# Boomsday

By Christopher Buckley

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/boomsday-94c35ee0/

Cassandra Devine is furious about the retirement bill her generation will inherit. On her blog, she suggests paying baby boomers to end their lives at seventy-five. The provocation becomes a political opportunity when a senator with presidential ambitions decides to take it seriously.

## What makes it funny?

Cassandra’s day job is making disreputable clients look respectable. An early assignment has her teaching a lavishly paid hospital executive to seem compassionate while television reporters have footage of neglected patients and an extravagant corporate retreat. His next charitable appearance has a camera waiting for it.

### The comedy at work

Buckley lets appalling ideas acquire reassuring names and professional advocates. The campaign calls the proposed deaths transitioning; Cassandra’s polished coaching conceals what she actually thinks of her client. Public concern and private advantage are rarely far apart.

### Try this if…

Political spin, corporate hypocrisy and resentment between generations are the targets. Readers in book-group recommendations nominate it among their funny books. Cassandra’s work in public relations gives the political anger a particularly cynical outlet.

### Good to know

Suicide and euthanasia are central subjects of the satire. The opening also includes patient neglect, sexual imagery and profanity.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- Kind of humor: Dark comedy · Satire
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Length: 336 pages
- Audiobook: 10 hr 19 min

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Hachette lists Boomsday by Christopher Buckley as a 336-page trade paperback, ISBN 9780446697972, and offers an Audiobook Download explicitly marked Unabridged.](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/christopher-buckley/boomsday/9780446697972?lens=twelve)
- Book information: [Google Play lists Boomsday by Christopher Buckley, Hachette Audio, narrated by Janeane Garofalo, as an Unabridged audiobook lasting 10 hr 19 min.](https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Boomsday?hl=en&id=AQAAAADGLWktvM)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/christopher-buckley/boomsday/9781780336756)
- Reading sample: [Opening excerpt](https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/boomsday/excerpt)
- Review: [The Spokesman-Review review](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2007/may/30/bosnia-to-blog-to-boomsday)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/6113408762067219)