When I read ABSOLUTE POWER way back in 1997 I was not prepared for the reaction it aroused in me.It just made me realise that the President of The United States was also open to anattack from the authors.I mean, imagine David Baldacci who is writing his first book which directly points a finger at the Prez for indulging in things that he is not supposed to.This kind of thing is inconceivable in India where freedom to express yourself comes under a very heavy cloud the moment you open your mouth.That way America is truly a democratic country.Well, onto the story now.It is about thsi theif who robs houses by first staking them out and then proceeding to steal whatever he wants.Now, it so happens that this particular house he is casing out right now, belongs to the president but it is not public knowledge.It is used for the president’s nightly trysts with you know who.Come on he also needs to have his fun.But since he is the president, his life is under a microscope.Comparatively the HIV virus is better off because it does not get examined with close scrutiny the way the president’s public life is done with.And then this guy enters the house and sees a room which has a one way mirror and hides behind it.And then starts the real fun.His eyes cannot believe who is in the room , with whom, and what are the public implications.Now that he is privy to such knowledge he is bound to be persecuted.But he also has a few aces up his sleeve.Read the book to find out more about the thief and the american Prez.By the way all of David Baldacci’s books are good with the exception of his latest book.See the movie if you have the time and the inclination.It stars Clint Eastwood and is directed by him and Gen Hackman plays the role of the Prez.So, have a nice time and go through 400 plus pages in one shot.