Book Review: Boca Raton News - June, 2007

By Prudy Taylor Board

... And now, moving from dysfunctional personal lives to the dysfunctional political arena, we have Boca Raton author Mark Nemcek’s debut novel titled One Nation Under Par. This timely book poses two interesting questions: 1) If you could ask presidential candidates any question while they’re hooked up to a lie detector, what would you ask? 2) If you had to choose between corrupt politicians and an honest semi-pro golfer whose gorgeous wife made money the old fashioned way, and his campaign manager hosts a glitzy gambling talk show from Las Vegas, who would you vote for?

As you’ve undoubtedly guessed by now, One Nation is a humorous, irreverent and original look at the way the United States selects candidates and elects its president. The book begins when Jeff Taylor, our hero, loses his last chance to get his PGA Tour card. He is one stroke away from his long-dreamed of goal when he is distracted by the luscious, abundantly endowed Ginger Holiday who trips and falls on the golf course. At a bar shortly after the tournament ends, Ginger springs for Coronas and fresh lime to atone.

Enter radio talk show host Longshot wearing a low-tipped cowboy hat, cheap sunglasses and stubble several days old. (I don’t know whether this was Nemcek’s intent, but Longshot reminded me of radio talk show host Don Imus.) Longshot asks Jeff, “Partner, how’d ya like to be the next president of the United States?” Within a few hours, Jeff finds himself married to Ginger and running for president. The book is a quirky, obviously absurd romp as the other leading candidate indulges in illegal campaign tactics. Nemcek knows his golf and has an original take on politics. (Trade paperback, ISBN 0-9745110-6-4, 233 pages, $11.99. From Publishtogo Publications)