ABOUT THE BOOK Francois Hollande is poised to take the reins of the French government, whether the rest of the world is aware of who he is or not. Put another way, Hollande could just be the next big thing to hit European politics. Rising out of an unenviable political past characterized by a seemingly equal mixture of defeat and triumph, he has quickly and efficiently inserted himself as one of the major frontrunners in the 2012 French Elections. At this point, only one man seems to stand in his way: incumbent French President Nicolas Sarkozy. As a French Socialist, Hollandes radical politics may be just what the French are looking for. He has recently promised that as president he would levy a staggering 75% tax on anyone making more than 1 million (equal to roughly $1.33 million) a year. This promise has proved to be wildly popular with the French people. Oddly enough, however, Hollandes politics may not be the problemit could be his personality. One word is consistently linked with Hollande and his public speaking: bland. While Sarkozy has been eager to point out the dullness of his opponent, even Hollandes supporters seem to agree that their candidate lacks a certain element of flashiness and excitement. Theyre calling Hollande Monsieur Normal, a nickname used by both the opponents seeking to derail his campaign and the supporters attempting to bolster it. MEET THE AUTHOR Hayley Igarashi is a student at UC Davis preparing to graduate this summer with a degree in both history and philosophy. She has been writing fictional short stories since she was a child, and a couple of her pieces have even been published in small online magazines. Only recently has she discovered how nice writing about real life can be, a realization that took surprisingly long considering her background in history. She likes to read and at the moment is most inspired by the writings of Kurt Vonnegut, Jonathan Safran Foer, Kazuo Ishiguro, and because everyone needs a guilty pleasure, George R. R. Martin. When not studying for school, she enjoys doing normal things like hanging out with friends and family and watching movies. Items on her bucket list include sky-diving, running a marathon, writing a full-length novel, and learning how to cook something that tastes good. EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK "Hollande early career differs from other politicians in its rather flat trajectory. In fact, an analysis of the first half of his career would hardly lead anyone to assume that the same man would soon make a run for the presidency. Besides a rather privileged educational background, Hollande does not seem to differ too much from the average French citizen attempting to make his living and struggling to find his footing. Little did he know that someday that just might prove to be his charm." "Its an easy strategic move, therefore, for Hollande to claim he despises the rich and their ostentatious displays of wealth. Its a sentiment sure to find support. Unfortunately, the true test of sincerity for Hollande cannot come till after hes elected. He may say hes against the rich now, but I hear those yachts can be mighty tempting and theres nothing like being president of a country to make those illusions of your own grandeur go to your head. " CHAPTER OUTLINE French Elections 2012: Francois Hollande + Introduction + Analysis and Commentary + Conclusion + Trivia + ...and much more