The biggest problem is a lack of character development. Granted, the story unfolds during a small part of one day but John is never really fleshed out. Although it is plain he is a vocal and dedicated "9/11 truth" advocate, we don't know how he got there. Instead, he is largely a one-dimensional evangelist. Likewise, the FBI agents are little better than hollow stereotypes from central casting even though Palecek hints that some are actually open-minded to John's contentions. There is a side story of an individual who worked for the Bush campaign in Florida that tends to leave more questions than it adds to the story. And while a novel need not document the analysis that underpins it, the various assertions are made without much reference to what leads John to believe them.
I'm not sure whether these failings are a reflection of or the reason for the length of the book. At 72 pages, it is far closer to a short story than a novel. In fact, the title comes from a short story by the Frank O'Connor. In addition, significant space on those pages present illustrations for the story and a variety of quotes from real individuals who question the 9/11 orthodoxy. When the illustrations are combined with the book's 8 1/2 by 11-inch format, Guests of the Nation has the feel of, and perhaps would be better suited to, a graphic novel.
I commend Palecek for putting these ideas and beliefs into the marketplace for examination and discussion. Unfortunately, though, the flaws in the presentation may reduce the effectiveness of its advocacy.
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