Reviews
Serendipity
Speaking of books, there's a little thing in the publishing business called serendipity, and it comes into play when you write a novel and your fictional premise suddenly becomes a shocking truth, a truth that results in global outrage, banner headlines and round-the-clock cable news coverage.
That's what's happening to Joe Smiga.
Simply stated, the premise of his first novel is this -- Iran has nukes.
That's the central storyline in "Behind the Lies," a prescient piece of work worthy of Tom Clancy, what with Hamas and Hezbollah and renegade Ayatollahs in control of Kilo-class submarines and, in a tribute to his adopted hometown, Joe has scripted a cliff-hanger of a naval battle with a destroyer called the USS Manchester cast as a key player in the drama.
Talk about lucky timing.
"Actually, I had it planned," Joe said, and, while I thought he was joking, he wasn't.
"I'm Jewish," he explained, "I've been reading the Jerusalem Post for years and for as long as I've been reading it, Israeli intelligence has been saying that Iran would have a nuclear capability by the end of 2009, so when I started writing in 2005, that was going to be my premise." And what was his reaction when President Obama held that press conference announcing that Iran has acquired "sufficient information to be able to design and produce a workable atomic bomb"?
"It's a terrifying reality, but as an author, I was thrilled," he said. "His remarks reinforced the title -- the truth 'Behind the Lies' -- and the fact that my book has a black President who's in his first term in the book strikes a chord with readers as well." If you'd like to be one of them -- readers, that is -- you can seek out "Behind the Lies" on the Amazon or Barnes and Noble websites, or if you're looking for an autographed copy, you can go to www.joesmiga.com.
John Clayton is the author of several books on Manchester and New Hampshire, including his newest title, "Remembering Manchester." He writes a regular column for the Manchester Union Leader a statewide newspaper.
DEAR JOE,
What a book. “Behind The Lies,” is one of the best books that I have ever read. I was quite impressed, and agree with the first testimonial review; add my name to that one.
Jim T. and I were class mates in high school. After ordering a hard cover of my book he has ordered five soft covers to be sent to friends with the following message.
From Jim T__________ for your years of friendship. This author was a high school classmate who has written one of the most timely and effective books and should soon be a best seller.
Joe,
You covered every angle and left no loose ends. It's totally amazing that a first time author could write such a powerful thriller demonstrating a grasp of human nature, politics, espionage, and amazing military knowledge.
You totally blew me away. It's better than I ever expected. I could not put the book down for the last 150 pages. I sat totally absorbed by the suspense and was surprised by my own emotions as the story evolved. You did a phenomenal job and now you need to start writing the script for the screen. It will make Tom Clancy take notice that he met his match.
Put me down as your number 1 fan and please get back to work ASAP with a sequel.
— Rhoda
An Intelligent, interesting, and sobering story. This intricate, well-researched plot serves as an important cautionary tale.
The reader is reminded of Clancy and Ludlum.
This is a novel that should be read and discussed.
— Phil C.
Wow Joe!
After building the plot effectively in the first half the last half blew me away. Up to midnight finishing which is something that I do very rarely. Your writing talents have been hidden but you will take your place with the majors. A much better plot than the Cussler and Griffins.
When you get your book in front of the major reviewers you should hit the big time.
— Jim