get into the story.