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The Body Politic
In the bestselling tradition of The Interestings and A Little Life, this keenly felt and expertly written novel by the author of the “savvy, heartfelt, and utterly engaging” (Alice McDermott) Bed-Stuy Is Burning follows four longtime friends as they navigate love, commitment, and forgiveness while the world around them changes beyond recognition.
New York City is still regaining its balance in the years following 9/11, when four twenty-somethings—Tess, Tazio, David, and Angelica—meet in a bar, each yearning for something: connection, recognition, a place in the world, a cause to believe in. Nearly fifteen years later, as their city recalibrates in the wake of the 2016 election, their bond has endured—but almost everything else has changed.
As freshmen at Cooper Union, Tess and Tazio were the ambitious, talented future of the art world—but by thirty-six, Tess is married to David, the mother of two young boys, and working as an understudy on Broadway. Kind and steady, David is everything Tess lacked in her own childhood—but a recent freak accident has left him with befuddling symptoms, and she’s still adjusting to her new role as caretaker.
Meanwhile, Tazio—who once had a knack for earning the kind of attention that Cooper Union students long for—has left the art world for a career in creative branding and politics. But in December 2016, fresh off the astonishing loss of his candidate, Tazio is adrift, and not even his gorgeous and accomplished fiancée, Angelica, seems able to get through to him. With tensions rising on the national stage, the four friends are forced to face the reality of their shared histories, especially a long-ago betrayal that has shaped every aspect of their friendship.
Elegant and perceptive, The Body Politic explores the meaning of commitment, the nature of forgiveness, the way that buried secrets will always find their way to the surface, and how all of it can shift—and eventually erupt—over the course of a life.
New York City is still regaining its balance in the years following 9/11, when four twenty-somethings—Tess, Tazio, David, and Angelica—meet in a bar, each yearning for something: connection, recognition, a place in the world, a cause to believe in. Nearly fifteen years later, as their city recalibrates in the wake of the 2016 election, their bond has endured—but almost everything else has changed.
As freshmen at Cooper Union, Tess and Tazio were the ambitious, talented future of the art world—but by thirty-six, Tess is married to David, the mother of two young boys, and working as an understudy on Broadway. Kind and steady, David is everything Tess lacked in her own childhood—but a recent freak accident has left him with befuddling symptoms, and she’s still adjusting to her new role as caretaker.
Meanwhile, Tazio—who once had a knack for earning the kind of attention that Cooper Union students long for—has left the art world for a career in creative branding and politics. But in December 2016, fresh off the astonishing loss of his candidate, Tazio is adrift, and not even his gorgeous and accomplished fiancée, Angelica, seems able to get through to him. With tensions rising on the national stage, the four friends are forced to face the reality of their shared histories, especially a long-ago betrayal that has shaped every aspect of their friendship.
Elegant and perceptive, The Body Politic explores the meaning of commitment, the nature of forgiveness, the way that buried secrets will always find their way to the surface, and how all of it can shift—and eventually erupt—over the course of a life.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2020
34 people are currently reading
2091 people want to read
About the author
Brian Platzer
4 books70 followersBrian Platzer is the author of BED-STUY IS BURNING ('17) and THE BODY POLITIC ('20) from Atria/Simon & Schuster, and THE TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF HOMEWORK ('20) from Avery/Penguin Random House. Brian has an MFA from the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars, and a BA from Columbia University. His writing has appeared often in the New Yorker’s Shouts and Murmurs and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, as well as in the New York Times, The New Republic, Salon, and elsewhere. He lives with his wife and two young sons in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, teaches middle school English in Manhattan, and suffers from chronic dizziness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 22, 2020
Metaphorically, body politics is government functioning as a human body with all parts working in harmony. To take this concept a bit further, body politics is also the struggle for agency over one’s own body. One of these characters grapples with his lack of control over his body as determined by physicians who can find nothing physically wrong yet the symptoms persist. This undiagnosed, debilitating condition mirrors the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in terms of trauma. Another finds agency and healing by confronting her rapist. Yet another character is less successful with confrontation which leads to a deep depression along with the recognition of the unreliability of memory. The last character shows dazzling promise which fizzles into failure and alcoholism. Full of lies, betrayals, hidden truths, jealousy, and love all 0f which lead to closure which is shaky at best. Trump supporters should approach this with caution.
January 24, 2020
This is a unique, unusual novel. The characters and their circumstances are complex. David, Tazio, and Tess have been good friends for years. Tess and David got married, but the last several months of their married lives have really given a lot of meaning to the “in sickness” part of their vows after David takes a fall and is chronically dizzy and fatigued, leaving Tess to be the breadwinner and the caretaker of their young boys and also her husband.
Part of what makes this book different is there is a lot of modern-day politics in it. I’m not used to reading fiction that talks a lot about Trump and other men guilty of sexual assault who do just fine financially without ever being punished. Oh, boo hoo, you got fired from Fox News with a $38 million severance after years of destroying innocent women’s lives.
This is not a fun book, but it’s intriguing. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MARCH 3, 2020.
Part of what makes this book different is there is a lot of modern-day politics in it. I’m not used to reading fiction that talks a lot about Trump and other men guilty of sexual assault who do just fine financially without ever being punished. Oh, boo hoo, you got fired from Fox News with a $38 million severance after years of destroying innocent women’s lives.
This is not a fun book, but it’s intriguing. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MARCH 3, 2020.
March 10, 2020
I shelved this book to read on August 7, 2019 and couldn't wait to read it. It's hard to express properly, but I knew this book was going to be something special, although a tough read. The publication date for The Body Politic was 03/03/2020 and that was my 38th birthday. I mention this because TBP is a story of us older millennial/young Gen Xer's who are struggling in the climate we live in today to find our place. 9/11 knocked everything off balance and while things won't ever be the same, it seemed the world was starting to right itself again. Then came the 2016 election and the illness, depression and addiction that these characters battled in their lives mirrored the turmoil the country they lived in had as well. It's almost as if all the issues these characters struggled with was a sort of symbolism for the sickness of the country. So even though I'm not these particular characters; this very much is my story.
The author has a gift for writing in a way that illuminates the complexity of our everyday lives. Even if you don't share the exact pain one of the characters is going through, you can definitely relate on some level. In absence of a plot, you follow the characters as they recognize their challenges and figure out how to fight them. Four interconnected people, figure out that fighting something alone is much harder than when they leaned on one another and worked together. My only hope is that the lesson these characters learn is one that our country can learn as well. We need to work together to repair the fabric of what connects us all.
Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books and Brian Platzer for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this book.
Review Date: 03/10/2020
Publication Date: 03/03/2020
The author has a gift for writing in a way that illuminates the complexity of our everyday lives. Even if you don't share the exact pain one of the characters is going through, you can definitely relate on some level. In absence of a plot, you follow the characters as they recognize their challenges and figure out how to fight them. Four interconnected people, figure out that fighting something alone is much harder than when they leaned on one another and worked together. My only hope is that the lesson these characters learn is one that our country can learn as well. We need to work together to repair the fabric of what connects us all.
Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books and Brian Platzer for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this book.
Review Date: 03/10/2020
Publication Date: 03/03/2020
August 15, 2019
Such an interesting read!! Brian Platzer's novel shows how inextricably linked our physical, emotional, and political selves can be. As the four central characters confront their mistakes, traumas, misfortunes, and life choices (both good and bad, deliberate and accidental), they come to terms with what has driven them toward and away from each other throughout their lives. Through their heartache and joy, Platzer examines the times we live in and what it means to be a good spouse, a good parent, a good friend, and even a good leader.
July 6, 2020
I cannot stress enough how critical it is for you to be in the right mindset before reading this book. It's not that it's awfully sad or tragic, but you will not get the amount of enjoyment I got from it if you aren't ready to dive in headfirst. But if you are prepared to tackle The Body Politic, then what a ride you will go on!
I seem to be praising this book like it's a thriller, but it's very slow-paced. There are only four main characters, and the majority of the book is the character's thoughts rather than any big action going on inside. But, even if we didn't get an insane twist in the end it might've been even more than I asked for.
Brian Platzer does one of my favorite things as an author, which is to take what the readers think they know and completely flip it on its head at the ending of the book. And this happens in a very subtle way, you aren't supposed to be expecting anything until a realization hits you. Especially because the story is told through the very biased thoughts of the four different characters, you're really trying to piece together what you really know until the very end.
This book is a perfect representation of how fiction doesn't need to be fast-paced or have a concurring question throughout the novel to surprise you. I'm super proud of myself for reading a lot of good general fiction this year, and almost all of them have been good! If you enjoyed A Burning, want a more "modern" setting, ready to dive into something hard-hitting, then I definitely recommend The Body Politic.
I seem to be praising this book like it's a thriller, but it's very slow-paced. There are only four main characters, and the majority of the book is the character's thoughts rather than any big action going on inside. But, even if we didn't get an insane twist in the end it might've been even more than I asked for.
Brian Platzer does one of my favorite things as an author, which is to take what the readers think they know and completely flip it on its head at the ending of the book. And this happens in a very subtle way, you aren't supposed to be expecting anything until a realization hits you. Especially because the story is told through the very biased thoughts of the four different characters, you're really trying to piece together what you really know until the very end.
This book is a perfect representation of how fiction doesn't need to be fast-paced or have a concurring question throughout the novel to surprise you. I'm super proud of myself for reading a lot of good general fiction this year, and almost all of them have been good! If you enjoyed A Burning, want a more "modern" setting, ready to dive into something hard-hitting, then I definitely recommend The Body Politic.
August 18, 2019
The Body Politic is a literary page turner that manages to both entertain and provide insight on relationships, sickness, and politics. I LOVE this author!
August 19, 2019
Superb sophomore effort for the exceptional Platzer.
It's exciting to see how Platzer's voice has evolved from his first novel, Bed-Stuy is Burning.
A must read.
It's exciting to see how Platzer's voice has evolved from his first novel, Bed-Stuy is Burning.
A must read.
March 15, 2020
I don’t think I was in the right headspace for this book and I really should’ve thought about that before I picked it up. With all the uncertainty in the world I’ve been gravitating to lighter reads and this one was pretty heavy and depressing which is just not what I need right now. It’s not a bad book, in fact the writing was strong, but between the heavy subject matter and the feeling that the storyline was a bit scattered, I just couldn’t get into this one. I will say that while the characters weren’t very likable or enjoyable they were well developed and complex, but I didn’t like them all that much so it was hard to care about them. It also focused heavily on politics, specifically in 2016 and I get enough of that in real life and look to reading for a total escape. Not much more for me to say except I really wish I would’ve liked this one more because I thought I would.
August 22, 2019
Brian Platzer has crafted an engrossing novel that wisely explores the nature of love and the challenges of marriage and child rearing in the modern world. He reveals the fault lines that threaten our relationships and the ways in which our primal bond to our children drives us.
The Body Politic proves itself, as Platzer says, an illuminating and pleasurable “vacation in other people’s stories.”
The Body Politic proves itself, as Platzer says, an illuminating and pleasurable “vacation in other people’s stories.”
August 19, 2019
Another incredible book, written by my favorite author, Brian Platzer. The Body Politic is a riveting page-turner that I could not put down. A definite must-read! Put it on your book club lists immediately!
August 18, 2019
I like this novel so much that I wrote it! Please drop me a line at BrianPlatzer.com with your thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
In this totally engrossing novel, Platzer has once again created characters who are realistic, recognizable, flawed......and wonderfully unforgettable.
August 22, 2019
The Body Politic is vintage Platzer: humane, hilarious, precise, unflinching and dark, dark, dark. I loved it.
March 7, 2020
The Body Politic is a unique and candid character-driven novel that dives into the complexities of marriage, friendships, careers and how interconnected our physical and emotional selves can be.
While much of the novel follows main character Tess, we also meet David, Tazio, and Angelica whos lives have been interwoven since their post 9/11 college years. We follow these characters as they navigate mental and physical health issues which are all interwoven with contemporary politics.
This book is a heavy read with dark topics and quite messy relationships. The characters are imperfect which I found could be quite frustrating at times. The jumps back in time took some getting used to but they ultimately helped build the history that helps us understand the complexities of each of these characters. Trauma and complicated pasts have not only formed who these characters are today but also their paths forward. The subtleties really are what make this book what it is.
Platzer's writing is nuanced and layered and he shines at having his reader examine the gray of what initially could look like black and white decisions. While there are moments of frustration as the reader, this also led to great reflection. The Body Politic was one of those books that felt a little out of my comfort zone but ultimately pushed me as a reader. This would make a fascinating and timely book club discussion and I am glad to have read it.
Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
While much of the novel follows main character Tess, we also meet David, Tazio, and Angelica whos lives have been interwoven since their post 9/11 college years. We follow these characters as they navigate mental and physical health issues which are all interwoven with contemporary politics.
This book is a heavy read with dark topics and quite messy relationships. The characters are imperfect which I found could be quite frustrating at times. The jumps back in time took some getting used to but they ultimately helped build the history that helps us understand the complexities of each of these characters. Trauma and complicated pasts have not only formed who these characters are today but also their paths forward. The subtleties really are what make this book what it is.
Platzer's writing is nuanced and layered and he shines at having his reader examine the gray of what initially could look like black and white decisions. While there are moments of frustration as the reader, this also led to great reflection. The Body Politic was one of those books that felt a little out of my comfort zone but ultimately pushed me as a reader. This would make a fascinating and timely book club discussion and I am glad to have read it.
Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2020
This was a very well written and thought provoking read with complex characters, but I don't think I was in the right frame of mind when I read this, therefore I didn't quite enjoyed reading it. But it's still a 3 maybe 3,5
August 18, 2019
I was a huge fan of Platzer's "Bed-Stuy is Burning" and was eagerly awaiting his follow-up. "The Body Politic" lives up to all my expectations -- Platzer's sharp, clear writing style and his wonderfully complex, three-dimensional, not-always-lovable characters are paired here with a heartbreaking story of illness and recovery. It's unlike anything else I've read, and I'm excited for the world to discover it now as well!
August 19, 2019
A brilliant, compelling read about the trajectory of a web of friendships and loves, and how a sudden demise in health -- one that parallels the catastrophic outcome of the election -- dramatically changes their lives. Platzer's vivid prose leaves readers eagerly turning the page to learn about how the characters become who they are, and how they can move on in the midst of challenges that often seem insurmountable.
September 7, 2019
So many feels come from one book and enlightens the mind on so many topics of marriage, friendship, careers and how we evolve over time. I saw the politics, the common core knowledge of the landscape and appreciated the amount of intelligence that was placed in writing a book that looks all over the spectrum. Then the book went beyond and focused on a friendship, marriage, life choices, how particular influenced people and their decisions. I was emotionally intertwined and captivated.
November 6, 2019
An unforgettable read. The expertly rendered central characters of Tess, Tazio, David and Angelica hold the entire world under their skins. This unflinching novel explores with a tender, exacting heart the hurt we do to others, and the hurt we do to ourselves. In a post-Trump era, Platzer is concerned with how we live in such dark times, and in his signature style, the answer is never black and white.
August 23, 2019
This novel stunned me. The characters and the world are wildly compelling, and it for sure gave me new insight into the betrayal of sudden illness. But it also made me think about the kind of person I am and want to be, and expectations in general. Also, kid can write. I'd give more than five stars if I had them.
February 19, 2023
Thanks to Goodreads and Atria books for this ARC.
Got to page 64 and couldn't finish it. This book was not for me I guess. The plot looked interesting and liked the concept of the couples and how they went to college together and still were friends and two of them were married and the other still single.
Got to page 64 and couldn't finish it. This book was not for me I guess. The plot looked interesting and liked the concept of the couples and how they went to college together and still were friends and two of them were married and the other still single.
August 18, 2019
Honestly--I couldn't put it down.
December 23, 2019
I just finished Brian Platzer’s latest novel, THE BODY POLITIC, a few minutes ago. Based on the title, I was thinking I was about to read a novel about how the aftermath of the 2016 election results impacted a group of young people’s lives. As someone who is very involved in local politics, I was drawn into what I thought was the major theme of the book: politics.
But to my surprise, and delight, I got a lot more.
The book has things to say about betrayal, jealousy, trauma, and yearning to be happy. But probably one of Platzer’s biggest themes is suffering from mental and physical health issues, as well as alcoholism and trauma.
Platzer’s novel follows four people - Tess, David, Tazio, and Angelica - but mostly Tess. Her journey through the book draws you in from the very first page, along with her hope that someday life will be better.
Platzer has so many good descriptions of depression and experiencing chronic pain, it’s hard to pick just one moment in the book. The most memorable part of the book is when Tess reads David’s file from therapy. Here, we first get a peek into what David is going through after his accident, both physically and mentally.
There are a couple specific things I loved about this book (among others): Platzer’s interpretation of “Love” towards the end, in the perspective of Tess, and the glimpses we get of Tazio and how his childhood has affected his life choices.
I can already tell I will carry these characters with me in the new year.
I highly recommend you pre-order this book before it comes out in March 2020.
But to my surprise, and delight, I got a lot more.
The book has things to say about betrayal, jealousy, trauma, and yearning to be happy. But probably one of Platzer’s biggest themes is suffering from mental and physical health issues, as well as alcoholism and trauma.
Platzer’s novel follows four people - Tess, David, Tazio, and Angelica - but mostly Tess. Her journey through the book draws you in from the very first page, along with her hope that someday life will be better.
Platzer has so many good descriptions of depression and experiencing chronic pain, it’s hard to pick just one moment in the book. The most memorable part of the book is when Tess reads David’s file from therapy. Here, we first get a peek into what David is going through after his accident, both physically and mentally.
There are a couple specific things I loved about this book (among others): Platzer’s interpretation of “Love” towards the end, in the perspective of Tess, and the glimpses we get of Tazio and how his childhood has affected his life choices.
I can already tell I will carry these characters with me in the new year.
I highly recommend you pre-order this book before it comes out in March 2020.
December 4, 2019
First of all, one of the best titles for a book I've ever read and Tazio is definitely the best character name I've come across! To put it simply, The Body Politic was a great read and I can't wait for Brian's next release.
November 20, 2019
I heard the author give a reading from
the book. It was really intriguing and whetted my appetite. I can't wait for this release so I can read it, cover to cover.
the book. It was really intriguing and whetted my appetite. I can't wait for this release so I can read it, cover to cover.
October 16, 2019
This book sounded fascinating from the description, and for the most part lived up to it. The four characters, two men and two women in a group of friends/acquaintances go back and forth from their Post 9/11 College/early adult years to their Post Trump election middle-age years. They are just about exactly my age so a lot of it was relatable. The characters were well developed with complicated histories and motivations. . I definitely invested in the characters and the story and really enjoyed it. It was on track to be a five star read, but the ending didn't really bring it all together for me.
November 8, 2019
Hands down the best book I've read all year!
September 7, 2019
Funny and smart and terribly sad, this is a rare example of a novel in which contemporary politics can is depicted vividly without ever dominating the narrative. Speaking as one who lives in a small town in the South, I don't think I've ever found a social novel set in NYC to be quite this true to life as I recognize it. A fast read that will linger for a long time afterward.
April 29, 2020
**Thank you to Atria Books for the free copy!**
WOW! I had zero expectations going into this novel and I was completely blown away. If you’re a fan of novels set in NYC, filled with beautifully-flawed characters who have a lot of history with one another, this is your book. I could hardly put this down, y’all! The writing is so, so good.
WOW! I had zero expectations going into this novel and I was completely blown away. If you’re a fan of novels set in NYC, filled with beautifully-flawed characters who have a lot of history with one another, this is your book. I could hardly put this down, y’all! The writing is so, so good.
October 3, 2019
I found this book deeply engaging, and finished it within no time. The author gives each character their due and there was not a point where I felt the plot could have progressed faster or slower than it was paced. Would thoroughly recommend!
I received this book due to a Giveaway.
I received this book due to a Giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews