This is the first non-fiction book (technically, it's a memoir) I've read in a while, and it definitely reminded me how good non-fiction can be. This book truly seems to personify the saying, "truth is stranger than fiction." Countless times throughout this book, I had to remind myself that the things he was describing were true, and it really did happen. He, of course, changed the names, descriptions, and even professions of the taxpayers he encountered, but the events were all intended to be as close to his recollection of reality as possible. And it left me in awe - and mildly worried about my taxes (which we haven't filed yet this year).
This book give a hilarious, tense, and oftentimes heart-wrenching account of the job of a revenue officer in the IRS (although it is my understanding, based on the epilogue, that this position no longer exists as described by Yancey, after the passing of a new act of Congress in 1998). The revenue officers are the ones who physically go out "in the field" (an astounding amount of the terminology used by the IRS is derived from war terminology - and not entirely unjustly so) and attempt to collect the delinquent taxes owed by taxpayers. These aren't people who slipped up and forgot one time - these are the repeat offenders who owe thousands (and sometimes significantly more) in unfiled back taxes. They have received at least 4 letters demanding compliance, several phone calls, and at least one visit by a RO before their property is in danger of being seized. But the collections and seizures are what make the job interesting - and give it an air of a war-zone.
I think my favorite part of this book is how open Yancey is with his audience - he truly spills his life on these pages, down to the smallest details of his insecurities and struggles. He most definitely doesn't portray himself in a biased way, but he still comes across as an incredibly endearing, personable man. Astoundingly, the book is also a vague sort of love story. And not just in an awkward, misplaced narcissistic way.
I really enjoyed this book, and I have a new-found respect for the IRS and those who work there. But, in spite of the relatively newer legislation, I'm still not going to fall behind on my taxes. I'm less intimidated in general by the IRS (if you follow the law, you won't have any issues, as evidence in the book), but I don't think I want to cross them any time soon! Definitely a good read for the second fiscal quarter of the year - it'll inspire you to file your taxes quickly and accurately!! Overall, a very funny, moving, touching, sympathetic work.
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