In this witty combination of memoir and observation, Thomas Geoghegan addresses the widespread cynicism about our government and explores what it means to be a "national" civil servant and a "local" citizen.

"This is unlike any public-policy book I've ever read: part "Catcher in the Rye, "part" The Road to Wigan Pier, "part" The Federalist Papers, " it is mesmerizing, rueful, painfully honest, and never, ever dull."--Nicholas Lemann, author of "The Big Test"

"Extraordinary. It has the essential trait of a memorable book, in that after reading it you look at daily life in a lastingly different way." --James Fallows, author of "Breaking the News"

"[Geoghegan] has written a book that is not only compelling to read but that provokes us to seriously reflect on the choices we make and how we spend our time." --Jonathan Coleman, "Washington Post Book World"

"Geoghegan's language is playful. . . . Personal reminiscence mixing with historical anecdote, dipping into complex themes . . . shifting from wistful nostalgia to dark comedy." --Robert B. Reich, "New York Times Book Review"

"A truly strange and wonderful book." -- William Finnegan