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The Happy Bureaucracy #1
A Happy Bureaucracy
When the bombs fell and the weather forecast became permanent nuclear fire, when flowers of destructive fusion blossomed leaving death in their wake, the least important question was immediately asked: who’s going to collect all of the taxes?
The IRS was the only institution to survive the human holocaust, and Arthur McDowell is a steadfast tax auditor craving the safety of the desk job due to him. However, his dreams will be put on hold as the IRS plans a census into new irradiated territory and he is forced to work with freelance Enforcer, Rabia Duke, whose diet of drugs is hand to mouth. This will be a suicide mission, and neither is keen to see the other survive.
The denizens of the wastes have much to fear. Radiation, roving gangs of psychopaths, and starvation, but the thing they should fear most is bureaucracy…
…a happy bureaucracy.
The IRS was the only institution to survive the human holocaust, and Arthur McDowell is a steadfast tax auditor craving the safety of the desk job due to him. However, his dreams will be put on hold as the IRS plans a census into new irradiated territory and he is forced to work with freelance Enforcer, Rabia Duke, whose diet of drugs is hand to mouth. This will be a suicide mission, and neither is keen to see the other survive.
The denizens of the wastes have much to fear. Radiation, roving gangs of psychopaths, and starvation, but the thing they should fear most is bureaucracy…
…a happy bureaucracy.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
105 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
M.P. Fitzgerald
13 books35 followersM.P. Fitzgerald is an author and amateur mad scientist. He writes stories across genres for misfits, weirdos, philosophers and pirates alike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 2, 2024
This is book 1 in the series.
A short humorous post apocalyptic story in which the IRS is the only government entity still standing. Even in a world where nobody has anything, money means nothing, and everyone is just trying to survive the IRS finds a way to get their pound of flesh.
This was such a fun, frustrating, and exciting story. Definitely a must read. I think there's a podcast of the audio version. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
A short humorous post apocalyptic story in which the IRS is the only government entity still standing. Even in a world where nobody has anything, money means nothing, and everyone is just trying to survive the IRS finds a way to get their pound of flesh.
This was such a fun, frustrating, and exciting story. Definitely a must read. I think there's a podcast of the audio version. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
January 15, 2019
I love Apoc/dystopian tales. That said, since I have read dozens of them, I have to admit that many have the same basic premise. A Happy Bureaucracy absolutely throws all of those similar plots in front of a huge sand storm and turns them into dust. Yes, there is a common enough reason for the dystopian world it is based in. But, that is where any similarities stop. The characters in this world are faced with a horror unspoken of by more squeamish authors. Sure, they write about plagues, starvation, zombies and other creatures that only want to maim or kill you. But, never has an author been brave enough to even mention the most horrific, terrifying, nerve-jangling (dare I say it?? Yes, I must warn you!) the IRS! While some may think this is no big deal (or worse, a SPOILER), they are wrong, so very wrong. Beware!
I strongly feel that this book should be read for the context of this sentence if for no other reason: 'His hideous wattle blew in the wind'. I was disgusted and deeply amused at the same time.
As you may be able to discern, I throughly enjoyed this story. It made me stay awake late into the night! The wit and humor amused me, the horrors terrified me and the bad guys are even worse than I could have imagined and I have quite an imagination. I do feel that I should mention that there is a lot of cursing. I don't care for that part but I liked the story enough to overlook it. Are you still reading? Quickly, go read it for yourself. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook and this is my honest and freely given review.
I strongly feel that this book should be read for the context of this sentence if for no other reason: 'His hideous wattle blew in the wind'. I was disgusted and deeply amused at the same time.
As you may be able to discern, I throughly enjoyed this story. It made me stay awake late into the night! The wit and humor amused me, the horrors terrified me and the bad guys are even worse than I could have imagined and I have quite an imagination. I do feel that I should mention that there is a lot of cursing. I don't care for that part but I liked the story enough to overlook it. Are you still reading? Quickly, go read it for yourself. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook and this is my honest and freely given review.
January 8, 2019
A wonderful story of post-nuclear apocalypse life in America. Its ups and downs, ins and outs...trust, love, and betrayal. Add in the survival of the IRS and you have a very interesting story. If you love the Fallout series of games, you'll love this book. Its dystopian atmosphere matches perfectly as a $2 bill.
I loved the depth of the characters and how they jumped to life for me, how real the world seemed to me as I read the book. I felt like I most identified with the main character the most seeing that I'm not the most masculine myself. Anyhow, pick up a copy of the book and see what you're missing, you won't be sorry!
I loved the depth of the characters and how they jumped to life for me, how real the world seemed to me as I read the book. I felt like I most identified with the main character the most seeing that I'm not the most masculine myself. Anyhow, pick up a copy of the book and see what you're missing, you won't be sorry!
June 15, 2020
I adore dystopian/apocalypse/end of the world/etc books. Some are better than others and this is one of the better ones. The writing is funny and feels like it's mocking itself at the same time. The whole plot is insane yet I found myself accepting the crazyness. Not just accepting but embracing it even.
The US has been annihalated after nuclear war and the only government agency surviving and still working is the IRS. Arthur is a collection agent who follows all the rules, is kind and polite. An oddity in the cruel outside of what is now called the United Wastes. After being past over for a well earned promotion he and enforcer Rabia are sent out to do a census of an unexplored part of the UW. On their journey they bond, Arthur learns the truth about himself and the IRS's role.
Loved this completely out of the box look at dystopia.
The US has been annihalated after nuclear war and the only government agency surviving and still working is the IRS. Arthur is a collection agent who follows all the rules, is kind and polite. An oddity in the cruel outside of what is now called the United Wastes. After being past over for a well earned promotion he and enforcer Rabia are sent out to do a census of an unexplored part of the UW. On their journey they bond, Arthur learns the truth about himself and the IRS's role.
Loved this completely out of the box look at dystopia.
February 8, 2019
I always find MP Fitzgerald's futuristic visions hugely enjoyable. Reading this book was a bit like revisiting Mad Max, with more laughs, less testosterone and a totally believable premise - that the bureaucracy will outlive us all. I like the gentle, dogged hero and the feisty, capable heroine and the plot kept me turning the pages. Originality is pretty rare among writers but MP Fitzgerald has got lots of it.
December 27, 2018
A different kind of tale of life after the world we know ends
November 22, 2020
This book was amazing!
I loved the way everything was described. I really liked the main characters overall attitude. Overall this book is a must read.
I loved the way everything was described. I really liked the main characters overall attitude. Overall this book is a must read.
June 1, 2020
The War had changed history again.
The houses that had been built for humans returning were boarded up & dilapidated.
The lawn grass was partially nonexistent.
A man clothed washed & clean shaven introduced himself as Arthur McDowell (# 24 IRS agent/auditor).
30 days after the holocaust you had a choice death &/or taxes.
The other individual introduced himself as Murder-Man.
He wasn’t the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but he understood he owed taxes to United Wastes of America.
The 1-sided conversation continued.
There were now 3 bodies on the ground, but 1 of them was not Arthur.
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nuclear shelter Hallway A, Row 23-24, Cubicle # 24. Back at the office Arthur filled out the # 22-B Violent Incident in the Workplace form.
2 dead, 1 taxpayer & Enforcer Robert. Check mark; check mark…
Arthur didn’t knowhow to interact with kids, let alone a little girl (PTSD).
Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support Henry S. Boyd visited with Arthur.
It wasn’t exactly what Arthur wanted; he was being shipped to Vehicle Bay 13.
Enforcer Rabia Duke (A/A, bi-sexual, former Sheriff) met Arthur.
She was hard core/survivalist.
Slaver City. Enforcer Duke & “G-Man” were out/about & the Geiger Counter finally went silent.
Enforcer Duke was being guarded.
Old Restaurant. Dumb Dick Rick took Arthur to see Colonel (overweight).
Arthur was soon put to work to earn his keep.
Surprise, in the next cage was Jack Dewitt (Commissioner for Operations).
Later, the van exploded as it rammed into the wide gate.
Enforcer Duke supplied G-Man & Jack with guns.
The guard yelled to the Colonel the van was empty.
Will Enforcer Duke, G-Man & Jack escape?
Growing up my biological father’s favorite spam. I swore when I got out of the house, I would never eat that again.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (Bisexual, child/domestic: verbal/mental/physical/sexual abuse, kidnapping/prostitution of a minor/adult, human trafficking (slavery) for sexual exploitation) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Post-apocalyptic, dystopian society book. It was extremely 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 description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Post-apocalyptic, dystopian society movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The houses that had been built for humans returning were boarded up & dilapidated.
The lawn grass was partially nonexistent.
A man clothed washed & clean shaven introduced himself as Arthur McDowell (# 24 IRS agent/auditor).
30 days after the holocaust you had a choice death &/or taxes.
The other individual introduced himself as Murder-Man.
He wasn’t the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but he understood he owed taxes to United Wastes of America.
The 1-sided conversation continued.
There were now 3 bodies on the ground, but 1 of them was not Arthur.
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nuclear shelter Hallway A, Row 23-24, Cubicle # 24. Back at the office Arthur filled out the # 22-B Violent Incident in the Workplace form.
2 dead, 1 taxpayer & Enforcer Robert. Check mark; check mark…
Arthur didn’t knowhow to interact with kids, let alone a little girl (PTSD).
Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support Henry S. Boyd visited with Arthur.
It wasn’t exactly what Arthur wanted; he was being shipped to Vehicle Bay 13.
Enforcer Rabia Duke (A/A, bi-sexual, former Sheriff) met Arthur.
She was hard core/survivalist.
Slaver City. Enforcer Duke & “G-Man” were out/about & the Geiger Counter finally went silent.
Enforcer Duke was being guarded.
Old Restaurant. Dumb Dick Rick took Arthur to see Colonel (overweight).
Arthur was soon put to work to earn his keep.
Surprise, in the next cage was Jack Dewitt (Commissioner for Operations).
Later, the van exploded as it rammed into the wide gate.
Enforcer Duke supplied G-Man & Jack with guns.
The guard yelled to the Colonel the van was empty.
Will Enforcer Duke, G-Man & Jack escape?
Growing up my biological father’s favorite spam. I swore when I got out of the house, I would never eat that again.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (Bisexual, child/domestic: verbal/mental/physical/sexual abuse, kidnapping/prostitution of a minor/adult, human trafficking (slavery) for sexual exploitation) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Post-apocalyptic, dystopian society book. It was extremely 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 description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Post-apocalyptic, dystopian society movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 16, 2019
I should preface this review by saying that this book is not quite my taste. A love story, even one mired in a deliciously post-apocalyptic and bureaucratic setting, is not usually something I enjoy. Moreover, my favorite scenes from this author have tended to be the philosophical ones, and while that rears its head near the middle and end, those diehard lovers of the philosophical would be better off starting with Existential Terror and Breakfast. That said, this is a wonderful book, and one I binged in a single day due to morbid enjoyment.
While the pull of the book is its initial premise, much time is spent building up the main character, Arthur, and his assistant enforcer, Rabia's relationship. While the feminist messaging is a bit too strong to feel narratively woven in in some parts, I didn't think it detracted. Beyond their relationship, most of the rest of the time is spent in a sort of third-person old-world view, where the point of view remarks on the changes between the present time and the time in the book. The quips are interesting, but also something I felt screaming to be visualized. Still, the effects of a nuclear apocalypse are well-explored, and while the book is certainly a slow, slow burn with a bit more character development than I care for, I found every tidbit of the setting interesting.
Of course, the philosophical nuggets were my favorite part, as they always will. About the middle of the book, pencil-pusher and diehard bureaucrat Arthur has an existential crisis and begins doubting his whole way of life. Fueled by some MDMA, his disillusionment with both the extreme and mundane are a wonderful scene, especially when one notes that perhaps a quiet life isn't something to dream about. Avoiding spoilers, at the end Arthur is forced to defend the point of the government, which brings up some great commentary about the government, both in our age and the characters. Honestly, at $0.99, the book is worth it for these two moments, at least for me.
Yet, you get far more for the asking price! The book contains a wonderful black, female lead in Rabia, who kicks some ass in some decently well-written action, especially for someone who does not specialize in it (at least, yet). The asses to be kicked are well described, with imagery of these foul, disgusting humans (morally or physically) being incredibly well-written. Had I a heart and cared about the core relationship and growth in the novel, I probably would have enjoyed it more. That said, in my own twisted way, the thought of the everyday routine in a fallen world still excites me.
In the end, this setting will keep haunting me with new ideas to explore, and for that and the other great moments (and references to the author's other works, including the dark take on Charlie Brown and some heavy Existential Terror and Breakfast spoilers, should you recognize them) make it an easy five stars. I await a sequel if only to expand the one-and-a-half-state reach of the IRS to tax the whole world. I wonder if they'll ever have an issue finding the borders.
TL;DR: This book actively makes me enjoy the IRS collecting taxes. If you want to understand why, read it!
While the pull of the book is its initial premise, much time is spent building up the main character, Arthur, and his assistant enforcer, Rabia's relationship. While the feminist messaging is a bit too strong to feel narratively woven in in some parts, I didn't think it detracted. Beyond their relationship, most of the rest of the time is spent in a sort of third-person old-world view, where the point of view remarks on the changes between the present time and the time in the book. The quips are interesting, but also something I felt screaming to be visualized. Still, the effects of a nuclear apocalypse are well-explored, and while the book is certainly a slow, slow burn with a bit more character development than I care for, I found every tidbit of the setting interesting.
Of course, the philosophical nuggets were my favorite part, as they always will. About the middle of the book, pencil-pusher and diehard bureaucrat Arthur has an existential crisis and begins doubting his whole way of life. Fueled by some MDMA, his disillusionment with both the extreme and mundane are a wonderful scene, especially when one notes that perhaps a quiet life isn't something to dream about. Avoiding spoilers, at the end Arthur is forced to defend the point of the government, which brings up some great commentary about the government, both in our age and the characters. Honestly, at $0.99, the book is worth it for these two moments, at least for me.
Yet, you get far more for the asking price! The book contains a wonderful black, female lead in Rabia, who kicks some ass in some decently well-written action, especially for someone who does not specialize in it (at least, yet). The asses to be kicked are well described, with imagery of these foul, disgusting humans (morally or physically) being incredibly well-written. Had I a heart and cared about the core relationship and growth in the novel, I probably would have enjoyed it more. That said, in my own twisted way, the thought of the everyday routine in a fallen world still excites me.
In the end, this setting will keep haunting me with new ideas to explore, and for that and the other great moments (and references to the author's other works, including the dark take on Charlie Brown and some heavy Existential Terror and Breakfast spoilers, should you recognize them) make it an easy five stars. I await a sequel if only to expand the one-and-a-half-state reach of the IRS to tax the whole world. I wonder if they'll ever have an issue finding the borders.
TL;DR: This book actively makes me enjoy the IRS collecting taxes. If you want to understand why, read it!
September 27, 2019
Story takes place in the US which turned into a wasteland, the United Wastes. Imagine a desolate landscape with destroyed houses and cities and sand and dust blown about by the wind. However, somewhere in a bunker the income tax system still exists and keeps functioning. One official, Arthur McDowell (the protagonist), gets the mission to take a survey out there. For his protection, the female warrior Rabia Duke is assigned. Shall they be able to accomplish this mission?
My opinion. To start with, better than I had expected. But, the still existing tax-thing is unbelievable so I could not take the story all too serious. It is only an excuse to run and drive around in the United Wastes and to have an adventure.
Good writing and style. I also had some laughs here and there. Hilarious is too much an honour, but certainly funny ways of explaining things, often well found.
Characterisation decent. The best is the description of the sidekick Rabia. Also nice contrast between the bureaucrat Arthur and the swearing and bawling Rabia. Still, they get to cooperate well against the bunch of hostile people they meet.
So, not really sci-fi or mystery, but adventurous, exciting, amusing, and easy-reading. You can read it as a standalone.
One question about logic : how did the Colonel get his hands on the gun of Rabia?
Recommendable? Yes. Just don’t take it too serious.
My opinion. To start with, better than I had expected. But, the still existing tax-thing is unbelievable so I could not take the story all too serious. It is only an excuse to run and drive around in the United Wastes and to have an adventure.
Good writing and style. I also had some laughs here and there. Hilarious is too much an honour, but certainly funny ways of explaining things, often well found.
Characterisation decent. The best is the description of the sidekick Rabia. Also nice contrast between the bureaucrat Arthur and the swearing and bawling Rabia. Still, they get to cooperate well against the bunch of hostile people they meet.
So, not really sci-fi or mystery, but adventurous, exciting, amusing, and easy-reading. You can read it as a standalone.
One question about logic : how did the Colonel get his hands on the gun of Rabia?
Recommendable? Yes. Just don’t take it too serious.
January 14, 2019
A Happy Bureaucracy is M.P. Fitzgerald's tale of survival after "The Bombs" devoured the civilized world. But some things persist; human raiders (oh, yes!), scavenger scum (of course!), and the IRS (you bet yer bottom dollar!).
The story follows Arthur, an IRS tax agent, as he seeks safety from the wasted world by being good at his job, the reestablishment of taxation powers by the IRS. Almost too good, it seems. Then enters Rabia, a hired-gun Enforcer of the most unorthodox variety, charged with keeping Arthur's life and limbs intact. When she gets involved in Arthur's orderly life, things get very complicated, very quickly.
The pair's misadventures across the United Wastes in pursuit of life, liberty, and census data proved to be a page-burner that I just couldn’t put down until the very, very End.
If you want your United Wastes to have all the grit and twice the wit of the other Wastelands, look no further!
Disclaimer: I recieved a pre-release copy of this ebook to review, and this is my honest and freely-given impression. (Thanks, Ami!)
The story follows Arthur, an IRS tax agent, as he seeks safety from the wasted world by being good at his job, the reestablishment of taxation powers by the IRS. Almost too good, it seems. Then enters Rabia, a hired-gun Enforcer of the most unorthodox variety, charged with keeping Arthur's life and limbs intact. When she gets involved in Arthur's orderly life, things get very complicated, very quickly.
The pair's misadventures across the United Wastes in pursuit of life, liberty, and census data proved to be a page-burner that I just couldn’t put down until the very, very End.
If you want your United Wastes to have all the grit and twice the wit of the other Wastelands, look no further!
Disclaimer: I recieved a pre-release copy of this ebook to review, and this is my honest and freely-given impression. (Thanks, Ami!)
February 17, 2021
A good take on an old genre, although the story is so excited to rush to its many (well done) exciting scenes that it glosses over what could have been some great world-building. It misses out on filling in the blanks of background details (did other sections of government survive? How are the IRS still able to find roaming criminals and cannibals with no permanent address?) but does well with the set pieces that move along throughout the story.
Characters are extremely likable, with quick but well thought-out backstories. The story embraces the absurdity of its concept and has a lot of fun with the idea that the government, even after the world ends, manages to go through a lot of effort without accomplishing anything substantial.
Overall, a fun quick read with a good amount of laughs thrown in. I think the character's might "wink and nod" to the reader a bit too many times, but it's still fun to dive headfirst into the insanity that Fitzgerald has created.
Characters are extremely likable, with quick but well thought-out backstories. The story embraces the absurdity of its concept and has a lot of fun with the idea that the government, even after the world ends, manages to go through a lot of effort without accomplishing anything substantial.
Overall, a fun quick read with a good amount of laughs thrown in. I think the character's might "wink and nod" to the reader a bit too many times, but it's still fun to dive headfirst into the insanity that Fitzgerald has created.
May 28, 2021
Me or meh-
Poor grammar, clichéd situations, gratuitous political asides that were contextually out of place. Worst of all, it was a supposedly humorous book that wasn't funny. The only redeeming feature is the representation of the irs as a literal extortion gang. That was moderately entertaining. Writing style was decent
Poor grammar, clichéd situations, gratuitous political asides that were contextually out of place. Worst of all, it was a supposedly humorous book that wasn't funny. The only redeeming feature is the representation of the irs as a literal extortion gang. That was moderately entertaining. Writing style was decent
October 13, 2024
Someone left this book at a local cafe with a note to read it and leave it somewhere for someone else to find. A wild post-apocalyptic story I would've never read otherwise.
December 6, 2024
🖐️Imagine🤚 the characters of Office Space inside the dusty ruins of the Mad Max universe. Difficult to imagine? Guess you’ll just have to read A Happy Bureaucracy then. I finished reading the first book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed out loud several times, shamelessly, nearly outed as a weirdo (phew). It’s such an excellent story, one unlike any other I’ve read. If I had to give approximately similar titles I’d say maybe Canticle For Leibowitz meets John Dies at the End, maybe. It’s a predominantly funny book, but it has moments of deep seriousness due to the universe it inhabits. Again, picture Mad Max or Book of Eli: slavers, raiders, cannibals, etc. I loved the two main characters, especially as a duo. You have Arthur, who showcases the rare type of masculinity that doesn’t lie in muscle or leather (picture Redmayne’s Newt Scamander) and then Rabia, who balances Arthur by being the gun-toting jughead type, yet she pushes back on some of the typical tropes of such a character. The story itself is a unique take on a tried and true arc, and I laughed even just at the idea of what was happening. Great stuff.
June 3, 2019
Amazing book! Even though the idea of the IRS (and yes, we mean the taxes collectors) surviving the apocalypse is already excellent. The author indeed pull that off really well.
In the story we follow the best auditor ever in the growing process of discovering that the world is still corrupt. His inside turmoil is quite funny still, even wile raising important questions to reflect.
There are lots of action and cool characters, so it's a book for everybody's tastes (romance and humor included).
The thing that I think is well told is the problematic of how can a single man spread such evil (a bit like the nazis, right?...) and what can a single man do facing that.
Even thought this is a self contained story, the saga does not end here, so I look forward to see what will come next.
In the story we follow the best auditor ever in the growing process of discovering that the world is still corrupt. His inside turmoil is quite funny still, even wile raising important questions to reflect.
There are lots of action and cool characters, so it's a book for everybody's tastes (romance and humor included).
The thing that I think is well told is the problematic of how can a single man spread such evil (a bit like the nazis, right?...) and what can a single man do facing that.
Even thought this is a self contained story, the saga does not end here, so I look forward to see what will come next.
January 29, 2019
When the world as we know it is destroyed by Nuclear Armageddon, the only vestige of the old way of life is the IRS. The old adage about all that is certain in life is death and taxes certainly rings true in the United Wastes. This is a funny but distorted account of how life might go on after almost everything is dead. I always knew the IRS would take whatever they could get their hands on...bullets, kids (calories), or whatever the IRS decided was valuable.
I received a copy of this from the author, and it is a scream...not just funny but prophetic??
I received a copy of this from the author, and it is a scream...not just funny but prophetic??
March 3, 2019
The only thing better than overdosing on cold medicine when you're home sick from work is overdosing on reading. In that spirit I began A Happy Bureaucracy. And finished it in a single morning. That's the basis of my only complaint. The book didn't take long enough to finish.
Reading it was like visiting Disney Land if Disney Land had been designed by Hieronymus Bosch while he listened to Zappa's "Tittie's n Beer" sung to the tune of our national anthem.
And it was written like M P Fitzgerald required visitors to "Bosch Land" to proofread for him.
Wholesome American fun.
*I wasn't on cold medicine the morning I read this book. Should I blame the fever?
Reading it was like visiting Disney Land if Disney Land had been designed by Hieronymus Bosch while he listened to Zappa's "Tittie's n Beer" sung to the tune of our national anthem.
And it was written like M P Fitzgerald required visitors to "Bosch Land" to proofread for him.
Wholesome American fun.
*I wasn't on cold medicine the morning I read this book. Should I blame the fever?
August 11, 2019
M.P. Fitzgerald brings a welcome spin to the post-apocalypse genre. With humor and pathos, A Happy Bureaus details the travails of Arthur, a successful IRS auditor, who, with his Enforcer Duke, attempts to take a census in the wastelands that remain of the US. Arthur is driven by his bureaucratic upbringing to try to follow the book in conducting the census, but the menacing survivors are not interested. In a gender reversal twist, Duke is a bit more self-assured and could possibly save the census. Even in the devastation, the only things assured are death and taxes.
September 19, 2019
I can highly recommend The Happy Bureaucracy series, especially volume 1, wherein our hero has his eyes opened to life after the Apocalypse in the United Wastes of America. It does for our great nation what Sean of the Dead accomplished for Britain.
Also you will find no stronger female lead than Rabia, a highly professional black bisexual enforcer modeled on Hunter S Thompson as much as Foxy Brown. Auditing what remains of the human population for the only federal branch still existing, the IRS, is not for sissies.
Would you believe this is also a love story? Believe!
Also you will find no stronger female lead than Rabia, a highly professional black bisexual enforcer modeled on Hunter S Thompson as much as Foxy Brown. Auditing what remains of the human population for the only federal branch still existing, the IRS, is not for sissies.
Would you believe this is also a love story? Believe!
August 5, 2020
Humorous and Not Bad
This is a cute and funny take on the apocalypse, in which the IRS is the last and only part of the U.S. Government to survive the devastation of nuclear fire. Arthur is an IRS Auditor, sent out to an unexplored area of the United Wastes (post-apocalyptic America) to perform a census. He ends up finding more than that in the dusty bowl of America.
Worth it for the humor, but beware of some minor grammatical mistakes peppered throughout that escaped the editor. It shouldn’t ruin the experience too much for you.
This is a cute and funny take on the apocalypse, in which the IRS is the last and only part of the U.S. Government to survive the devastation of nuclear fire. Arthur is an IRS Auditor, sent out to an unexplored area of the United Wastes (post-apocalyptic America) to perform a census. He ends up finding more than that in the dusty bowl of America.
Worth it for the humor, but beware of some minor grammatical mistakes peppered throughout that escaped the editor. It shouldn’t ruin the experience too much for you.
August 17, 2019
I just finished reading A HAPPY BUREAUCRACY. What continues after the apocalypse you might ask?…cockroaches and the I.R.S.
This unique story is a thrilling adventure through a devastated land . At times it is ludicrously laugh out loud funny. I often found myself reading parts out loud to my family.
HIDE-SURVIVE----BUT REMEMBER TO PAY YOUR TAXES! THERE ARE WORSE THINGS THAN THE APOCALYPSE, THERE’S THE I.R.S.
Cher Primeau, ON Canada
This unique story is a thrilling adventure through a devastated land . At times it is ludicrously laugh out loud funny. I often found myself reading parts out loud to my family.
HIDE-SURVIVE----BUT REMEMBER TO PAY YOUR TAXES! THERE ARE WORSE THINGS THAN THE APOCALYPSE, THERE’S THE I.R.S.
Cher Primeau, ON Canada
September 1, 2025
This is an absolutely fantastic story.
I really liked the dystopian vibe, the United Wastes : that’s what happens when you leave bad people in charge for too long.
And I also absolutely adored the two main characters :
Arthur, the man with a bureaucrat soul, always pushing on in order to get the taxes done.
And then Rabia, the cursing, angry, do-what-has-to-be-done woman.
Opposites DO attract.
Eager to continue reading the series, i’m so glad there’s more !
I really liked the dystopian vibe, the United Wastes : that’s what happens when you leave bad people in charge for too long.
And I also absolutely adored the two main characters :
Arthur, the man with a bureaucrat soul, always pushing on in order to get the taxes done.
And then Rabia, the cursing, angry, do-what-has-to-be-done woman.
Opposites DO attract.
Eager to continue reading the series, i’m so glad there’s more !
January 16, 2019
Mr. Fitzgerald, despite the fact he wears kilts (and I mean all the time, even in public), is a gifted writer who will make you think and make you laugh. Read his Existential Terror and Breakfast series and you'll see what I mean. I've read 5 of his books and loved them all. Check out A Happy Bureaucracy, and you'll become a fan.
January 15, 2019
A fun and scary look at a post-apocalyptic future
Well conceived, action filled, tongue in cheek story about a post disaster IRS. I found myself drawn into this world and it was very easy to visualize. I really enjoy this author's sense of humor ;-)
Well conceived, action filled, tongue in cheek story about a post disaster IRS. I found myself drawn into this world and it was very easy to visualize. I really enjoy this author's sense of humor ;-)
January 17, 2019
I need to read the older books for a better understanding of the author.
What a refreshing read! I absolutely love the two main characters. Worlds apart yet worlds collide .
Q "What’s your name?"
A "Dinner."
‘Nuff said.
What a refreshing read! I absolutely love the two main characters. Worlds apart yet worlds collide .
Q "What’s your name?"
A "Dinner."
‘Nuff said.
July 28, 2019
This is a very strange story. Its twisted and dark as well as being full of dry bureaucracy.
Its a weird take on a dystopian post apocalyptic world, playing on the old saying that nothing in life is certain, except death and taxes.
I enjoyed it, but it was a little dry for me.
Its a weird take on a dystopian post apocalyptic world, playing on the old saying that nothing in life is certain, except death and taxes.
I enjoyed it, but it was a little dry for me.
November 12, 2019
Loved this book from cover to cover. A fast paced look into what the world might be like should the final days finally arrive. If you like distopia mixed with a heavy dose or hardcore bad ass sarcastic characters that's at time disturbingly outrageous but laugh out loud you'll love this.
May 6, 2021
beurocracy gone wild
What would happen if the world was left with just the taxman and the villains left alive. Who are the real bad guys and who do we really want to win the battle?
What would happen if the world was left with just the taxman and the villains left alive. Who are the real bad guys and who do we really want to win the battle?
June 20, 2021
A satirical humorous tale immortalizing the truism 'Death and Taxes are immortal' even in a post-apocalyptic world. Purchased as a kindle book for free from Amazon; will likely buy the next in the series.
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