The novel Absolute Power by David Baldacci is an intense thriller that, like its author, is clever and interesting. The knowledge he gained as a lawyer aided in shaping his career as a successful suspense writer. Baldacci writes about what interests him, and his interest comes through in the pages of his novels. He writes because he likes to tell stories (Hingley). Baldacci's experience in Washington and interest in the presidency gave him the motivation to create his masterpiece Absolute Power. The novel demonstrates the abuse of power and what kind of haunting transition it can force a relatively normal person to undergo (Frumkes). Through the analysis of David Baldacci and his novel Absolute Power, a better appreciation and understanding of the work novelist endure is to be gained. In the words of David Baldacci, "There is a big difference between possessing the talent and having the skill that is required in order to write a novel."
             David Baldacci was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1960. After high school he attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received his Bachelor of Art in political science. After earning his bachelors degree, Baldacci began law school at the University of Virginia. While he was attending law school, he began to write short stories and screenplays, but did not finish any for five years. After five years of rejections and nine years as a trial and corporate lawyer, he decided to try to write his first novel (Baldacci, Lecture). Two vigorous years went by where Baldacci would work during the day as a lawyer and write his novel until the early hours of each morning (Baldacci, Contemporary 13).
             David Baldacci uses his success and fame in order to practice his philanthropic interest. He is involved in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Virginia Literacy Foundation. The Barbara Bush Found...