I listened to the audio version of this book, which I think was the problem. The best way to describe the book is to compare it to the type of "murder board" you might remember from The Usual Suspects, Only Murders in the Building, etc. Now imagine someone reading a description of one of those over the phone to you. Yeah. The narrator does his best, but his tone conveys his (admittedly deserved) total disdain for most of the people and events described. The resulting drone is a fourteen hour litany of the worst people to have existed in the late 1980's-early 1990's with no commentary or analysis to break up the recitation of their awfulness.

I strongly suspect that the experience of reading this book in printed form would be totally different. It does an amazingly thorough job of compiling all of the events surrounding the George H.W. Bush administration and the 1992 election that laid the groundwork for the rise of MAGA twenty years later. Having lived through all of it in real time, I will be the first to admit that the significance of many of the events was not fully obvious when they happened. I will also warn those who were not alive or in America at the time that the author assumes some level of familiarity with the time period and its events, and since the chapters are arranged by topic rather than chronology you may want some sort of timeline (perhaps there is one in the print edition?) to keep things straight.

So overall, give the audio version a pass but find yourself a written copy for something to think about the next time you ask how we got to the current dystopia.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had a physical copy, and not an audiobook. It would have been helpful to annotate, and be able to go back and reread sections. The narrator was a little flat, but they typically are for political books like this. There was a ton of great information in this book, but it felt a little too long.

John Ganz's "When the Clock Broke" is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking novel that masterfully blends elements of mystery, drama, and psychological depth. Ganz’s storytelling prowess is on full display as he crafts a narrative that captivates readers from the first page and keeps them enthralled until the very end.

Set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue, "When the Clock Broke" follows a gripping storyline that unfolds with meticulous precision. Ganz’s ability to create a rich, atmospheric setting draws readers into the world of the characters, making every moment feel vivid and immediate. The novel’s intricate plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged and eager to uncover the next revelation.

Ganz excels in character development, bringing to life a cast of complex and relatable individuals. Each character’s journey is portrayed with nuance and empathy, allowing readers to connect deeply with their struggles, motivations, and growth. The protagonist’s quest to unravel the mystery at the heart of the story is both compelling and emotionally resonant, adding layers of depth to the overall narrative.

The writing in "When the Clock Broke" is both elegant and evocative. Ganz’s prose is beautifully crafted, balancing lyrical descriptions with sharp, insightful dialogue. His keen observations on human nature and the passage of time add a philosophical dimension to the story, enriching the reading experience.

In summary, "When the Clock Broke" is a testament to John Ganz’s talent as a storyteller. It is a novel that combines suspense, emotional depth, and literary elegance, making it a standout in contemporary fiction. Readers who enjoy a well-crafted mystery with rich character development and profound themes will find this book an absolute delight. Ganz has delivered a truly unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.

Review of “When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s”

By: John Ganz

Available June 18/2024

Check it Out on Goodreads!!

Disclaimer: Please note that I received an Audio ARC from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

John Ganz’s “When the Clock Broke” delves into the political and social chaos of the early 1990s, exposing America’s internal conflicts during a period of supposed triumph.

The book delves into the tensions of race, society, and economy that drive conspiracy theories and radical movements. Ganz demonstrates how these issues contribute to the current polarization and extremism, highlighting the impact of the past.

“When the Clock Broke” is an average book that didn’t captivate me, which is unusual for this type of literature. I can’t explain why I didn’t connect with it, but I hope you find this book an intriguing read. It’s filled with valuable insights, so it might be right up your alley.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗

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🎧 - Audio - 🎧

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Libro.FM

This is a well-researched book. Days, weeks, and months of digging through articles, blogs, books, and interviews were scoured. Tons and tons of information has been brought into the light to remind us of... all of the author's biases. I absolutely loved the history lesson. Truly. But the negativity or demonization towards the opposing views was extremely distracting... near to the point of hilarity. A more neutral brick of a book would have earned a 5 star rating.
On a lighter note,.. I now know everything about the 1992 presidential campaign. I can't wait until that category pops up on Jeopardy.