Off the Reservation

by Glen Merzer

In a narrative rich in humor and uproarious dialogue, Off the Reservation explores modern presidential politics and whether honesty can find a place within it. Congressman Evan Gorgoni of Bloomington, IN, has served eight terms in a dysfunctional Congress and reached his limits of frustration. A medical event brings on the epiphany that there is no point in continuing to serve. But his frank expression, on Meet the Press , of his rationale for ending his political career is met with the unbidden call that he seek the White House—an unlikely destination for a vegan Congressman with a disdain for political posturing. If he's going to do it, he's going to do it as no one has done it before ... Featuring 20 vegan recipes and a solution to America’s Electoral College problem, Off the Reservation is an original take on the art of the possible. "Glen Merzer's Off the Reservation is as politically savvy and poetically literate a book as I have read in a long while. It is a completely gorgeous and rewarding experience."-- Jason Alexander, Actor “The book is called Off the Reservation , but it’s 100% On The Money about how far removed political discourse has strayed from reality. With unparalleled wit and insight, Glen Merzer dispatches one Evan Gorgoni to go forth and speak the truth to a weary nation, and the result is one of the best reads I’ve had in years. I loved it!” — Ed Begley, Jr., Actor/Environmental Activist “I literally couldn’t put down this superbly-written book once I began to read. Why? Because Off the Reservation is wildly entertaining and deeply inspiring. And because I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. What a fabulous, powerful, meaningful book!” — John Robbins, author, Diet For A New America , and Co-founder, foodrevolution.org “ Off the Reservation is the best book I’ve ever read!” — Howard F. Lyman, author, Mad Cowboy “Glen Merzer’s Off the Off the Reservation is a masterpiece of wit and relevance. Twenty-first century America is portrayed here in the language of politics—an unlikely feat but a convincing one, thanks to Merzer’s keen eye for both straight facts and tortuous contradictions. Intelligent, relevant, up-to-date, and unwavering, Merzer’s fictional analysis gets to the heart and soul of American society today. I confidently predict that anyone who has the good fortune to read this book will treasure the experience.” — Philip Appleman, poet and novelist

Genres: Fiction, Novels

228 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

Glen Merzer grew up in Bellmore, N.Y., and was educated at New College in Sarasota, FL, Indiana University, Boston University, and the University of Alabama. His latest book is MOVING MEDICINE FORWARD, by Michael Klaper MD with Glen Merzer. Other recent books are FOOD IS CLIMATE, AMERICA GOES VEGAN! with recipes by Tracy Childs, and OWN YOUR HEALTH, with recipes by Chef AJ.

Reviews

[Diane]

Glen Mercer has a much better understanding of the national zeitgeist than the Democratic party had in the 2016 election. His candidate isn't totally new to political life, but he does understand the pointlessness of the contention and division in American politics. He is refreshingly honest, which resonates with the electorate, upsetting the expectations of the political experts. I enjoyed the characters and loved the ending. I wish Evan Gorgoni was being inaugurated. The recipes look good and I plan to try some

[Cathy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tone of this novel is as benign as its protagonist, Evan Gorgoni, a congressman who intended to retire but instead finds himself in the race for president. The magic weapons in his campaign are his willingness to speak his mind on subjects he thinks are important and his determination not to spend energy on what's unimportant, such as writing campaign speeches. In fact, it is his off-the-cuff nomination acceptance speech, which rambles on for 18 pages, that is the highlight of both his campaign and this novel. But is that great speech enough to get Gorgoni elected? The outcome hinges on happenstance, which couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I'm not surprised that Merzer, a comic and comedy scriptwriter, could write a funny book. What I didn't expect is that Off the Reservation--ostensibly a satire about a political campaign--is really about family and right living. Can you sell that? Like his character, Merzer is willing to take a risk!

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lightweight but fun read, especially now in the Presidential campaign season. A breath of fresh air, and an antidote to all the vitriol we're drowning in right now.

The premise is that a good, straightforward Congressman from Iowa decides not to run for another term (he's already had a bunch), and because he doesn't have to worry about re-election, he starts to tell the truth. And people like it! Because of his new-found popularity, he's persuaded to run for President, which he does with characteristic honesty and truth-telling. I won't spoil your experience by saying what happens... I'll just say that if you're looking for an antidote to all the crap floating around in the political arena these days, this is it. (Though I could do without the proselytizing about the national benefits of a vegan diet.)

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is crazy deadpan, especially as a way to finish a chapter. Chuckles galore! Overall an enjoyable read in the beginning but kind of petered out in the second half. Some 'speeches' were really random with no setup (like that mammogram one!) but overall it was clear that a book is a way of taking the mick out of the political election system in US and saying as it is but with humour and through a slightly mad character. Would've liked more explanation/reveal of that fainting accident as obviously that changed something in the candidate and whilst kept referring to it, didn't disclose (or I missed it). Looking forward to making the recipes at the end though so might update my review based on how good that turns out:)

[Lucy McCoskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

what if a candidate for president didn't really care if he won or even if he became a candidate. what if he cared more about integrity, telling his truth, never going negative, never even using a teleprompter or a speechwriter. bonuses for me were that he's from Salem, In, like my husband; lived in Bloomington, where I worked; and referenced Indianapolis, where I live.

was this book written just for me? well, maybe...

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a novel idea

Not sure why but this theme kept me reading even after the past two Presidential elections we went through. Not sure why the main character ran for office and then actually won but it was refreshing to have a truthful person (even if fictional) run and win.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, typical "maverick truth teller runs for high office" wish fulfillment fiction. Fast moderately entertaining read though.

[Rich Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book and I thought this was a clear case where the narrator made the story much more interesting than the writer. This is a story that would be fascinating if it was based on true events. But as a piece of fiction I didn't find the appeal. To me it was more of a thought experiment into what could happen if someone managed to win over the votes of the American public while going against the grain of all conventional campaigning wisdom. A few plot points were setup in the beginning that never seemed to pay off. The characters are interesting enough, but the pacing is slow and weird. Merzer writes whole campaign speeches that go on and on. But they're not super interesting. I mean, they're interesting in a 'no one would ever say that' kinda way, but not in a 'I can't wait to find out what happens next' kinda way. The whole story follows a dark horse democratic political candidate who goes from retiring a career in Congress to making a viable run for president. Not a bad premise for a story, but I just kept finding myself saying, "this is unbelievable" and "this isn't interesting enough for me to care." If you're going to be unbelievable, then make it super interesting.

However, the narrator does a great job breathing life into the various characters. But even he's not good enough to make some of the incredibly long winded dialogue feel like anything other than drudgery. To be fair, I doubt any narrator would be able to transcend the dialogue though.

SPOILER ALERT

The book ends without telling us what happens. We don't know who wins. We don't know if the country changes drastically. We don't know anything except that he makes it to the nomination and closes in on his Republican opponent right up until the election. And then it just stops.

END OF SPOILER

Maybe I'm just not smart enough to understand the point of it all, but from my perspective it was more like a fantasy dreamed up by someone who wants this country to change. I don't blame him for that. I fantasize about how this country could change too. But it's not enough to make it a great story.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat humorous look at presidential politics. Congressman Evan Gorgoni (D-IN) is about to leave politics but when he talks to the senator who is planning to run for president he decides to run. He runs a quirky (off the reservation) campaign: no TV ads, no negative remarks about other candidates, no speech-writer, and a $20 limit on donations. His reality-based platform: no promises, zero population, climate change, healthy diets, and no mammograms. Gorgoni is an unlikely candidate-- usually delivers a short speech filled with a 'can't solve the problem' message and he's a vegan!

The author incorporates the 24/7 news cycle (breaking tidbits, media frenzy, disappearance) and the names of real-life broadcasters (Chuck Todd, Brian Williams, Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews) and even Rush to advance the story.

No sex
No violence

[Shel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darn. This book about a well-intentioned vegan politician's race for president which ends with a handful of recipes suffers from slow pacing. It's a political thriller without the thrill.

Unfortunately, although it was timely to read about an election and fun to have a vegan candidate that was not enough to carry the story.

The author expresses some good ideas in his character's campaign, however:

"But I am going to knock myself out trying to provide Americans with good education, good jobs, and good food. And I will knock myself out fighting for the health of the planet. In every battle, I will have reason and logic on my side, and I will fight with my all against the forces of hatred and intolerance and fear."

Unfortunately, on point political speeches, do not a novel make.

[Richda Mcnutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are (as I am) somewhat or thoroughly frustrated with the stasis of our political system today, this book is for you. Imagine a candidate for President who always tells the truth (even if it's "Probably Not," or "I don't know,"). Imagine a candidate who is vegan (imagine the response from the cheese and meat lobbies). Imagine a candidate who delivers speeches off the top of his head with no prepared notes, no teleprompter, and sometimes no idea what he's going to speak about as he steps up to the podium. Imagine yourself enjoying this book totally.

[Richard R., Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this season of political mudslinging this book is a good antidote. Evan Gorgoni, a Congressman, enters the race for President because none of the other candidates should be in that office. But he enters with a handicap -- he is committed to always tell the truth even if it is "I don't know!" and will not attack the other candidates. The book is filled with humor and hope, and even if I don't always agree with Gorgoni's assessment of the situation, it is refreshing to encounter truth, honesty and ethics in a political campaign even if it is fiction.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Merzer's comic, clever imagining of what it might be like if a politician were actually honest with the public about what they could accomplish. Merzer gives the protagonist a sharp wit, and the characters and dialogue are engaging throughout. Additionally, the question of whether America would consider electing a vegan First Family was very entertaining. I had trouble putting the book down.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty Political Spoof

This fast-paced, delightfully written novel spoke to my political and gastronomic leanings. Very timely as we approach the next presidential election. If Al Gore had had Gorgoni's wit and people skills, he would have easily won the election. Bonus - recipes included at the end of the book!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and relevant novel that often had me laughing out load. The presidential candidate, Congressman Evan Gorgoni, is a candidate who speaks the simple truth and in so doing confounds his team, the media and oftentimes the electorate. This was an enjoyable read.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very timely novel about an unorthodox presidential campaign. I would not have voted for Evan Gorgoni but he did raise some interesting concerns about problems facing our nation in respect to national personal health and environmental impact.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a 3.5. This was an interesting read especially during this crazy, crazy election season! Evan was pretty well developed but I felt his wife Caroline, certainly an important character, seemed thinly developed.

[Jacqueline Kawate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting novel about a very unconventional Presidential candidate who says what he believes and doesn't accept campaign contributions over $20. Sound familiar? Though not quite a 4 star read, I would give it 3.5. I liked it, it is worth reading.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read, particularly in this political season. Reading it leads to aspirations of change in our political process. It felt sometimes like you could almost plug Bernie Sanders name in for one of the main characters. It opens the door to possibility. Highly recommended.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Politics

I read the sample which indicated the main character was quitting politics. I was on board with that bec I'm not a fan but as the book progressed he returned to the political scene. I really couldn't work up any interest. My problem, not the book's.

[Barbara Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Fast, funny, relevant, interesting, given it was published in 2014. Oh, if only Trump were a maverick more aligned with Evan Gorgoni, the presidential candidate in the novel. For we have seen and been forced to accept that a maverick can surprise us.

[Leila Fusfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny

This is a cute and refreshing story. I found myself church Klingon often, and sometimes guffawing. It was light and enjoyable.

[Julian Pecenco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but found it to be kind of silly in the end.

[Rachel Mowrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Reservation is a great read! I recommend this book to anyone who loves witty humor. It is a fast and enjoyable read. It gave me a whole new perspective on the world, truly fascinating.

[Anthony Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

A panoply of absurd liberal fantasies do not a novel make.

[Robert Franzoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hoped for this one. It started out really interesting and didn't really build toward anything. Then it just sort of ended. Well, at least I got some nice vegan recipes out of it!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great entertainment. Cut the population growth! Some of what he says makes sense. None of it would ever be voted into actuallity, but I love it!

[SPENCER CLEANERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Res

Awesome. Full of political info. Laugh out loud funny.
Can't say I agree with all his ideas, but some really hit the big problems facing this country today.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

It will make a good B movie and is a mediocre novel and a good ad summer read this election year.

[Helen Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of flaws - nothing about race relations, nobody knew that the main character and his family were vegan, the wife's first marriage was kept secret for twenty-odd years.