Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Novel casts characters in Woodside, Atherton

In the new novel "Doublethink," by Palo Alto resident Judith E. Schwartz, the year is 2012 and Republicans have solidified their grip on political power. Faith-based policies, minimal taxation and market-driven government are in full swing.

Republican influence has grown locally, too. Reflecting Woodside residents' financial support for the apparently long-serving "Governator," the Town Council got a green light to appropriate Wunderlich Park and Highway 84 for Woodside residents only. Weekend motorcyclists and bicyclists have to find other routes to Skyline Boulevard.

Meanwhile in Atherton, a comfortably situated and respected lawyer doesn't know it yet but he is about to become uncomfortably familiar with the realm of the "have-nots," which will test his commitment to his values.

The author is not shy about advertising her point of view. The book's title is a term borrowed from George Orwell's "1984," a classic on the perils of concentrated political power.

Ms. Schwartz's book "is a progressive's cry for reason, challenging moderate Republicans to take back their party and for Democratic leaders to return to creative populist principles," she says in an online "study guide."

"Doublethink" is self-published by Ms. Schwartz and is due out May 16. For more information or to order the book online, go to Raise the Bar Press at raisethebar.com.