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IQ84
Apocalypse got you down? Whatever you do, don't think about it!"Hilarious would be an understatement to describe this book and I found myself lost for words." - Divine Zape for Readers' FavoriteAn unknown terrorist has released a biological weapon onto the American public. Anyone with an IQ over 84 is in danger - people's heads are exploding - the country is on lockdown. Everything is about to change forever.
Luckily, some people are still alive. Like the President of the United States. And Congress. And millions of idiots determined to figure out why their heads aren't blowing up.
Which brings us to David Dingle. He's the not-too-bright guy whom this whole story revolves around. A lot of people revolve around David Dingle. Some of them include a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, an ineffective jihadist, a Grand Dragon of the KKK, a creationist and his very extended family, a pill-popping doctor, a drop-dead sexy clepto-nympho-suicidal-maniac, and a rogue Illuminati mastermind to name just a few.
Now David Dingle doesn't know much about these people, but frankly, he doesn't know much about much. He's just a simple American with a government job and a fantastic phone who one day finds himself at the epicenter of the biggest biological terrorist attack perpetrated on American soil. And now everyone's after him. Not cool. All the while, the President of the United States has to keep voters’ heads from blowing up before re-elections - things couldn’t get worse.
A timely satire that dives into the darkest corners of American Culture, IQ84 examines some of the most controversial issues in America today. It’s a book about freedom.
˃˃˃ Funny, Offensive, and Timely, IQ84 will blow your mind!Scroll up and grab a copy today.
Luckily, some people are still alive. Like the President of the United States. And Congress. And millions of idiots determined to figure out why their heads aren't blowing up.
Which brings us to David Dingle. He's the not-too-bright guy whom this whole story revolves around. A lot of people revolve around David Dingle. Some of them include a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, an ineffective jihadist, a Grand Dragon of the KKK, a creationist and his very extended family, a pill-popping doctor, a drop-dead sexy clepto-nympho-suicidal-maniac, and a rogue Illuminati mastermind to name just a few.
Now David Dingle doesn't know much about these people, but frankly, he doesn't know much about much. He's just a simple American with a government job and a fantastic phone who one day finds himself at the epicenter of the biggest biological terrorist attack perpetrated on American soil. And now everyone's after him. Not cool. All the while, the President of the United States has to keep voters’ heads from blowing up before re-elections - things couldn’t get worse.
A timely satire that dives into the darkest corners of American Culture, IQ84 examines some of the most controversial issues in America today. It’s a book about freedom.
˃˃˃ Funny, Offensive, and Timely, IQ84 will blow your mind!Scroll up and grab a copy today.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2017
54 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Mike Dickenson
4 books13 followersMike Dickenson started writing in second grade and never looked back, although he still despises cursive. Dickenson is the author of the political satire IQ84 and the young adult fantasy fiction novel The Dreamer's Lotus: The Sacred Symbol. Also a filmmaker and a wilderness guide, Dickenson's inspiration often comes from spending long periods of time in the wilderness or traveling overseas. From 2005-2007 he hitchhiked from Elko, Nevada to Argentina; this experience taught him that an individual's perception of the world can transform the world. His writing and films exemplify this concept with the aid of satire, philosophy, and the nature of humanity's relationship with the natural world. He currently resides in Ashland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 14, 2018
I had received IQ 84 by Mike Dickenson in February 2017 but the book was shelved in my Kindle app for next 14 months. Two months back I was checking my Kindle shelf and found this angry guy giving me scary looks. Fun apart, I really would like to apologize Mike for delaying this book.
Talking about the story, the protagonist of our story is a dumb but a good-hearted guy, David Dingle. He was doing the same job for the last 10 years when he started feeling bored about his job an unexpected thing happened. A disease spread out it in the country, and on top of it, David was framed guilty of the pandemic. Within a few days, most of the intelligent population was already dead. The virus was claiming the lives of millions of people even animals above the IQ of 84. You can think how chaotic world would become if all intelligent guys die and the world would be at mercy of idiots or dumb people.
Well, the author has a good sense of dark humor, which can be seen throughout the book. The sarcasm and the humor-filled story made me laugh in public innumerable times. Those who read serious stuff stay away from the book. This is a book you should read keeping your brain aside otherwise you would not enjoy it.
The only thing that I didn’t like was the way the movie climax was presented, otherwise, it was an enjoyable treat.
Detailed review link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Talking about the story, the protagonist of our story is a dumb but a good-hearted guy, David Dingle. He was doing the same job for the last 10 years when he started feeling bored about his job an unexpected thing happened. A disease spread out it in the country, and on top of it, David was framed guilty of the pandemic. Within a few days, most of the intelligent population was already dead. The virus was claiming the lives of millions of people even animals above the IQ of 84. You can think how chaotic world would become if all intelligent guys die and the world would be at mercy of idiots or dumb people.
Well, the author has a good sense of dark humor, which can be seen throughout the book. The sarcasm and the humor-filled story made me laugh in public innumerable times. Those who read serious stuff stay away from the book. This is a book you should read keeping your brain aside otherwise you would not enjoy it.
The only thing that I didn’t like was the way the movie climax was presented, otherwise, it was an enjoyable treat.
Detailed review link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2018/0...
March 25, 2017
A terrorist releases a biological weapon attacking anyone unfortunate enough to be smarter than the average bear. Such people are rewarded with an exploding head, which, apart from anything else, makes an awful mess at the mall. When David Dingle (who isn't all that bright), finds himself targeted as the perpetrator of these activities, he and his flatmate Jerry take to the road in an effort to discover what the hell's going on. With a supporting cast including a cocktail waitress, a jihadist, a dodgy doctor and an FBI agent named Boring, the chase is never, well, boring.
This is not a book for folks who are easily offended. With language and dialogue likely to upset just about everyone on some level, Mike Dickenson's satire on American politics and culture is far removed from the politically correct. While it's by turns deliciously funny, clever and occasionally thought-provoking, it's also idiotic, farcical and ironic. The plot culminates at the Whitehouse as the main characters (and a few extra ones) turn up for the showdown. I must admit to enjoying the denouement, particularly as I'd had one or two doubts along the way that the whole thing might just tail off.
The madcap humour reminded me a lot of the Spencer Tracy movie 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World', with an extra dose of Mad. If you love zany, and aren't too worried about emotional depth, this'll be right up your terroristic street.
This is not a book for folks who are easily offended. With language and dialogue likely to upset just about everyone on some level, Mike Dickenson's satire on American politics and culture is far removed from the politically correct. While it's by turns deliciously funny, clever and occasionally thought-provoking, it's also idiotic, farcical and ironic. The plot culminates at the Whitehouse as the main characters (and a few extra ones) turn up for the showdown. I must admit to enjoying the denouement, particularly as I'd had one or two doubts along the way that the whole thing might just tail off.
The madcap humour reminded me a lot of the Spencer Tracy movie 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World', with an extra dose of Mad. If you love zany, and aren't too worried about emotional depth, this'll be right up your terroristic street.
February 26, 2017
Mike Dickenson’s ‘IQ84’ is a timely satire on American values and culture. Written in the style of a humorous pulp thriller, it captures the banality, self-obsession, materialism and superficiality that characterise the USA for so many of us who live in the rest of the world.
The recent populist backlash against the establishment that has unfortunately placed an arrogant and ill-informed narcissist in command of the most powerful economy on Earth makes this book particularly well-timed.
If there’s an aspect I’d criticise, it’s the deep cultural references, many of which were lost on me. But that’s probably my problem: I’ve never been as fascinated or absorbed by US culture as so many of my contemporaries seem to be, so I don’t immerse myself in American films, TV or books.
The premise is brilliant, but, as with all books that use humour, there will be readers who don’t get it, and others who will absolutely love it. The novel is populated with a diverse cast of characters, all representing various classes and types. What struck me most keenly was the depiction of official stupidity and rigidity, as well as the corruption that stems from a society seemingly so deeply mired in consumerism.
It’s a clever book and won’t suit all readers. But those with an interest in politics will most probably enjoy this tale. It has some important things to say and does so in a style that will definitely appeal to many readers.
The recent populist backlash against the establishment that has unfortunately placed an arrogant and ill-informed narcissist in command of the most powerful economy on Earth makes this book particularly well-timed.
If there’s an aspect I’d criticise, it’s the deep cultural references, many of which were lost on me. But that’s probably my problem: I’ve never been as fascinated or absorbed by US culture as so many of my contemporaries seem to be, so I don’t immerse myself in American films, TV or books.
The premise is brilliant, but, as with all books that use humour, there will be readers who don’t get it, and others who will absolutely love it. The novel is populated with a diverse cast of characters, all representing various classes and types. What struck me most keenly was the depiction of official stupidity and rigidity, as well as the corruption that stems from a society seemingly so deeply mired in consumerism.
It’s a clever book and won’t suit all readers. But those with an interest in politics will most probably enjoy this tale. It has some important things to say and does so in a style that will definitely appeal to many readers.
January 23, 2019
This is just not my kind of book. Totally stupid from beginning to end. If it wasn't for the fact that I have to finish what I start...but that is just me. No redeeming value. The ending may have had a start to something sane with the Earth chiming in...but then that faded off also. Oh well.
Read
May 23, 2020A wild ride for sure! The author himself reads for the audiobook, and does such an excellent job with the character voices, I'd say it's probably the most fun way to enjoy IQ84. Zany, slightly offensive but never overboard. I'm glad I listened to it now during this pandemic, though I've been meaning to for probably 2 years. It ended up being perfect timing! I had a good time with this one. :)
April 13, 2017
You wouldn't think a story about terrorism, biological weapons, and exploding heads would be funny, but it is. And maybe you wouldn't think content that is mostly ironic and preposterous could also be intelligent and thought-provoking, but it is that too. This book doesn't take itself too seriously, yet also manages to make us look seriously at the issues in which it's poking fun.
The content is not for readers easily offended by language or opinions. The author rattles everyone's cage, all with a smirk and a shrug of indifference.
The plot is surprisingly complex, but the story never feels too big. The pacing is steady and quick, pulling us along on one of the strangest adventures I've ever experienced.
We have a large cast of characters that all manage to feel alive and important to the story. Most are overblown versions of themselves. The author pinpoints certain personality and behavioral traits, then expands them so that the characters reveal the absurdities within. You won't find emotional depth, but you will find revelation.
In the end, I laughed while feeling a little queasy, because the truth of our society is reflected in the madness of these pages.
*I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*
The content is not for readers easily offended by language or opinions. The author rattles everyone's cage, all with a smirk and a shrug of indifference.
The plot is surprisingly complex, but the story never feels too big. The pacing is steady and quick, pulling us along on one of the strangest adventures I've ever experienced.
We have a large cast of characters that all manage to feel alive and important to the story. Most are overblown versions of themselves. The author pinpoints certain personality and behavioral traits, then expands them so that the characters reveal the absurdities within. You won't find emotional depth, but you will find revelation.
In the end, I laughed while feeling a little queasy, because the truth of our society is reflected in the madness of these pages.
*I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*
Read
March 14, 2020Weird that I got this book I had reserved from the library months earlier right when everyone is first starting to self-isolate due to coronavirus. The president in this book actually seems less stupid and dangerous than our current one. I bet his IQ is under 85.
Anyway, this isn’t really my kind of book. It was fine, though. Kind of a cross between the movie Idiocracy and the show Brain Dead. Unfortunately not too many people watched the show Brain Dead, but you are missing out. I think it is available on Amazon Prime for free and it is definitely on the CBS streaming service if you subscribe to that for Star Trek like I do. You will thank me later. As far as this book goes, I dunno. Read it if you like this kind of thing, I guess.
Anyway, this isn’t really my kind of book. It was fine, though. Kind of a cross between the movie Idiocracy and the show Brain Dead. Unfortunately not too many people watched the show Brain Dead, but you are missing out. I think it is available on Amazon Prime for free and it is definitely on the CBS streaming service if you subscribe to that for Star Trek like I do. You will thank me later. As far as this book goes, I dunno. Read it if you like this kind of thing, I guess.
March 6, 2017
Okay, this is a story about a hero called David Dingle, and it’s about people’s heads exploding. Do you get the picture already? Non-stop action, non-stop mania.
The story involves a huge cast of wild and weird characters appearing and disappearing (at least their heads do) rapidly. Doctors and nutcases, a Satanist emissary of evil (who is Jewish), an FBI agent whose name is Boring (yes, literally) oh, yes, the twins, Delilah and Delilah, and even a President of the United States who is the culmination of the failings of every President for the last fifty years.
The problem is a virus that attacks anyone whose IQ is below the eponymous number of the novel (I’ve always wanted to use that word) As the story progresses, it mutates to lower and lower IQs. Which is a good thing, because it leaves everyone on Capitol Hill safe. But the big problem is to keep the population dumb enough to survive. A clever bit of irony, if you don’t mind my saying.
It is a story of misunderstandings, the Klan, Freemasons and the reason Muslims don’t read the Bible is because everybody sells them Korans. But we know for sure they’re mad at us ever since the white people landed on Plymouth Chrysler Rock and stole their turkey recipes. And it goes on like this for page after page.
It’s a little difficult to explain more fully, because the book is mostly about large numbers of different people each doing something single-mindedly and wrong. This is fascinating, and the density of idiocies-per-page is impressive.
What is missing in most of the story is a sense of emotional structure. The inanity rolls on and on without missing a beat, like watching a whole season of situation comedy condensed into three hours, with no climaxes and little emotional involvement. Sort of like it’s aimed at the crowd with an eponymous IQ.
And then, at the end, it all takes off. The final scene in the Oval office would challenge the finest French farce, with about 35 major and minor characters showing up on cue, perfectly motivated and finely timed. And then the piece de resistance, the Big Reveal of who is the Dark Being that has been driving America to destruction. Which, of course, I may not reveal. You’ll just have to read it and find out.
Recommended for fans of up-to-date political satire and situation comedy.
The story involves a huge cast of wild and weird characters appearing and disappearing (at least their heads do) rapidly. Doctors and nutcases, a Satanist emissary of evil (who is Jewish), an FBI agent whose name is Boring (yes, literally) oh, yes, the twins, Delilah and Delilah, and even a President of the United States who is the culmination of the failings of every President for the last fifty years.
The problem is a virus that attacks anyone whose IQ is below the eponymous number of the novel (I’ve always wanted to use that word) As the story progresses, it mutates to lower and lower IQs. Which is a good thing, because it leaves everyone on Capitol Hill safe. But the big problem is to keep the population dumb enough to survive. A clever bit of irony, if you don’t mind my saying.
It is a story of misunderstandings, the Klan, Freemasons and the reason Muslims don’t read the Bible is because everybody sells them Korans. But we know for sure they’re mad at us ever since the white people landed on Plymouth Chrysler Rock and stole their turkey recipes. And it goes on like this for page after page.
It’s a little difficult to explain more fully, because the book is mostly about large numbers of different people each doing something single-mindedly and wrong. This is fascinating, and the density of idiocies-per-page is impressive.
What is missing in most of the story is a sense of emotional structure. The inanity rolls on and on without missing a beat, like watching a whole season of situation comedy condensed into three hours, with no climaxes and little emotional involvement. Sort of like it’s aimed at the crowd with an eponymous IQ.
And then, at the end, it all takes off. The final scene in the Oval office would challenge the finest French farce, with about 35 major and minor characters showing up on cue, perfectly motivated and finely timed. And then the piece de resistance, the Big Reveal of who is the Dark Being that has been driving America to destruction. Which, of course, I may not reveal. You’ll just have to read it and find out.
Recommended for fans of up-to-date political satire and situation comedy.
January 1, 2018
Frighteningly funny!
Dickenson has managed to capture the vapid, consumption obsessed, screen glued American masses in such an entertaining and captivating way, that one almost forgets how absolutely devastating that mindset can be in the real world. The story is inventive and interestingly zany, but it is really the superior quality of the writing, and spot on sense of humor that has me excited about this author and what he will have to offer next. Here's hoping for a IQ84 Book 2!
Dickenson has managed to capture the vapid, consumption obsessed, screen glued American masses in such an entertaining and captivating way, that one almost forgets how absolutely devastating that mindset can be in the real world. The story is inventive and interestingly zany, but it is really the superior quality of the writing, and spot on sense of humor that has me excited about this author and what he will have to offer next. Here's hoping for a IQ84 Book 2!
August 11, 2020
Reading this book in the middle of an actual pandemic is a mid twisting experience. It is disturbing how accurate Mike Dickenson captured (back in 2017) reactions of our political and religious leaders when faced with relection issues and 'freedoms'. The commentary on mask-wearing also had my jaw dropping at times. To say more would run the risk of spoilers. I wanted to finish the book to see how this Pandemic was going to end...
March 22, 2017
WOW! Talk about timely. Cloaked in a thick layer of humor and exaggeration - this book is loaded with cultural parallels that will leave your mind spinning and the pages turning. From conspiracy theory to politics, to terrorism, back to more theory, this book reads like American Soup - a little of everything wrapped up in a dramatic Armageddon like storyline with a touch of reality television characterization, "to keep it real".
A fun book that discusses current hot topics. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves political satire. It's excellent.
A fun book that discusses current hot topics. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves political satire. It's excellent.
November 2, 2017
An ok book - think the movie Idiocracy as a novel and you hit pretty close to the mark. The problem is that the book isn't as clever or funny as the author thinks it is - close, but not quite there. Maybe given the subject matter, we shouldn't expect the writing to be sharp-witted, but it would have been a nice touch.
July 23, 2024
This book was disturbingly hilarious, poking fun of all facets of American society. This book is about a terrorized virus that only affects people with an IQ of 84 or higher. The President of the US and members of Congress are spared. This book was quite a surprise to read, offering satire and comedic relief in the stressful political environment we are currently facing.
March 14, 2025
1.5 - I listened to the audiobook, but I felt like the book read like a comic. I was pretty confused as to the target audience for this book. The humor felt like it appealed to children but some of the topics were obviously not for children. I felt like this book was some sort of weird adult version of Captain Underpants or Diary of a Wimpy kid.
May 14, 2018
So, SO not my jam. I've done the satire humor genre before and have appreciated it for what it is, even if it's not my favorite, but this was bad writing combined with raunchy over-the-top inappropriateness. If you like that kind inappropriate humor, then by all means, this book may be for you.
June 8, 2020
Easy moronic humor
I got many laughs reading this. I told people it's like reading an Austin Powers Movie. Some dumb jokes but I liked them. The negative stereotype descriptions of people and places was funny.
I got many laughs reading this. I told people it's like reading an Austin Powers Movie. Some dumb jokes but I liked them. The negative stereotype descriptions of people and places was funny.
December 20, 2018
It was a fun ride.
February 1, 2019
After finishing I am very confused why this book gets so much love. It's Ok. The editor seems to be a little too much in love with the writing over the story or pacing, though.
February 27, 2019
Fairly droll but did not make me snort once.
April 4, 2019
This story is so marveoulous . I love how Murakami's wrap this story beautifully with his words. Eventhough there r still so many question till the end .
May 30, 2020
What... Did... I... Just... Read...? Wtf!? Nope... just no. I think I lost a few brain cells there.
August 13, 2020
So funny!
This was published in 2017. Could be today! I highly recommend it. Too many words required for this review! Now I remember why I don’t review books
This was published in 2017. Could be today! I highly recommend it. Too many words required for this review! Now I remember why I don’t review books
September 24, 2020
Excelente
Comiquísimo y bien escrito. Final sorprendente. Uso de palabras bien escogidas crean imágenes mentales haciendo la lectura ligera. Me encantó.
Comiquísimo y bien escrito. Final sorprendente. Uso de palabras bien escogidas crean imágenes mentales haciendo la lectura ligera. Me encantó.
abandoned
February 5, 2021too soon
July 14, 2022
I hate to admit that I was entertained...but I was very much entertained. Highly satirical, facetious, and witty, this book is a shameless commentary of modern American society.
November 26, 2022
Well that freaking escalated. Now I'm confused.
March 18, 2023
A great spoof. So funny. I listened to this and he did a great job.
April 20, 2025
من اجمل ما قرأت في حياتي
April 30, 2020
amazing satire!
February 23, 2019
For most of my book reviews I don’t summarize the story, and with the mania of this novel, I don’t think I could, unless it was an eight page review. Not that the mania is a bad thing, it’s actually entertaining, but this style of writing may not be for everyone. The craziness of this book reminds me of John Dies at the End by David Wong.
But along with the manicness of this novel, there are also some very humorous moments, and political insights that are spot on. I can’t really say there is great character development, just because there are so many of them. The greatness in this book doesn’t rely on getting to know the characters, but with all the interesting perceptions and awareness that Dickenson brings to the reader.
If you enjoy political satire, or the works of David Wong or Douglas Adams, this is one that you’ll want to check out.
But along with the manicness of this novel, there are also some very humorous moments, and political insights that are spot on. I can’t really say there is great character development, just because there are so many of them. The greatness in this book doesn’t rely on getting to know the characters, but with all the interesting perceptions and awareness that Dickenson brings to the reader.
If you enjoy political satire, or the works of David Wong or Douglas Adams, this is one that you’ll want to check out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews