Reviews

“But, I have to admit, no other boys could fart like him…. Like Jose used to say to us after mass, ‘Fart is an art.'”

Written in an undeniably satirical tone, the author has reprised the role of President Biden and penned his version of an autobiographical account. Though jabs abound, and there is little doubt about who the target audience is, the delivery comes across as less harmful and playful than it often is in similar political satires. Even praises of Biden, such as “is he possessed or just truly a genius,” are quickly flipped into references such as him being the “black hole” of humanity.

While one may wonder what could spur an author to “pirate” Joe Biden’s autobiography as the author suggests, few can contest the sheer entertainment factor once readers suspend the disbelief associated with the often controversial, politically-charged content of the text. In many ways, “The Early Years”—the novel’s opening section—is essentially a gateway to an entirely new world, where terms like cancel culture and politically correct are thrown out the window. In its place are wild images that will be seared into readers’ minds, for better or worse and in a very satirical manner, for eternity. Perhaps the reference to Biden’s face being black from working in the Detroit coal mines being directly correlated to his having a better relationship with the black children in the neighborhood will provide a jolt to readers, suggesting this is not your typical read. However, what is immensely interesting is that much of this book’s information takes inspiration from the narratives, albeit both true and alleged, that surround Biden’s life. For instance, in this case, the author plays off the established fact that Biden’s ancestors had a mining background.

Describing Joe as an enigma whose manner of “speaking and thinking is sometimes nearly incomprehensible to mere mortals like you or me” will likely yield a chuckle or two regardless of party lines. The story is just a pretext for a Joe Biden roast, more than anything else, and as the work progresses, the roasts get more and more outlandish. Whether it’s going to a “Greek bathing party” or living in a majestic hacienda in Scranton, Chihuahua, as a six-year-old, there are a series of eye-raising references that are simultaneously crazy and thought-provoking. Another aspect of the endeavor that readers will find interesting is the truth injection. For example, in the hacienda injection, Joe was “Jose,” who “pretended” to like church and would fart during communion.

From Otto to Johnny, the characters around Joe are just as wild, but the narrative takes a far more relevant turn when key governmental players find their way into the author’s stand-up rendition. The novel strives to provide social commentary on modern times through satirical portrayal. In particular, his “Ilhan the Omar” reference opens up an opportunity to take a shot at the US’s decision to leave thousands of Americans behind in Afghanistan. Believe it or not, even Vladimir Putin makes an appearance, delivering a song. In short, this narrative is incredibly creative and as out-of-the-box as you can get, one that takes things as familiar as World Series rings and the iconic Huckleberry Finn and turns them entirely on their heads.

Clearly, either President Joe Biden wrote this book under a pseudonym or the author, J. Galt, Escort, wrote a fictionalized version of things that would, could, should, maybe ought too, maybe did, maybe didn’t or, who knows could be true … or false about the President’s life. Either way, the result is a very droll and unconventional account of the United State’s 46th president’s interaction with, well, a cast of characters, real or fictionalized, from around the world maybe, plus places that he might have visited, that may or not be bonafide, and things he might have said, true or false.

I say we all need a little ridiculousness in our lives. This book certainly provides that. The author, whoever it might be, has a naughty sense of humor that manifests in a lot of gibberish, albeit playfully imaginative. As a reader, you have to keep up with the author’s free association-style of writing. Like a ball in a pachinko game, the words ping across the page bouncing off one idea to the next. Don’t mad-dash it to the end of a chapter or you’ll miss the mischievous essence of each thread the author is unraveling from his, presumably Biden’s, life.

It goes without saying, and I don’t think I’m giving away any secrets from this book, that this is written as a farce. A little fun is being made at Biden’s expense. If it is politically motivated, it’s hard to tell. There are so many improbabilities in the narrative that the author seems to just want to make fun of life … just so happens it’s Biden’s life.

Is this book irreverent? Yes. Is it at times ridiculous? Yes. Is it a vehicle for a little satirical humor? Yes! And isn’t the President, the preeminent politician of the country, fair game? Without a doubt. And that’s a part of the job that no president has evaded, avoided, eluded, dodged or sidestepped, even while tap dancing like mad.

So, treat yourself to a wildly absurd tale about someone who the author describes as, “He is an enigma wrapped into a cocoon of willful indifference to the urges and concerns of normal people.” It’s unlikely you’ll find this book to be a factual representation of Joe Biden. What you will find, however, is a whole lot of ingenious writing.

My Autobiography by Joe Biden, Based on a True Story Mostly, is a brilliantly written satire that takes a good look at the American political climate and how it has been evolving. The author J. Galt Escort does a fabulous job of making fun at our American ways. This is a must read for the people who probably won’t want to read it, even though they should. I highly recommend that everyone else reads it because they will enjoy the quirky satire.