Featured books

Featured Websites

.: Reader Views Kids

Provides book reviews, by kids, for kids

.: Inside Scoop Live

Provides live author interviews for podcast

.: Authors Access

Provides interviews with experts in the publishing industry

.: Midwest Book Review

Provides post-publication reviews

.: Reader Views

Provides book reviews and author publicity

.: LR Communication Design

Provides professional website design and development

.: Blogging Authors

Provides a place where writers and readers meet

.: Review The Book

Provides 5 books reviews on 10 different sites

.: Best Sellers World

Provides book reviews and author features

.: Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Provides book reviews and author features

reviews

A Disagreement in Idaho

Holt E. Glenn
A Canoe Moon Press (2010)
ISBN 9780984413508
Reviewed by Mary Durfor for RebeccasReads (10/10)


 I have a confession to make.  I was angry the entire time I was reading "A Disagreement in Idaho."  Of course, the subject matter is one that is in the news every day, illegal immigration.  It was difficult to ascertain the actual philosophy of the author, even though the back cover of the book made it seem clear that he has no use for illegal immigrants, especially those from Mexico, even though the body of the book insists that illegal's from all countries are the subject of his wrath, whether Asian, European, Canadian, etc.  While the story of the Governor of Idaho attempts to identify specific reasonable arguments against illegal immigration, I believe that the enormity of the problems caused by them are greatly exaggerated.  The author cites 25 million illegal's currently living in the USA, which far outnumbers any estimates I have read in credible sources.  His estimates of the monies saved by refusing to provide health care to them in Idaho alone are unbelievably large. For these types of reasons, I simply had to put the book down for several days at a time, to allow myself to get over my feelings of anger which were caused, I guess, by the skill of the author in really drawing me into his story.  

The concurrently running story about the illegal Mexican ranch hands and the sweet dog, Minto, cause confusion about his true feelings about illegal immigrants when considered on a small scale, as individuals.  The monstrous behavior of Toby, the hothead Marine, makes you wonder if he actually admires the type, or is trying to be fair and reasonable in his portrayal of imperfect human beings.  The President of the United States and his close advisors, likewise, are painted with two brushes, and difficult to read.  The girlfriend of the Governor's dead brother spends 20 years in hiding, and I'm still not completely sure if I understand who she really was. 
Reflecting current immigration unrest and outspoken ranting and raving about what immigrants are doing to this country, this novel is really presented as a “true” story novel. The writing is precise, the details are impressive, and the knowledge of the author is too close for comfort. He can easily discuss Iraq and Afghanistan from the point of view of an enlisted Marine, reveal details about some of the country's crazy militia groups, portray the inner workings of the White House, and the Idaho Governor's House, and explain how small planes work to the satisfaction of this reader and reviewer. He knows about ranching, farming, Mexican border-crossing, Mexican drug lord activities, the lives of immigrant peasants and the lives of powerful politicians as well.

In short, the book is at the same time, distressing and informative. While many of the characters are obviously not real people, many real people known to all of us are worked into the story, quite effectively. The author obviously has a strong view about illegal immigration, and he has instilled into his protagonist and others in the story this same view. The current attack on the 14th amendment is a central theme in the novel, and white survivalist groups are heavily portrayed, as well as their heavy influence in the Rocky Mountain states.

The author has knowledge about the ACLU, MALDEF, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and he uses this knowledge to craft a story which is believable. The protagonists believe that the current problems in the United States began with NAFTA, as well as placing a fair amount of blame on former President Carter, for creating many National Parks and government-controlled lands in Alaska in the 70's. Much credit for the successful management of the wildlife of the USA is placed on the hunting and fishing industries, and the author is quick to condemn the current disability system of the country, insisting that many illegal immigrants are the undeserving recipients.

While this book is difficult to read because it has so many concurrent, somewhat related story lines going at the same time,  and the details of every story are closely reported, it not only held my interest, but definitely made me think about all of the situations it created. Even though the surface reading might suggest Tea Party, the more considerate presentation of the characters makes the book something less sensational and more introspective than a simple anti-illegal immigration rant. 

I recommend reading this book to start your own conversation about the state of illegal immigration, citizen militia groups, martial law, and other uncomfortable subjects!