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WASHINGTON SCHLEPPED HERE
by Christopher Buckley
Random House Audio, August 2003
Abridged audio pages
$19.95
ISBN: 0739306839


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

WASHINGTON SCHLEPPED HERE is a two hour commentary on the sites and history of Washington DC. The chapters of this book are the different walks Buckley took while researching his topic. For example, chapter one is a walk starting at Union Station and chapter two begins at the Washington Monument.

This book is different from Buckley's previous works. Normally his works are wry social satire; however, this book was a more serious look at the historical events that shaped Washington DC. Although this book had its humorous moments, they were overshadowed by historical events.

For example, he discusses the death of Lincoln and other presidents, as well as the war monuments and the deaths that made them necessary. The overwhelming somberness of his topic did not allow for many jokes. The jokes contained on this abridgment were primarily social commentary and were cynical. That is not to say that Buckley was intentionally morbid or depressing. It is just impossible to see Washington DC without realizing that the creation of the city and its sites were based on death.

Some of Buckley's commentary is amusing. For example, the CD begins with Buckley trying to convince his publishing company to allow him to do a walking tour of DC in his car. When that is not an option, he then requests that they pay for his funeral if he dies from the exercise. In addition, he has special names for all of the historical locations. The White House becomes the Almost Pink House and Union Station is referred to as Dante's Paradise.

WASHINGTON SCHLEPPED HERE is read by the author. An author reading his or her own work tends to be rare; however, Buckley is nothing if not unique. Hearing the inflection placed on words by the author gives them new meaning and value. When the author reads the book, it feels as though the book is being directly addressed to the listener rather than the masses. In addition, Buckley has a pleasant voice reading voice. And his accent also makes listening to him even more enjoyable.

Christopher Buckley is the author of nine previous books. He is a Washington insider with his own take on bureaucracy and the inner workings of the government.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, August 2003

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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