Wingnuts

This first title from fledgling imprint Beast Books was first published as an ebook, then as a trade paperback, and is now available in multiple audio formats. In it, CNN commentator/Daily Beast columnist Avlon uses the Internet to trace the rise of political extremism and recites numerous examples of far left and far right (i.e., wingnut) politicians and the radical positions they espouse. Those who keep abreast of goings on in the political arena will learn little from this short treatise, in which Avlon contends that the wingnuts and the massive amount of media attention they generate are polarizing the nation. Less of a book than a series of long, entertaining blog posts; Tina Brown narrates the foreword. For those who enjoy video, check out the 21 CNN "Wingnut of the Week" clips on Avlon's web site, johnavlon.com. Purchase as interest warrants.—Valerie Piechocki, Prince George's Cty. Memorial Lib., Largo, MD