SNL meets the New York Times.Real problems of greed and shortsightedness in government combined with the head in the sand general public are treated to a makeover worthy of Mel Brooks. The tale is a thinly disguised condemnation of what's wrong with things today and a snidely, snarkily, sarcastic, satire denoting improbably delightful answers to the question of how to turn things around before it's too late for all of us. See the publisher's blurb for an overview, but don't bypass the chance to [...]

this book, “National Parks…” by Rolf Margenau was terrific and totally unlike anything I’ve read before. So creative and unique! Once I started reading I didn’t want to stop until I’d finished the whole thing… But it seemed to go by fast and was endlessly amusing--and oddly enlightening. I chuckled many times, and loved the whole wide cast of wonderful characters, from Portia to Tureen (and all the others…)-- It in an interesting and complex (yet lighthearted) look at life and th [...]

4.5 starsthis was the first book I’ve read by this author Rolf Margenau, but I certainly hope it’s not the last. He has a gift for writing descriptive and life-like scenes that make us feel like we are really there inside the story, as opposed to it all just being “told” to us, as so many rookie authors make the mistake of doing. I like that this book didn’t feel stale or derivative of anything I’ve read before and is so much different than anything else I’ve read. Smart, irreveren [...]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was excellently written with great editing and kept my attention from the interesting opening to the satisfying (if bittersweet) ending. It is not a quick read nor should it be. There are too many important themes here to gloss over, so the author takes his time in carefully developing the various storylines so that we the readers are thoroughly engaged the whole way through. I liked Mr. Margenau’s writing style very much – it is part serious, part qu [...]

First, I have to say that I don’t normally read books like this, but I was looking for something a little out of my comfort zone and this book sounded intriguing, although the description was a little confusing to me (and that title is so long!!!). Well, I am most certainly glad I took the chance on Rolf Margenau’s book, “National Parks” This was a captivating novel and very thought-provoking. There is such strong, vivid writing, and the characters are all fascinating, flawed, and going [...]

4.5 stars"National Parks” is a very compelling read, and one that will definitely appeal to fans of literary/philosophical/satire novels. Rolf Margenau infuses a unique blend of insight, dry humor, philosophy, drama, and interesting characters to tell his provocative tale. But he puts more of a ‘speculative’ spin on the traditional storytelling which makes it all the more fun. The story itself was fairly even-paced, but I thought it has too much conversation at times (chit chat) that did l [...]

I loved this book “National Parks” by Rolf Margenau! It was so funny, but actually had an interesting and surprisingly intelligent plot also (I say surprisingly because it is so sardonic in nature) The tone was light and tongue in cheek, but there is a deeper, more serious message here as with many clever satires when done well (which is a difficult thing to do!). On the surface it appears almost comical, and it is…. But it is a profound look at political states, environmentalism, consumer [...]

National Parks by Rolf C. MargenauI received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I usually put that statement at the end of my reviews, but Rolf would not even send me a copy of the book until I answered some questions. That is because it is very un-PC (in-PC?). If you are looking for a very funny book that laughs at the American political system, then read this book! This book is not a poke at the National Parks on it's own, but they we're an easy target for this book. Rolf co [...]

Really good book. Exciting.