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Nov 18, 2010FredC rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Never let a good politician time to pray! The first recommendation about this book, is the audiobook version, which I had listened to. The voice actor, Raul Esparza, has an intonation, a voice inflection, a characterization for each of the major characters and does it incredibly well, his voice talent brings the audiobook to real life and you will feel like you know each of the characters. Amazing job, Mr. Esparza. The book revolves around a McGuffin of sorts, albeit a pervasive one throughout the storyline, and it is the dome. This McGuffin causes all of the action and, mostly, mis-action to happen. As the inhabitants of Chester's Mill wake up to realize that a dome has mysteriously appeared over their small town, events quickly escalate into a degeneration of humanity. The unfortunate few who make this discovery include a poor animal as it, well, you'll read it, and a plane as it, well, you'll read that too, and worse, a rig full of lumber as it, well, you'll definitely read that one, because by that time, you will be riveted to the narrative. The core of the degeneration, however, is Second Selectman Jim Rennie, and what a ruse and miscreant he is. He slowly, very subtly in ways that, in my mind emulated the way tyrants take over, much like Hitler did to secure power and a power base, takes control over the small town. The hero, former army Captain Dale Barbara (Barbi) of the Iraq war, as all heroes are wont to do, is reluctant, preferring to believe in the power and kindness of humanity over tyranny. But, as all reluctant heroes are also wont to do, severely errs in judgement. Under a presidential order, from an Obama-like character no less, he is promoted to full Colonel, and must find a solution to this problem. Along the way, his ragtag, loose coalition loses ground and the town falls deeper into the abyss and stronghold of Hitler-esque Rennie. A wonderful turning point is Rennie's one moment to turn to God in prayer, and tells us that when politicians do, that is the eventual downfall of our innocent and naive beliefs. The twists and turns are ingeniously wrapped into your imagination and delve deep into your willingness to believe otherwise, and author Stephen King masterfully does this, without his trademark macabre-ness. If your blood does not boil over, over the machinations of the antagonists, then I fear the bad guys have won. This is a long book, but, your enthusiasm for the conclusion will never abate. Guaranteed.