Ehrlich has created an interesting book in writing Big Government. On average, it is quite funny throughout, although by about halfway through, it becomes too predictable and looses some of its punch. At the same time, Ehrlich isn't just trying to entertain - he is trying to make serious points about government, political campaigns, and how in both areas, our leaders fall far short of the ideals of public service (in Ehrlich's belief). In some cases, the juxtaposition of humor and serious points is a bit uneasy, as Ehrlich's writing strays away from satire and becomes more meditative and almost preachy. However, the book is punctuated with enough humorous barbs to keep it from boring the reader.
As a veteran of several Congressional campaigns, I have seen enough of the way that Washington works first-hand to find many of the situations and characters Ehrlich creates to be so realistic, yet so ridiculous, that they are purely hilarious. I'm really not sure that those who have never been on the "inside" of politics would find this book funny in the same way I did, but I think that anyone would find it at least mildly amusing. Another of the book's strong points is that Ehrlich keeps it short, making it an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

I couldn't believe this was a first novel for the author. His words flowed off the page. His descriptions and characters seem life like, and the story has a wonderful rythmn. His use of imagery is great and the creativity is breath taking.

Thirty years ago I worked as what is called today a spin doctor. I have a love/hate relationship with politics. I think Ev Ehrlich's book is really quite excellent, especially for a first-time novelist. It belongs to a long, honorable history of political burlesque. On occasion it's over-the-top, in a Carl Hiaasen kind of way. (That's high praise; I think Hiaasen is wonderful).

There's also a not-so-subtle, very disquieting subtext to the book, one that the author makes explicit in the closing pages. In short, among the fun there's also some serious food for thought here. This book would make a great movie, too. Let's hope some Hollywood producer picks it up.

As someone who is not a big Civil War buff, but interested in American History in general, I found Grant Speaks quite enjoyable. I had no trouble remembering that it is fiction, and that many of Ehrlich's colorful plot elements were either ornamented or totally fabricated for the story. I think it's made pretty clear from the top that it is fiction, and given the outragousness of the personal events of Grant's life depicted in the book (not to mention the dialogue), the book is an homage to Mark Twain's style as much as the book's namesake.

To echo another reviewer, I did care what happened to Grant in the story... enough so that I now want to go read the REAL history books and biographies. So while I won't say I learned any history by reading Grant Speaks, it did inspire me to go read the real thing. And as I said, I'm not a Civil War fanatic, so I think Ehrlich's book succeeds on two counts: it entertains and inspires.

I find it funny that some reviews tell people to read biographies rather than this fictional work. If you're interested in a history lesson this likely isn't the book for you. I'm sure you'll glean the general flow of Grant's life from GRANT SPEAKS, but biography it's not. And I can't be happier.

This book is a page-turner. While rooted in history, it diverges in wonderfully creative ways! It is a bold book with something to say about Grant, the period in America, and the human condition in general.

At times I felt the book tried too hard to be funny when all it needed was to look at the humanity it had set up, but overall this a solid four-star selection.

Grant Speaks! And boy, am I glad he did.

Ev Ehrlich's treatment of one of our county's darkest times is both insightful and laugh out loud funny. From his characterizations of Grant's contemporaries to his use of historical events as a canvass for satire, Ehrlich has created a fast-paced novel worthy of praise.

Through Ehrlich's eyes, we see a portrayal of Grant that is self-questioning, scared, and flawed. From his drinking to his business failures, Grant struggles with his place in history. But it is in these struggles that we see a wonderful picture of a man, not the myth that Grant has become.

This is not -- I repeat, not -- a text book for history 101. While Ehrlich stays true to the events of history and does a masterful job of giving the reader the look, feel and politics of the times, it is a mistake to read this book as one would read the "nothing but the facts" scholarly tomes that have preceeded it. This is a fictional accounting that takes the events of the past and, with a wink and a nod, leads the reader on a fanciful romp through U.S. history with Grant the guide.

"Grant Speaks" is a must read this summer -- especially for those who know history but are not enslaved by it.