Alon Shalev - The Accidental Activist / A Gardener's Tale

“... a remarkable read because it is based on a court case that has happened and will most likely happen again.  The advent of the Internet as a tool for the individual to make a difference is a powerful and inspirational message.”

Robert Dugoni, The Jury Master, The Cyanide Canary and Damage Control.

“Alon Shalev creates a case that could have been ripped from today's headlines and in so doing, confronts head on the horror of corporate misconduct and the limitations of free speech, as well as our current concerns about the environment. He also shows in his novel how the Internet can be used as a tool for the good of all society, as well as for individual growth.”

-Richard Wolinsky, KPFA-FM, Berkeley, Cover-to-Cover

A very entertaining read that pulls no punches or censors no events, April 7, 2011

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

To push for a better world is not always everyone's first goal. "The Accidental Activist" is a novel drawing on author Alon Shalev's own experiences to tell the story of a court case with the world on its shoulders. Focused on the real events of a libel case against McDonalds in the 1990s in London, "The Accidental Activist" uses reality to enrich the fiction and leads to a very entertaining read that pulls no punches or censors no events. 

Not-so-accidental awesomeness,

By Elisabeth Pinio

Once I read the first chapter (or however much you get to read before buying the e-version) I knew I had to read all of it. Classic underdog story mixed with romantic pursuit - a wonderfully suspenseful battle against The Machine. I also love British humor (any humor really), so I was delighted with the dialogue and narration.

My absolute favorite quote is: "Mr. Rees was never the type to enjoy life and would probably get annoyed if he did."

I wouldn't have minded if the book was saturated with the same sardonic humor throughout, but there was important business to tend to - Matt had to win over Suzie and help her in the struggle against a mighty global corporation.

At times I found Suzie a little overwrought, but I can't be objective because I'm what they refer to in Seinfeld as "a man's woman." I hate other women, and they hate me. Even in fiction.

I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in activism, romance, England, computers, oil companies, oil spills, libel, court cases and life in general. It's got something for everyone. I inhaled it in about two days and begrudgingly put it down to work, eat and sleep. 

++++

The Accidental Activist is a political courtroom confrontation wherein a multinational corporation tries to silence two young idealists, who level the playing field using a new emerging tool: the Internet.

The Accidental Activist is a political novel, closely based upon the remarkable McDonald’s libel trial (www.mcspotlight.org) that took place in England in the 1990’s.

The Accidental Activist illustrates the power of the individual to challenge an economic empire, highlights the profit-driven practices of multinational corporations and challenges the belief that we are all protected by freedom of speech and the law. Moreover, The Accidental Activist celebrates the historical coming of age of the Internet.

The Accidental Activist falls into the genre of Erin Brockovich, The Rainmaker, A Civil Action and most recently John Grisham’s The Appeal.  Sprinkled with humor, it is essentially a novel with a political message of frightening relevance to our present society.

A Longer Description

The world is no longer defined by

geographical borders, but by the

actions of vast multinational

corporations.  Matt Fielding, a successful computer programmer, has never entertained such thoughts until his new girlfriend is suddenly arrested for libel against a huge oil conglomerate.

Separated from his burgeoning romance and stunned by the David .v. Goliath odds being played out in the British legal system, Matt harnesses his talents to level the playing field. For the first time in history, the Internet is utilized for grassroots advocacy and the attention of the world is drawn to an epic court battle between a billion dollar corporation and a few individuals who refuse to be silenced.

Alongside the court case, Oilspill dotcom humorously describes the transformation of a carefree yuppie, empowered first by romance and then by a genuine desire to change the world, one pixel at a time.

Where to Buy:

Tree Book -  Amazon.com

 E-book -  Amazon Kindle

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