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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Jess Walter's CITIZEN VINCE.
RYStorteboom@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Arturo Perez-Reverte, Helen MacInnes, Elizabeth Peters, Daniel Silva, Ken Follett, Nelson DeMille and others.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I began enthusiastically but soon had mixed feelings. In the end, I was sorry it was over. More books should read that way.
I really did appreciate some of the more finely drawn characters and the non-sequiturs. The feeling --- about the politics of the day --- of “if we knew then what we know now” was palpable. He sometimes made that a little too obvious. However, he often reached out and pull me back with a deeper thought from the least expected of characters or a tender moment. Vince, the citizen again, re-entering the world within the witness protection program that doesn't really protect him, is remarkably and surprisingly sympathetic. I did not like him, I didn't WANT to like him, I've know him in a few forms. But it took exactly three chapters for me to cheer for him, appreciate him, admire him.
Walter's greatest gift to the reader was celebrated by the phrase “the pearly waterfalls that the city [of Spokane] had oystered itself around.” Walter dissected the oyster shell, examined its creases and seamy streaks, and revealed the grit and flaks clinging to the shell. It was a great metaphor for the city, and for the story.
The CATCH-22 quote --- “Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you.” --- summed up Vince's situation pretty well. Interesting how the most dangerous personal situation seems to also be the most comical.
Would you ever read another book by Jess Walter?
I would likely read another novel by Walter. I'm not sure I could pull through his style in a nonfiction work. Particularly if the issues involved are sensitive to me.
Andra1938@aol.com
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
It is hard to know whether to take Jess Walter's novel CITIZEN VINCE as a serious suspense novel or a tongue-in-cheek poke at the genre. At times his plot and characters seem to be overdrawn for comic intent, and yet Vince's introspection and musings deal with serious issues. Regardless, this novel stays in the reader's consciousness and is not easily forgotten. Walter has secured his place among suspense/thriller authors such as Baldacci, Hoag and Riordan.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
I look forward to reading more of Walter's works.
asim.ameer@att.net
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No. This was my first opportunity.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Sandford, Jeffery Deaver, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Martin Cruz Smith, Jodi Compton, Jon Talton, Patricia Cornwell, Peter Robinson, Robert Crais, David Baldacci, T. Jefferson Parker and many others.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
It was a great read. I was particulary impressed by the complexity of the characters and the depth to which Walter went to to describe them. In addition, I loved the descriptions he had of what Spokane was like in the 1980's.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Absolutely. This was my first Jess Walter work. I will delve some more in his writing.
BrianM8614@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
This was my first Jess Walter book (but probably not my last).
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Vince Flynn, Jack Higgins, Ken Follett and James Patterson are some of my favorites.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
Walter's style reminds me somewhat of Raymond Chandler, although with a modernized style. To me, Chandler has always been able to draw you into his characters, so that you feel a sense of being there in the scene. Walters is able to do the same thing and he pulls you right along with the action. This is definitely a page-turner and I found that two AM came around w-a-a-ay too soon.
The protagonist, Vince, is revealed to us slowly; and we get to know and understand him better as the story unfolds (Who could play Vince in a movie?Just the right combination of toughness and sentimentality. Sean Penn maybe? A glammed-down Brad Pitt?). There's a gritty feel to this novel; kind of like film noir without all the dark shadows. The plot is simple; yet constructed as to be unpredictable right to the end. I thought I had it figured out --- I didn't. This is an engaging book on several levels. It shows what a good writer can do with his or her craft. The genre is transcended by the quality of the writing. Don't be fooled by the enjoyment factor and the easy read, this is great stuff. It's like cotton candy on steroids. The ultimate accolade...I immediately turned this book over to my wife with a "you have to read this" ultimatum.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Absolutely!
charris@pctelecom.us
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
I may have as I read a book about Ruby Ridge.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Robert B. Parker, Michael Connelly, J. A. Jance, C. J. Box, Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Jack Higgins, Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, Ann Rule, Stuart Woods, Nevada Barr, Jodi Picoult, Marcia Muller, Ridley Pearson, Ken Follett and many more I can't remember right now.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
It is a good book. It builds as it goes along, which makes for good reading. I learned alot about being in the Mob and the Witness Protection System. It also shows how much voting can mean to someone who could not do it before. I like his story being about Spokane as I live fairly near there and could relate to the town.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Probably. It would be interesting to see what he would write about next.
flight_of_a_phoenix@yahoo.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dan Brown, John Grisham and Frank Peretti.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I thought it was a really interesting book, suspenseful and fast-paced --- it kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen. If you enjoy political thrillers, this book is [up] your alley.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Definitely!
GliJ9@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Lee Burke, Michael Connely, Robert Crais and Robert Wilson.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
Actually I fell for Vince and that scared me. He was charming and I loved how he never read the endings of books just the beginnings. He says endings are all the same, only the beginnings and middles can be different. I really liked the characters in this and the message of hope.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Yes.
James_22765@msn.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
I have read both of Walter's previous [novels].
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I also read Pelecanos, McBain, Connelly, Connolly, George and many other thriller writers.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I really liked this one; it made me like a fairly shady character. I look forward to his next effort.
Mailcatz@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Iris Johansen, Dean Koontz and Harlan Coben.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
It was a little slow for me to get in to, but then it really took off. I enjoyed the way politics was woven into the story as well as the Mob. It was interesting to see the real life events (the election and the Mob) and how they affected Vince. I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end! I didn't care for the bad language, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Yes.
MarshaNee@adelphia.net
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Robert Parker, Elmore Leonard, Donald Westlake and Greg Iles.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
With dialogue worthy of the likes of Elmore Leonard, Jess Walter ponders the patterns of ambition, opportunity and political responsibility as our Citizen Vince searches for truth beneath the surfaces of politics and the average man's dreams. What a ride!
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Absolutely.
mohendies@earthlink.net
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No, I haven't read any books by Jess Walter.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Greg Iles, Richard Montanari, Harlan Coben and Dennis Lehane.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I really enjoyed reading this book. Incorporating the presidential election brought me back to that era, and how different the mood of the country was at that time. I really liked Vince Camden (and being from NJ loved the name) and I thought the ending was well done. I recommend this book, and I found it highly readable.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Yes, I would read future books by this author.
TripletsPlus2@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter? No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Grisham, many.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I really enjoyed it. It was suspenseful and a good read --- went quickly.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Yes.
wallis01@yahoo.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No, I have thought about it several times. I like to read about new books that are coming out, and I read about his previous titles. I will definitely go back and read anything he's ever written before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
There are a lot of suspense/thriller authors that I enjoy --- Harlan Coben, Steve Hamilton, Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos are among my favorites.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I like the fact that this book started you out in the easygoing, but cautious life that Vince Camden had been following for the past three years and then suddenly someone from his previous, pre-witness protection days appears. By that time the plot is off-and-running, and we are introduced to some fascinating characters, who are presented as fully-formed individuals. The most important part of the book is that Jess Walter keeps you wondering not only how will Vince get himself out of this mess he is in, but there also is a sense of mystery about the other characters -- what's really going on in their lives? How did they get into their own predicaments? The cameo appearances by John Gotti, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan add to the appeal of this book, but the plot and subplots keeps the reader fully engaged. This was a wonderful read.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
I certainly will.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No, this is the first book by him that I have read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Karin Slaughter, Alex Kava, Mary Higgins Clark, P. J. Tracy and David Hewson.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I would have probably never picked this out on my own. At first I was not sure about the story, but the more I read, the more I got involved. It is during the 1980 election, and the main character has some issues in his life. The way the author writes is a bit harder to read --- not as put together as some other authors.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Yes.
jreimold@cox.net
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
No, this was my first Jess Walter book.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Lisa Gardner, Jeffery Deaver, Dean Koontz and Alex Kava.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
I think it took too long to get to know what the plot or theme was or what was going on. I nearly put the book down for good on more than one occasion since it seemed so disconnected. I did finish it so I could give my report and I love hearing from others. The plot eventually come to for but I wish he would have gotten the readers involved in thinking about what was going to happen next, we love to try and out wit the author. I like the ones that make you guess, think of different scenarios. This one you had no idea where it was going until it was done. I think the character could have been much more colorful given what I know now about him and that could have enriched the story.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
Yes, simply because I've read other books by authors I've come to love that had one book I didn't like such as THE CHAMBER by John Grisham.
nortomb@webtv.net
Have you previously read a book by Jess Walter?
This was the first book of Jess Walter's I read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read James Patterson, both Kellermans and Lisa Scottoline, among lots more.
What did you think of CITIZEN VINCE?
The book started off very slowly. Frankly, I only continued to read it as I felt I had to. Once Vince went to NY it picked up.
Would you ever read a future book by Jess Walter?
I might try another book by Jess Walter.
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