Hedrick Smith wrote and amazingly in-depth novel about American Politics and Government. So in-depth, in fact, that you have to put the book down every five to twenty minutes to absorb the hundred and one things he just told you.

"The Power Game" is a long read and unless you are superbly interested in politics and government you may not want to read this. However, to everyone that dreams of the Senators at work, taking PAC money and being led by lobbyist (or if you are a Reagan fan), this book is perfect. Smith takes you inside the heart of government. And not the metaphorical heart, he truly shows all aspects of American Politics and Government. I am sure if people were capable or reading so much about politics and government; Smith could have written another 711 pages and still would not have covered everything that HE wanted to. But if it were any longer Smith would not have made a profit selling it.

Smith's analysis of Washington would have brought tears to my eyes, only because of his understanding of the best institution out there. However, Smith's love for Reagan did damper my mood of the novel. Smith seems to have a love affair with Reagan. Though Reagan did shake things up on Capitol Hill, Smith going more than fifteen pages with out mentioning something "great" about Reagan is nothing short of a small miracle.

I would love to Read this book if Smith had written it in the passed five years. Sadly this look at "the Power Game" is almost twenty years old and has no analysis of resent dynamics and shenanigans in Washington. If you are thinking of reading this book, make sure you have time and a lot of love for America. I recommend "The Power Game" because it does give you a deep understanding of Politics and Government. How deep you want to go is up to you. If you can handle knowing everything and then some, please pick up a copy. If you do not really want to know the "then some" or Washington than I would recommend a different novel. There are many novels that will give you an understanding of Washington, with out confusing or boring you. All in all, Great Book.

Hedrick Smith wrote and amazingly in-depth novel about American Politics and Government. So in-depth, in fact, that you have to put the book down every five to twenty minutes to absorb the hundred and one things he just told you.
"The Power Game" is a long read and unless you are superbly interested in politics and government you may not want to read this. However, to everyone that dreams of the Senators at work, taking PAC money and being led by lobbyist (or if you are a Reagan fan), this book is perfect. Smith takes you inside the heart of government. And not the metaphorical heart, he truly shows all aspects of American Politics and Government. I am sure if people were capable or reading so much about politics and government; Smith could have written another 711 pages and still would not have covered everything that HE wanted to. But if it were any longer Smith would not have made a profit selling it.
Smith's analysis of Washington would have brought tears to my eyes, only because of his understanding of the best institution out there. However, Smith's love for Reagan did damper my mood of the novel. Smith seems to have a love affair with Reagan. Though Reagan did shake things up on Capitol Hill, Smith going more than fifteen pages with out mentioning something "great" about Reagan is nothing short of a small miracle.
I would love to Read this book if Smith had written it in the passed five years. Sadly this look at "the Power Game" is almost twenty years old and has no analysis of resent dynamics and shenanigans in Washington. If you are thinking of reading this book, make sure you have time and a lot of love for America. I recommend "The Power Game" because it does give you a deep understanding of Politics and Government. How deep you want to go is up to you. If you can handle knowing everything and then some, please pick up a copy. If you do not really want to know the "then some" or Washington than I would recommend a different novel. There are many novels that will give you an understanding of Washington, with out confusing or boring you. All in all, Great Book.