McManus: The write stuff

And they all believe defense spending is, if anything, too low. "Right now America is, based on its defense spending, well on the road to weakness," writes Romney.

"Defense spending is now being squeezed out of the budget because of the explosion in entitlement spending," Perry complains.

The choice for Republican primary voters next year, at least judging by the literary works of the candidates, lies within a remarkably narrow range. They won't be offered differing approaches to government, only different ideas about how hard and fast to pursue it.

If, after all that, you're still hoping for a recommendation on what book to take to the beach, here's this reviewer's bottom line:

Most readable: Sarah Palin, "Going Rogue."

Least readable: Mitt Romney, "No Apology."

Most difficult political tightrope act: Romney, "No Apology."

Most intriguing new author: Rick Perry, "Fed Up."

Most appealing life story: Tim Pawlenty, "Courage to Stand."

Most terrifying jeremiad: Newt Gingrich, "To Save America."

doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com