In writing this blog I’ve made a lot of suggestions of things to read, watch and sometimes listen to. I’ve said things were good, great, and sometimes even fantastic. I’ve told you I thought some things were worth your time, or that you might enjoy them if you have a passing second. I’m about to make a little more than just a suggestion.

Some of you may remember back in 2000 John McCain was making a run at the White House. David Foster Wallace, one of my favorite writers (and certainly the one I envy the most for the pure amount of skill he has oozing out of every orifice of his person), was commissioned by Rolling Stone to write a piece on the man during the primary campaigning. Wallace turned in a massive document (massive, at least, in comparison to most magazine articles) which was butchered down and a small piece published in said magazine. Later on the full essay was released in Consider the Lobster going by the name Up, Simba. Now a few of you diligent readers may remember me mentioning way back how much I enjoyed the abridged audiobook version of Lobster, although that version did not contain Up, Simba.

Anyway, this essay is beyond good and should be read by anyone with even a passive interest in American politics, and especially by anyone without even a passive interest in American politics. Not only is it bruisingly clever and funny (like everything Wallace writes), and not only does it give you a great behind-the-scenes look at the way a campaign is run, it also paints a brilliant picture of the pitfalls of American politics and the current generation in general. The essay doesn’t have any answers, but it asks some fascinating questions.

In a whirlwind of marketing sleaziness the essay has been republished in its own volume called McCain’s Promise, an obvious ploy to profit from the current election. I don’t understand why you would buy that, though, when Consider the Lobster is like a dollar more and has oodles of great, additional, content. There is money to be made off the ignorant, I ’spose.

I’m not suggesting you read this essay. I’m not saying you might like it or that if you get the chance you should check it out. It’s more than an urge, even. I’m practically demanding that you read this essay. If you know me personally I’ll let you borrow the book. If I don’t know you or live near you, quit being a cheap bastard and buy a used copy of Consider the Lobster for a measly five bucks already.

Afterthought: In case you’re worried about the essay being too pro or too anti McCain, don’t. It’s written neutrally. Some of it seems pro, some of it seems anti, but it’s all honest. And like I said, it’s about a lot more than McCain.