SATIRE

This humorous compilation of stories takes you behind the scenes for some hilarious moments in network newsrooms, U.S. Congress, and the Oval Office. Non-partisan and never mean-spirited, this very funny collection of fictional tales features:

The wife of a famous politician who reveals all
A Television News Emmy Award created to honor media stars who become so upset on the air that they literally froth at the mouth
The exclusive on the six congressional leaders—the Secret Six—who are given an ingenious plan to win the White House by an unexpected adviser
The inside story on Oprah Winfrey’s final decision on running for president
Chris Matthews winning a Senate seat and taking his Hardball style to Congress
The secret meeting in the Oval Office to avoid the Washington Post’s fact-checkers and Pinocchio ratings
The untold story of a few former politicians taking a flying leap off the Brooklyn Bridge

These stories are all for fun and fun for all. The Real News!

THE REVIEWS

FUNNY AND TIMELY!"

-- Comedy Legend, Robert Klein

What separates this book from so many of the articles that have been written about this unbelievable time we are living in is Ruane's ability to look and poke fun at situations without being callous. Whether you reside politically on the left, right or in the middle, you will laugh, cringe and probably nod your head at Ruane's non-partisan take on how we arrived at this place in time. The book is a quick, fun read with each chapter/story self-contained. I would recommend this book to anyone tired of trying to make sense of this seemingly senseless world. Take a break from your anger, frustration and worry ; just relax and have a good laugh.

-- Ed Sarna, Windy City Reviews

The Real News! blends political observation, satire and fiction in a respectively different perspective about Trump that uses a series of satirical stories about Trump and his media whirlwind to poke thought-provoking fun at his presidency. Although controversies are addressed, the real appeal of this book is the tongue-in-cheek satire. This political humor comes to life in a pointed discussion of Trumpisms and their impact on social and political circles that makes for both enlightening and entertaining reading; especially recommended for those tired of the usual rants and raves from either side, who want a different tone with an overlay of serious irony.

-- Diane Donovan, Midwest Reviews

John Bernard Ruane has written a very funny book with satirical stories on the conduct of the President and some of the craziness that is going on in the national news media. I particularly liked the story about the TV News Emmy Awards creating a new award for the Most Outraged News Commentator, because some in the national media have become very upset with President Trump. It's tongue-in-cheek, of course, but very funny!

-- Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV, Politics Tonight

The Real News! is an educational, informative and eye-opening book that not only informed me about American politics, but rather the inner workings of it and what happens behind the scenes. I found myself straight away struck by the amount of depth and knowledge and even passion laced throughout the book. This is one of the best books in the genre. The amount of research the author has done is phenomenal, and I really admire his work because you can tell that he has investigated all of his topics thoroughly. John Bernard Ruane is a newly discovered author of mine; however, I wish I had found his work sooner because his writing is compelling and informative at the same time. Never before have I ever been so engrossed in a political book. Ruane has struck the perfect balance, writing his book in an entertaining, insightful and informative way. It is written in an easy-to-read style which is accessible to readers. I give this book 5 stars.

-- Aimee Ann, Book Reviews, England

This satirical collection gives us "the REAL news" that we've never heard before, and it's a funny ride. While the stories therein are obviously not quite true, they do have just enough realism in them to be almost correct. In fact, I almost forgot that they were made-up a few times. The story detailing a study on hardcore Trump supporters and why they approve of anything he does, had me shaking with laughter. All of the yarns were told in a factual tone with exaggerated descriptions of the protagonists. I recommend this book for readers who don't mind laughing at the President's conduct. Readers who like politicaal satire will want to give this book a look.

-- Trina High, Online Book Club

Readers will find sections that make them laugh, but most importantly this satire will make them think about the direction reporting an dpolitics ar edoing today, and the integrity and standards that are being lost in the process. Readers will appreciate the satire in the book describing the journalism standard held for generations. As a journalist, this reviewer can attest to the standard from personal experience and training, reading this quote, and remembering the newsroom eidtor speaking them almost verbatim. "Get all the facts, get two solid sources, and don't be influenced by anyone trying to sway the story in the direction of their own opinion and agenda. And that includes your associates in the newsroom!"

--Angie Mangino, Looks at Books

The Wizards of Spin was published by Second City Books in 2010. It is a compilation of satirical stories on the celebrity news media. The book is no longer available.

REVIEWS

John Ruane is a talented writer and his latest book is satire book about today's news media, in which he takes this craziness to the next level. This books plays into his background and is so topical given the recent flap with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC as well as the continuing ongoing flap between Olbermann and Bill O'Reilly. If watching television news these days makes you want to scratch your eyes out or bang your head against the wall or have a cocktail, the best antidote for that is John Ruane's new book, "The Wizards of Spin." Ruane is a smart observer of the media and makes some really interesting points through satire on the wild world of television. This book presents a very pointed and clear-eyed look in its satirical fashion at the mess, the craziness that is contemporary media. I love the way he has written it with these short blackout scenes, very aware of keeping the pace of the book moving. The "Wizards of Spin" is a joy to read. As a former TV critic, this book captures the heart and soul of the craziness that is the news media today.

--RICK KOGAN, CHICAGO TRIBUNE/WGN RADIO

BOOK BEAT: For those looking for a very funny satire of the wacky world of TV news and schmooze, check out ex-Sun-Timesman and veteran PR pro John Ruane's The Wizards of Spin, with hilarious tales about characters who clearly are thinly veiled fictional alter egos of Oprah Winfrey, Chris Matthews, David Letterman, Stephen Colbert and a slew of other famous small-screen personalities. Though it's a work of fiction, it sure isn't hard to believe that some of Ruane's stories could actually come true in our crazy world -- including a three-round boxing bout at Yankee Stadium between Ruane's characters inspired by Bill O'Reilly and Keith Olbermann!

-- BILL ZWECKER, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES