Published: July 26, 2011
Words: 111,652 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781465793539

Short description

Work, sex, relationships, and the meaning of life - in the future. "Virtually Yours, Jonathan Newman" is a provocative thriller about an ordinary American family swept along by political currents that spin their lives out of control. It's a dystopian peek at a libertarian future where the government is weak, the powerful are playing dirty, and life is no tea party.

Extended description

It’s been nineteen years since the Freedom First Party swept Democrats and Republicans from power in an American election that shocked the world. Corporate libertarianism has dramatically transformed every facet of American life: government departments, regulations, and programs are gone - free markets rule.

With medical care now beyond the reach of all but a fortunate few, musician Jonathan Newman must find a way to pay his gravely ill son’s hospital bills. In desperation he takes a sales job with QualLab, a global laboratory supply company that offers a generous compensation package. Once there, a web of wires, tubes, and sensors connect him to a table in a secluded cell where he works selling bio-laboratory tests made from human materials - his.

Surprisingly, Jonathan turns out to be both a star salesman and an ideal bio-supplier, leading QualLab to begin a campaign to extend his contract. Locked in his tiny chamber, Jonathan is immersed in a thrilling virtual world – par.. (Read more) It’s been nineteen years since the Freedom First Party swept Democrats and Republicans from power in an American election that shocked the world. Corporate libertarianism has dramatically transformed every facet of American life: government departments, regulations, and programs are gone - free markets rule.

With medical care now beyond the reach of all but a fortunate few, musician Jonathan Newman must find a way to pay his gravely ill son’s hospital bills. In desperation he takes a sales job with QualLab, a global laboratory supply company that offers a generous compensation package. Once there, a web of wires, tubes, and sensors connect him to a table in a secluded cell where he works selling bio-laboratory tests made from human materials - his.

Surprisingly, Jonathan turns out to be both a star salesman and an ideal bio-supplier, leading QualLab to begin a campaign to extend his contract. Locked in his tiny chamber, Jonathan is immersed in a thrilling virtual world – part of a clandestine effort to transfer his loyalty from family to Company.

Virtually Yours, Jonathan Newman chronicles a tug-of-war between competing values. Across America, Freedom First has placed corporate power and radical individualism above the shared needs of the broader community, while isolated on his table, Jonathan is lured from all he has held dear and into the seductive self-centeredness and instant gratification of virtual life. It’s family and community against technology and greed, and the outcome is anything but certain.

The novel explores the tension between the work we do and our other life priorities, forecasts what a lesser-government America might look like, and considers how the technologies infiltrating every aspect of our lives impact who we are.
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Tags

virtual reality, work ethics, work life balance, corporate thriller, political thrillers, political fantasy, political science fiction, work and family

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Reviews

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Review by: Rita Rizzo on April 22, 2012 :
Seduction, both overt and subtle is laced throughout every chapter of this page turner. Virtually Yours, Jonathan Newman is a story of a multi-generational family that gets caught up in the seductive powers of easy money, recreational sex, and a web of denial. Add to this the manipulation of a corrupt corporation, and the lure of an "if it feels good, do it" futuristic society, and you have a thriller that captures your heart and mind.

You may want to begin this book by reading the endnotes first. The notes describe the state of the larger society in which the story of the Newman family is set. This chilling version of America is so very disturbing because it is a plausible extension of the dynamics manifesting in society today. Future America is a place that appeals to the lower order instincts of humanity. The brave new world that takes shape after the Great Change is neither brave nor is it new. The debauchery that once occurred on the down low is now publicly endorsed and proudly performed without conscience or conflict.

Read the book. Recommend it to your friends and family. Make it your book club selection of the month. Use the discussion questions at the end of the book to explore its many dimensions and ethical dilemmas. I fear this book is a fairly accurate predictor of the future of our nation. I hope it will serve as a wake up call for the listless masses who are being swept along in the current tide of selfishness and narcissism at play in the not so invisible undercurrent of our society today. Wake up. Pay attention. Engage in activism, for the environment described is the world our grandchildren will need to survive.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Dennis Barr on Nov. 08, 2011 :
Robert Rosell’s novel is a wonderfully concocted novel blended from of all kinds of literary ingredients. I’ll start with the socio-political landscape - the setting. The corporate greed and immorality that exists today takes the next baby step forward, nurtured by apathy and unhindered power. It’s Orwell time; it’s the Great Change; it’s scary close! The social safety net has been turned in a web of limited choices where the citizenry are forced to do undesirable and sometimes hideous things to eke out a living. This is the touch point. This is where we meet the Newmans. Their dilemma hinges on a life or death matter that parallels situations that many of us unfortunately face today. What emerges from Rosell’s well-crafted story is the understanding that one can refuse to enter the arena and see beyond double binds - the catch-22s. The journey to liberation and back to individualism is not an easy one. Do not fear - the Newmans are a determined bunch. Their craziness and spunk, their moments of despair, their Everyman mien is highlighted via the clear and image-rich writing. At first, you may berate the Newman clan and friends but if you have any liberal bone in your body, you’ll eventually cheer them on.

The genre is modal which makes connecting the dots of thriller, quest, political commentary, adventure, and sci-fi, a Zen experience. The story components point to deep caves that beg to be explored. To his credit, I think the author resisted the temptation to go story spelunking and stayed disciplined. My guess - a sequel or trilogy is in the works.

In summary, you’ll enjoy this book. Take note of the edgy feeling that builds in your gut as you reach the final chapters. There’s a metal taste of weird science and other practical evils that can sour your peace of mind. As Flint Sky says to his son Jaguar Paw in Apocalypto, “Fear is a sickness. It will crawl into the soul of anyone who engages it.” Do not fear. Hoist the rally flag for the flawed yet heroic characters you’ll meet. Fight the Great Change by rallying to the true essence of the human spirit with inspiration from the Newmans.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Castaway22 on July 26, 2011 :
Virtually Yours, Jonathan Newman is the real thing -- a funny, engaging, provocative thriller about an ordinary family swept up in the wake of political currents they don't really understand but are nonetheless forced to deal with. Robert Rosell has created a truly original (and occasionally harrowing) story, and he's given us wonderful, believable characters to root for. (The three generations of women in the Newman family are especially well-drawn, and the grandmother, in particular, is one of the funniest, most moving characters I've come across in years.) The novel deftly combines domestic drama, corporate crime, and political satire, ultimately providing an illuminating look at the dystopian future brought about by the triumph of groups like the Tea Party. Rosell keeps his touch light, but his seriousness of purpose shines through. VYJN could well be the Brave New World of our time.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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