Beneath the Axis of Evil: One Man's Journey into the Horrors of War

by Neal Pollack

On September 11, 2001, the world was shaken to its foundations unlike on any other foundation-shaking day in the history of the world. Fortunately, Neal Pollack was a few miles away, In Brooklyn, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0972763600
• ISBN13: 9780972763608
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: So New Media Books
• Length: 62 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 20 years and up

Customer Reviews

Great stuff

Every sentence is a hilarious surprise. Like all 4 Marx brothers doing a remix of everything all at once. It's short but packed with laffs that will appeal to the high- and low-brow in everyone.

A Welcome -- If Brief -- Offering from Neal Pollack

When people look back upon the gonzo literary career of Neal Pollack, it's tough to reckon what they will make of his second book, "Beneath the Axis of Evil: One Man's Journey into the Horrors of War." Much shorter than his first book, "The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature", "Beneath the Axis of Evil" primarily serves to whet the appetite of Pollack fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming publication of his first novel. All the same, "Beneath the Axis of Evil" -- despite its brevity -- features a consistency and focus missing in Pollack's first book, a loose collection of humorous essays. Though entertaining, Pollack's essays lacked a common thread. "Beneath the Axis of Evil", however, should excite Pollack fans wondering how Pollack's writing has evolved in the years since his publication of "Anthology." Working with only 62 pages, Pollack doesn't overextend himself. The result is rewarding; Pollack's humor is a narrowly focused laser aimed without mercy at the circus of the absurd that is our global "War on Terror." I highly recommend this funny, subversive offering from Neal Pollack.

Out-Tuesdays Tuesdays With Morrie!

In a mere 60-some pages, Neal Pollack single-handedly and effortlessly puts in their place the self-righteous post-9/11 journalists that stink up the nation's newspapers and magazines on a daily basis. Most importantly though, the book is hilarious. Any points or statements that Pollack may have been trying to make with the book are so shrouded in laugh-out-loud humor, that one almost forgets about the nonsensical reality that is being lampooned and that we're presently living in. And these days, what more could we ask for from a book?

If irony died on September 11, then Pollack is its phoenix.

-With Beneath the Axis of Evil, Neal Pollack proves that he is one of America's most underappreciated satirists. Pollack deftly leaps across international borders and over scowling bodyguards to record the months following the September 11 attacks and speak to the people who shaped that time. For people who are new to Pollack's humor, this book provides a great, yet compact, introduction. Readers who enjoyed the author's first book will undoubtedly like this one, as Pollack gives a political spin to his unique (and unfortunately so) brand of humor. Mimicking the self-important news celebrities of the networks and national papers, Pollack spends time in a jail cell with fellow dissidents Bill Maher and Susan Sontag, and secures exclusive, revealing interviews with the likes of Mohammed Omar and Saddam Hussein. This book, whether because of its brevity or because of Pollack's evolution as a fiction writer, holds together better than his debut Anthology. Although he takes an ill-fitting interlude to poke fun at Jonathan Franzen, the rest of the book is nearly seamless, and the jokes never get stale. Beneath the Axis of Evil is a glimpse of Pollack at his best-full of piercing witticism and far-fetched, yet apt, associations. Any fan of satire-modern or classic-would be well-advised to pick this up, as it is timeless humor on a timely subject.

I just loved this book

Jamie Swift's life is full, she is running the only paper in small town Beaumont, South Carolina and is engaged to a handsome young millionaire. Unfortunately, the paper is struggling and her future mother in law can hardly stand her, feeling that her precious son is marrying beneath himself. The answer to her unspoken prayers arrives when Max Holt, sexy billionaire and brother in law to former wrestler turned mayoral candidate Frankie Fontana, comes to town to allegedly help Frankie's campaign. Actually, his sister Deedee wants him to help Jamie. Matters are complicated by attempts on Jamie's life, her mutual attraction to Max, and Max's computer, Muffin, getting hot flashes. Added to that, Frankie's major domo and Deedee's best "girlfriend", Beenie, another former, and gay, wrestler, gets amnesia and forgets he is gay. You can also add a stripper and some poachers to the muddle, and you get a delightful mix. ***** With spark, passion, mystery and more than one chuckle, this book tickles and delights you from beginning to end. Fans of both of these authors will not be disappointed, everything that makes Stephanie loveable and all the wit of Charlotte Hughes other novels is there. Max is someone you definitely hope is going to be back, and Muffin alone is worth a continuing series. *****