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The Jefferson Project
Sam Archer, a former Delta operative, is now a civilian analyst with Homeland Security. He finds clues pointing to an impending terrorist attack, but is unable to stop it. But in the process of trying, he uncovers something dark and even more threatening. Something that could tear the nation apart.
The United States tetters on the brink of bankruptcy, political collapse, and possible civil war, as class envy and racial tension are stoked by politicians attempting to divert attention from their own failings. Riots break out when unemployment soars and entitlement programs are cut back. Anarchy threatens.
Sam Archer’s son, David, is a student at the University of Virginia, taking a political science class to fulfill a graduation requirement. When his teacher challenges the class to propose solutions to the nation’s problems, David and a few friends take him seriously. Some of their essays get national attention when posted on the Internet. When they propose real, fundamental changes to the government, the students are joined by forces powerful enough to make it happen.
The elite in Washington push back, doing everything possible to hinder the movement. When it looks like it might succeed anyway, they decide to take more direct action, putting the student’s lives in imminent danger. As things come to a head, Congress attempts the ultimate political end-run to seize power, only to discover that they aren’t the only player in the game.
In the thrilling climax to The Jefferson Project, Sam Archer must risk everything to keep his son alive, while at the same time trying to convince others of a danger that threatens to destroy the country.
The United States tetters on the brink of bankruptcy, political collapse, and possible civil war, as class envy and racial tension are stoked by politicians attempting to divert attention from their own failings. Riots break out when unemployment soars and entitlement programs are cut back. Anarchy threatens.
Sam Archer’s son, David, is a student at the University of Virginia, taking a political science class to fulfill a graduation requirement. When his teacher challenges the class to propose solutions to the nation’s problems, David and a few friends take him seriously. Some of their essays get national attention when posted on the Internet. When they propose real, fundamental changes to the government, the students are joined by forces powerful enough to make it happen.
The elite in Washington push back, doing everything possible to hinder the movement. When it looks like it might succeed anyway, they decide to take more direct action, putting the student’s lives in imminent danger. As things come to a head, Congress attempts the ultimate political end-run to seize power, only to discover that they aren’t the only player in the game.
In the thrilling climax to The Jefferson Project, Sam Archer must risk everything to keep his son alive, while at the same time trying to convince others of a danger that threatens to destroy the country.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2010
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Thor Duffin
4 books4 followersBorn in Alaska, graduated from high school in Germany. Grew up in between. Lived several years in D.C. when my father worked in the White House. Used to do "duck and cover" drills in school in Arlington.
US Army 1971-1973. Thankfully avoided Vietnam by repairing radar in Germany.
Married, 5 grown children and 10 grandchildren.
Loved basketball when I could still play, still love watching the Spurs.
Paid the bills by programming for Intel, HP, Microsoft and many smaller companies, mostly consulting.
Took a year off and wrote my first book in 2010 and have publish two more since.
Currently working on a trilogy.
(bored yet?)
US Army 1971-1973. Thankfully avoided Vietnam by repairing radar in Germany.
Married, 5 grown children and 10 grandchildren.
Loved basketball when I could still play, still love watching the Spurs.
Paid the bills by programming for Intel, HP, Microsoft and many smaller companies, mostly consulting.
Took a year off and wrote my first book in 2010 and have publish two more since.
Currently working on a trilogy.
(bored yet?)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 13, 2010
Courage. Conviction. Committment.
That's what the characters in THE JEFFERSON PROJECT embody.
THOR DUFFIN, in a great sweep of the written word has created intelligent, real, hopeful heroes that are willing to risk it all to serve the country they love.
Sometimes it seems our system in the USA is tied up in so many knots that it's hard to figure out how to extricate ourselves from the tangled web of self-serving politicians. Yes, we can vote, but often - there isn't any good choice to be had. It's frustrating. It can leave someone like me, who believes in my civic duty, feeling a bit hopeless. Then I read THOR DUFFIN'S revealing novel, THE JEFFERSON PROJECT. It gave me hope. I couldn't put it down. The action is intense, the discussions regarding the very essence of governing made me itch to hike it back to college to sit in a political science class. I wanted to be in on the thinking, the debate, the heady adrenaline of idealism, and real, sweeping change. I'm breathless just thinking about it.
I could not put this book down once the college kids in this book revved it up with their action. I wanted to be a part of their group. I wanted in on the massive media blitz. The experiences, challenges and emotions the characters go through are very real, very easy to empathize with. This book could be a non-fictional account of our times, just swap out a few things, events...and voila - Duffin saw the present, many years ahead of what is happening in our country today.
I miss the honor of Adams, Jefferson. These were men who were creators. They were men who saw more than themselves. I recently watched the HBO special on John Adams...and loved it. I love that after he served out his term in the office of the President, he simply went back to plowing his own fields. He didn't start building a Presidential library to honor himself, he didn't rest on his laurels by extorting exorbitant speaking fees, he simply lived as an American...and kept building.
"...David found himself wondering why men like Washington, Jefferson and the rest, who benefited so much from the system they were born under, would rise up in rebellion against it. The colonial system worked for them. But at a deeper level he understood something about men like that, men who were builders by nature. He knew that some men see how things can be made better, and are simply driven to do so."(The Jefferson Project, by Thor Duffin)
This book also details not only the root causes of what has got us in our pickle today, it also provides real solutions. Solutions that I wish we could implement right now. For some time I've thought that ignorant voters only impede the system. We ought to have qualified representatives, and equally qualified voters. In the book it makes a very valid analogy. If you wanted dental work done - you wouldn't ask a chef. You'd want a dentist who had studied and received the best credentials. Same goes with hiring a plumber. You wouldn't hire a cardiologist to fix your pipes. You'd want a certified plumber. Then why do we require absolutely nothing of our elected "public servants"? Shouldn't we require them to pass a certification test, have real experience? Why can't we? Same with the voters - shouldn't people have a basic knowledge of government? Shouldn't we, as voters pass a test as well? I would love to pass a test to be a real, certified elector. This is not all THE JEFFERSON PROJECT discusses. In addition to providing real solutions, there is real life and death conflict. The pace is spellbinding. I was up until 2-3am because I couldn't leave the heart-racing action.
THE JEFFERSON PROJECT is a must read. Our country is on the brink. ...and something is going to give.
"The founders of this nation brought forth our country through bloody revolution, but passed to us the means to bring about change through bloodless evolution. It is not our place to impede that process! We, who govern this nation in these troubled times, must find the courage to recall that first and foremost we are public servants." (The Jefferson Project, by Thor Duffin)
That's what the characters in THE JEFFERSON PROJECT embody.
THOR DUFFIN, in a great sweep of the written word has created intelligent, real, hopeful heroes that are willing to risk it all to serve the country they love.
Sometimes it seems our system in the USA is tied up in so many knots that it's hard to figure out how to extricate ourselves from the tangled web of self-serving politicians. Yes, we can vote, but often - there isn't any good choice to be had. It's frustrating. It can leave someone like me, who believes in my civic duty, feeling a bit hopeless. Then I read THOR DUFFIN'S revealing novel, THE JEFFERSON PROJECT. It gave me hope. I couldn't put it down. The action is intense, the discussions regarding the very essence of governing made me itch to hike it back to college to sit in a political science class. I wanted to be in on the thinking, the debate, the heady adrenaline of idealism, and real, sweeping change. I'm breathless just thinking about it.
I could not put this book down once the college kids in this book revved it up with their action. I wanted to be a part of their group. I wanted in on the massive media blitz. The experiences, challenges and emotions the characters go through are very real, very easy to empathize with. This book could be a non-fictional account of our times, just swap out a few things, events...and voila - Duffin saw the present, many years ahead of what is happening in our country today.
I miss the honor of Adams, Jefferson. These were men who were creators. They were men who saw more than themselves. I recently watched the HBO special on John Adams...and loved it. I love that after he served out his term in the office of the President, he simply went back to plowing his own fields. He didn't start building a Presidential library to honor himself, he didn't rest on his laurels by extorting exorbitant speaking fees, he simply lived as an American...and kept building.
"...David found himself wondering why men like Washington, Jefferson and the rest, who benefited so much from the system they were born under, would rise up in rebellion against it. The colonial system worked for them. But at a deeper level he understood something about men like that, men who were builders by nature. He knew that some men see how things can be made better, and are simply driven to do so."(The Jefferson Project, by Thor Duffin)
This book also details not only the root causes of what has got us in our pickle today, it also provides real solutions. Solutions that I wish we could implement right now. For some time I've thought that ignorant voters only impede the system. We ought to have qualified representatives, and equally qualified voters. In the book it makes a very valid analogy. If you wanted dental work done - you wouldn't ask a chef. You'd want a dentist who had studied and received the best credentials. Same goes with hiring a plumber. You wouldn't hire a cardiologist to fix your pipes. You'd want a certified plumber. Then why do we require absolutely nothing of our elected "public servants"? Shouldn't we require them to pass a certification test, have real experience? Why can't we? Same with the voters - shouldn't people have a basic knowledge of government? Shouldn't we, as voters pass a test as well? I would love to pass a test to be a real, certified elector. This is not all THE JEFFERSON PROJECT discusses. In addition to providing real solutions, there is real life and death conflict. The pace is spellbinding. I was up until 2-3am because I couldn't leave the heart-racing action.
THE JEFFERSON PROJECT is a must read. Our country is on the brink. ...and something is going to give.
"The founders of this nation brought forth our country through bloody revolution, but passed to us the means to bring about change through bloodless evolution. It is not our place to impede that process! We, who govern this nation in these troubled times, must find the courage to recall that first and foremost we are public servants." (The Jefferson Project, by Thor Duffin)
August 18, 2010
I found myself wishing this book was reality.
Thor Duffin, through riveting fiction, presents a very real and attainable solution to our countries current mess and corruption, and he does so without preaching. This is the most relevant and visionary works of fiction I've read in years. If you don't find yourself thinking "THIS SHOULD HAPPEN!", you are probably not as frustrated with our current state of affairs as I am.
From the beginning, Duffin reveals true talent in creating believable faceted characters; ones to root for, ones to despise, and some you hope will be redeemed. They reveal themselves slowly in several seemingly unrelated side stories, where we learn how the corruption of government is worsening, and the collective frustration of the people is mounting. Duffin masterfully brings these stories together midbook. When you read this book you'll think for a second "there's no way he'll be able to pull these plots together", but just as soon as the thought occurs he does, and better than could be imagined.
Thor Duffin, through riveting fiction, presents a very real and attainable solution to our countries current mess and corruption, and he does so without preaching. This is the most relevant and visionary works of fiction I've read in years. If you don't find yourself thinking "THIS SHOULD HAPPEN!", you are probably not as frustrated with our current state of affairs as I am.
From the beginning, Duffin reveals true talent in creating believable faceted characters; ones to root for, ones to despise, and some you hope will be redeemed. They reveal themselves slowly in several seemingly unrelated side stories, where we learn how the corruption of government is worsening, and the collective frustration of the people is mounting. Duffin masterfully brings these stories together midbook. When you read this book you'll think for a second "there's no way he'll be able to pull these plots together", but just as soon as the thought occurs he does, and better than could be imagined.
August 20, 2010
A timely novel depicting the fall of democracy in the United States. I don't think anyone hopes we see such insane levels of corruption and malicousness by our government and the unavoidable civil unrest that would undoubtedly follow such relations, it does sometimes feel like we are right on the brink of something scary. I found myself desperately wishing that US2 was real and that many states were pushing for real change just as the author writes about in this book.
While I in no way believe that I am as inovative and inspiring as the UV5, I do find myself being inspired to ensure I am the most educated and concerned citizen I can be so that I am certain to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
This was an EXCELLENT novel!
While I in no way believe that I am as inovative and inspiring as the UV5, I do find myself being inspired to ensure I am the most educated and concerned citizen I can be so that I am certain to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
This was an EXCELLENT novel!
March 10, 2011
I gave this book 4 stars NOT because I LOVED it, but because it really made me think about politics and how our country operates.
The book is written in a style typical for this genre, jumping from one short chapter to another, from one of 30 characters to another-little soundbites of chapters. The writing isn't spectacular, yet not unbearable. The characters are two dimensional and unbelievable. I never felt drawn to any of the characters because they seemed so unreal and fake. The story is fun to read, if you can look past the cardboard cut-out characters.
The following part of this review is probably more of a critique than a review. It is geared towards those who have already read the book. I will review it in an agree/disagree format. Most of these points aren't about the plot of the book, but rather about points that Duffin brings up in the book, because this book, although Fiction, seems to be Thor Duffin's way of presenting different political concepts to the general public. It isn't just for entertainment, it defiantly has an overt message.
-Disagree: The basic premise of the Jefferson Project that changing the WAY people are governed will change the country is an idealistic fallacy that can only back fire on people with good intentions. If the populous of a country is sliding into moral degradation, no form of government can save that country from ruin. Only changing the hearts of individuals can truly improve a country.
-Agree: Duffin demonstrates how our current political state encourages politicians to not truly solve problems. I look at "No Child Left Behind" and the Healthcare Reform Bill, neither of which will truly remedy the heart of the problem. Politics in Washington D.C. has become more about keeping your party in power than solving real issues.
-Disagree:Although Thor Duffin does demonstrate the power of each individual state, he still tries to create a large central government that will solve the nations problems. In that way, he falls into the old mindset that everything needs to be solved in D.C. instead of giving State and Local governments a chance to come up with their own solutions.
-Agree:The presentation of the current tax system and how it places a huge burden on the poor was very powerful. His idea for a basic, graduated income tax as the only means to collecting revenue has merit, although he didn't show how it would be distributed to State and Local governments.
-Disagree: I do not view the influx of illegal immigrants to our country to be the huge problem that he makes it out to be. He uses the leaky border as a way to sneak in "the bad guys" (Muslims terrorists, of coarse) and prove that we must seal the border and create a National ID card. Yes, we need to address the issue of illegal immigration, but his solutions are "knee jerk" and a National ID card once again places more power in the hands of the Federal Government.
-Disagree:I don't believe that all of our politicians are woefully unprepared and untrained for their jobs. Creating an elite political force to run the country, as Duffin suggests, would lead to greater class distinction and separation in our society. Also, an elite ruling class might become like a helicopter parent who always has the child's best interest at heart, but micromanages that child into unhappiness and rebellion.
The book is written in a style typical for this genre, jumping from one short chapter to another, from one of 30 characters to another-little soundbites of chapters. The writing isn't spectacular, yet not unbearable. The characters are two dimensional and unbelievable. I never felt drawn to any of the characters because they seemed so unreal and fake. The story is fun to read, if you can look past the cardboard cut-out characters.
The following part of this review is probably more of a critique than a review. It is geared towards those who have already read the book. I will review it in an agree/disagree format. Most of these points aren't about the plot of the book, but rather about points that Duffin brings up in the book, because this book, although Fiction, seems to be Thor Duffin's way of presenting different political concepts to the general public. It isn't just for entertainment, it defiantly has an overt message.
-Disagree: The basic premise of the Jefferson Project that changing the WAY people are governed will change the country is an idealistic fallacy that can only back fire on people with good intentions. If the populous of a country is sliding into moral degradation, no form of government can save that country from ruin. Only changing the hearts of individuals can truly improve a country.
-Agree: Duffin demonstrates how our current political state encourages politicians to not truly solve problems. I look at "No Child Left Behind" and the Healthcare Reform Bill, neither of which will truly remedy the heart of the problem. Politics in Washington D.C. has become more about keeping your party in power than solving real issues.
-Disagree:Although Thor Duffin does demonstrate the power of each individual state, he still tries to create a large central government that will solve the nations problems. In that way, he falls into the old mindset that everything needs to be solved in D.C. instead of giving State and Local governments a chance to come up with their own solutions.
-Agree:The presentation of the current tax system and how it places a huge burden on the poor was very powerful. His idea for a basic, graduated income tax as the only means to collecting revenue has merit, although he didn't show how it would be distributed to State and Local governments.
-Disagree: I do not view the influx of illegal immigrants to our country to be the huge problem that he makes it out to be. He uses the leaky border as a way to sneak in "the bad guys" (Muslims terrorists, of coarse) and prove that we must seal the border and create a National ID card. Yes, we need to address the issue of illegal immigration, but his solutions are "knee jerk" and a National ID card once again places more power in the hands of the Federal Government.
-Disagree:I don't believe that all of our politicians are woefully unprepared and untrained for their jobs. Creating an elite political force to run the country, as Duffin suggests, would lead to greater class distinction and separation in our society. Also, an elite ruling class might become like a helicopter parent who always has the child's best interest at heart, but micromanages that child into unhappiness and rebellion.
March 20, 2011
The person who gave me this book did me 2 favors: they gave me the book AND told me, "it has a lot of characters and plot lines, so be patient and stick with reading it." So I actually put a post-it note inside the cover like a cheat sheet to record the key individuals. Since I have only a few minutes to myself per day to read, I knew I could easily forget some of the characters by only reading 1-2 chapters a day. But eventually the book grabbed me by the collar and I could not stop until I finished!
The book is a fascinating, satisfying read. The character development of the players and the interplay of the various plot lines deliver an awesome, compelling story! The author's grasp of history, geography, politics and human nature pours forth in each chapter as he weaves an awesome "what if" or "wouldn't it be nice" fictional piece.
I heartily recommend this book!
The book is a fascinating, satisfying read. The character development of the players and the interplay of the various plot lines deliver an awesome, compelling story! The author's grasp of history, geography, politics and human nature pours forth in each chapter as he weaves an awesome "what if" or "wouldn't it be nice" fictional piece.
I heartily recommend this book!
October 12, 2010
I enjoyed this book. It had some very interesting points about government. There was a lot of talking and discussing of ideas in the story. I really enjoy the subject matter, but for someone who isn't as interested in politics, they might find this book slow in parts. It almost needed a little more action. I also felt overwhelmed with all of the characters. Sometimes I would forget who was who. Overall it was an interesting look at what our country may be on its way to becoming--though, let's hope not.
June 11, 2011
We all want to fix what is wrong with our government. It took great courage for the students and teacher to find a way to fix what is wrong. I am not sure that what they suggested would fix it but the whole story was exciting. It is crazy today to see that so many of the senators, etc. lie, cheat on their wives, and yet they do not have time to agree and fix what is wrong. It seems today they are only in it for the prestige and the money. It is totally wrong that they can raise their own pay and vote in their own retirement income. It was an exciting book.
March 18, 2017
Thor Duffin is without a doubt an up and coming national arthur. He will be up there with Clancy & Ludlum. Although a fictional read, Thor has brought the reality of current events to our doorsteps. It's a "wake up and smell the coffee" get real book that speaks to all of us. All that read this book should study it again and again; think about the ideas; and, take action. I'm looking for more!
October 12, 2010
I was given the book by the author to read and "see what I thought." It's been a while since I've read anything in this genre, but I'd be happy!
Just like I told him, it starts out a little slow in the beginning, but I found myself not wanting to put it down!
It's definitely political, but something I think everyone of us needs to be more aware of these days!
It makes you think...which is a good thing!!!
Just like I told him, it starts out a little slow in the beginning, but I found myself not wanting to put it down!
It's definitely political, but something I think everyone of us needs to be more aware of these days!
It makes you think...which is a good thing!!!
March 17, 2011
I found The Jefferson Project both full of hope and depressingly plausible. The picture it paints, through fiction, of a corrupt and mis-motivated government seems all to accurate. The ideas and courage of its characters are inspiring and intriguing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to more from Thor Duffin.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to more from Thor Duffin.
October 18, 2016
AW: Oh, if only we could just wipe the books clean of old, abused, archaic laws and processes that no longer serve an effective purpose for our country or its citizens. This book outlines some suggestions for doing just that, all-be-them impossible, pretty intriguing thoughts.
September 28, 2010
The idea behind this book is intriguing but the journey wasn't that enjoyable. It felt long and I had to force myself to keep reading to get through it.
September 22, 2010
Wow! I loved this book! Is a must read.
June 23, 2012
It's a great read, especially in today's political climate. Very pertinent and thought provoking. I'm also biased, because I'm the author's wife. But is seriously is worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews