What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael Bennit #2
The iCongressman
Michael Bennit Takes the Struggle to Washington!From political fiction author Mikael Carlson, the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Michael Bennit series of political dramas that will change how you view politics.
If you like House of Cards, you’ll enjoy reading how The Michael Bennit Series turns the American political process upside down when the little guy is pitted against the Washington elite set on destroying him to preserve their power in these political dramas.
"The Michael Bennit Series provides an excellent look at what most Americans are thinking today about the state of the government and offers a strong message to those ready and willing to heed it. This book is fantastic and explains why so many Americans feel as I do!" -- Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Nobody gives a damn about politics, and we need to keep it that way.Former teacher and soldier Michael Bennit is learning a lesson about modern politics when his idealism contrasts with reality. Despite being marginalized by his peers and subjected to numerous censures and reprimands, the now Congressman Bennit refuses to quit and leave his seat.
When fear over his legion of followers on social media forces the Washington elite to ratchet the pressure up ahead of the next election, the Speaker of the House launches an audacious plan to force Bennit out of office ahead of the fall campaign season. Needing to take drastic action before being cast out of politics, Michael enlists the help an old enemy, some new friends, and his former students to embark on an ambitious crusade to change the character of American politics and the balance of power in Washington.
"Engaging, informative, satirical, enlightening, and now, suspenseful. I am an arm-chair political geek, and what I enjoyed most with this Michael Bennit installment, is how I now look for "tells" when I watch and read anything about politics in mainstream and social media." -- Amazon Review
"Understand that this is fiction, which means that the author blames both sides equally for the mess that the fictional America finds itself in. That said, this is a good series where moderates triumph over big money, which is something most of us can get behind." -- Amazon Review
Social media is everywhere today! It is a powerful tool, but are we too trusting of it? The Michael Bennit series examines that question in a fun and entertaining way.THE iCANDIDATETHE iCONGRESSMANTHE iSPEAKERTHE iAMERICAN
Buy your copy and start the journey with Michael and his students today!For updates on Mikael Carlson’s new releases, sign up for his newsletter at mikaelcarlson.com.
If you like House of Cards, you’ll enjoy reading how The Michael Bennit Series turns the American political process upside down when the little guy is pitted against the Washington elite set on destroying him to preserve their power in these political dramas.
"The Michael Bennit Series provides an excellent look at what most Americans are thinking today about the state of the government and offers a strong message to those ready and willing to heed it. This book is fantastic and explains why so many Americans feel as I do!" -- Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Nobody gives a damn about politics, and we need to keep it that way.Former teacher and soldier Michael Bennit is learning a lesson about modern politics when his idealism contrasts with reality. Despite being marginalized by his peers and subjected to numerous censures and reprimands, the now Congressman Bennit refuses to quit and leave his seat.
When fear over his legion of followers on social media forces the Washington elite to ratchet the pressure up ahead of the next election, the Speaker of the House launches an audacious plan to force Bennit out of office ahead of the fall campaign season. Needing to take drastic action before being cast out of politics, Michael enlists the help an old enemy, some new friends, and his former students to embark on an ambitious crusade to change the character of American politics and the balance of power in Washington.
"Engaging, informative, satirical, enlightening, and now, suspenseful. I am an arm-chair political geek, and what I enjoyed most with this Michael Bennit installment, is how I now look for "tells" when I watch and read anything about politics in mainstream and social media." -- Amazon Review
"Understand that this is fiction, which means that the author blames both sides equally for the mess that the fictional America finds itself in. That said, this is a good series where moderates triumph over big money, which is something most of us can get behind." -- Amazon Review
Social media is everywhere today! It is a powerful tool, but are we too trusting of it? The Michael Bennit series examines that question in a fun and entertaining way.THE iCANDIDATETHE iCONGRESSMANTHE iSPEAKERTHE iAMERICAN
Buy your copy and start the journey with Michael and his students today!For updates on Mikael Carlson’s new releases, sign up for his newsletter at mikaelcarlson.com.
- GenresFiction
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2014
432 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Mikael Carlson
33 books85 followersMikael Carlson is an award-winning political fiction author, including a silver medal from Readers' Favorite and National Indie Excellence, Lyra, and Global E-book Awards.
Mikael is a proud U.S. Army Paratrooper and retired Army National Guardsman. He graduated with a Master of Arts in American History in 2010 and with a B.S. in International Business from Marist College in 1996.
An avid traveler and unabashed political junkie, he is the author of the Politics as Unusual blog You can find him at www.mikaelcarlson.com.
Mikael is a proud U.S. Army Paratrooper and retired Army National Guardsman. He graduated with a Master of Arts in American History in 2010 and with a B.S. in International Business from Marist College in 1996.
An avid traveler and unabashed political junkie, he is the author of the Politics as Unusual blog You can find him at www.mikaelcarlson.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 24, 2024
Mikael Carlson adds more excitement as he flavours this political thriller series with additional angles well worth the reader’s time. Michael Bennit did the improbable, toppled a sitting US Congressman, and is now in Washington to make a difference. Trouble is, he’s an independent and is disliked by those on both side of the aisle. Now, Bennit seeks to rock the boat as only he can, but is targeted by the power brokers and thought of as a simple mosquito that needs to be swatted away. With his iCandidate movement intriguing some in DC, Benoit is approached to create a larger movement for the next round of congressional elections. Armed with ideas and a slew of candidates who are eager to challenge many safe seats across the country, Bennit seeks to maker an ever larger difference, though those against who he is pitting battle will not go down without a fight. No one said politics was easy, clean, or forthcoming. Michael Bennit has some ideas to change all that as well. Mikael Carlson does it again with a strong second novel in the series.
Winning election to the Sixth District in Connecticut was the easy part for Michael Bennit,.The once teacher and soldier has battled many sly foes in his years, but time in Congress is sure to be the greatest clash in which he has had to participate, bar none. While he is disliked by those on all sides, his being an Independent has some interesting moments. Bennit refuses not to speak his mind and uses the US Constitution to guide him. Still, he is a pariah and many want him out of the way. Penalties and sanctions are not going to stop Bennit, who has larger ideas.
When he is approached by a former senator to begin pushing a larger iCandidate movement, Bennit likes what he is hearing. He begins rallying potential troops across the country to challenge those of his colleagues who feel they have safe seats, in hopes of turning over some tables, literal and figurative. Bennit will have to make sure he has the momentum needed to make change in the upcoming congressional elections and works tirelessly, especially with his young Chief of Staff, to make things fall in line. However, no one is ready to roll over a die just yet.
As Bennit seeks to effect change, he will have to stare down the likes of the Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and some nefarious players in DC to get some traction, all while trying to stay independent. What comes of the election and its aftermath could be the largest battle Michael Bennit has ever faced and with much more to lose. Carlson resonates once more with this addictive novel that adds to parts of the debut and provides a path for awaits in the series.
Mikael Carlson had me hooked with the opening novel in this series. Pushing the limits, he seeks to educate and entertain the reader in equal measure. The narrative paves the way for some great storytelling by building on a firm foundation of political knowledge and places the characters in some realistic perspectives. While Michael Bennit has a gargantuan task before him, he provides a clear path in the narrative to develop his views and those of the characters around him. Told in a multi-perspective narrative, the story grows from all angles and keeps the reader fully informed as things transpire. Plot points and political development fuel the story’s enticing moments, balancing surprises and political education throughout the story, while leaving some of the key aspects dangling and seeking resolution in the next novel. I am eager to get my hands on it and see how things will come to pass in this riveting collection.
Kudos, Mr. Carlson, for the great political flavouring of this series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Winning election to the Sixth District in Connecticut was the easy part for Michael Bennit,.The once teacher and soldier has battled many sly foes in his years, but time in Congress is sure to be the greatest clash in which he has had to participate, bar none. While he is disliked by those on all sides, his being an Independent has some interesting moments. Bennit refuses not to speak his mind and uses the US Constitution to guide him. Still, he is a pariah and many want him out of the way. Penalties and sanctions are not going to stop Bennit, who has larger ideas.
When he is approached by a former senator to begin pushing a larger iCandidate movement, Bennit likes what he is hearing. He begins rallying potential troops across the country to challenge those of his colleagues who feel they have safe seats, in hopes of turning over some tables, literal and figurative. Bennit will have to make sure he has the momentum needed to make change in the upcoming congressional elections and works tirelessly, especially with his young Chief of Staff, to make things fall in line. However, no one is ready to roll over a die just yet.
As Bennit seeks to effect change, he will have to stare down the likes of the Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and some nefarious players in DC to get some traction, all while trying to stay independent. What comes of the election and its aftermath could be the largest battle Michael Bennit has ever faced and with much more to lose. Carlson resonates once more with this addictive novel that adds to parts of the debut and provides a path for awaits in the series.
Mikael Carlson had me hooked with the opening novel in this series. Pushing the limits, he seeks to educate and entertain the reader in equal measure. The narrative paves the way for some great storytelling by building on a firm foundation of political knowledge and places the characters in some realistic perspectives. While Michael Bennit has a gargantuan task before him, he provides a clear path in the narrative to develop his views and those of the characters around him. Told in a multi-perspective narrative, the story grows from all angles and keeps the reader fully informed as things transpire. Plot points and political development fuel the story’s enticing moments, balancing surprises and political education throughout the story, while leaving some of the key aspects dangling and seeking resolution in the next novel. I am eager to get my hands on it and see how things will come to pass in this riveting collection.
Kudos, Mr. Carlson, for the great political flavouring of this series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 2, 2023
As entertaining as The iCandidate. Creative.
May 20, 2020
As much as I dislike continuing stories I find myself engrossed in this one. As it involves politics, a subject dear to my heart, I am making an exception to my “no continuing stories” rule. I was disappointed that the author decided to do a “cliff hanger” ending to this book. Something he borrowed, I think, from the TV show The West Wing. Loses a star for that from me.
Michael Bennit is seated in the House of Representatives and finds himself basically an outcast. He’s not part of the group of either party and soon becomes a target to have him removed. The Speaker of the House is behind most of the backroom antics but there are other players, including lobbyists, as well.
Recommended to anyone who likes to read how congress really feels about the American voters, fictionalized but probably pretty close to accurate.
Once again, the author’s utopian views of how congress should operate come through.
Michael Bennit is seated in the House of Representatives and finds himself basically an outcast. He’s not part of the group of either party and soon becomes a target to have him removed. The Speaker of the House is behind most of the backroom antics but there are other players, including lobbyists, as well.
Recommended to anyone who likes to read how congress really feels about the American voters, fictionalized but probably pretty close to accurate.
Once again, the author’s utopian views of how congress should operate come through.
June 15, 2020
Really good book, the main character is logical and likeable, and I knew halfway through that I'd be reading the 3rd book in the series. Michael Bennit is awesome, and he walks the walk as a book's hero should. 4 stars based on the first 98% of the book.
The intentional cliffhanger ending feels so out of place, though. I don't really mind that the story continues through to the next book in the series. This ending felt like when Roscoe was chasing The Duke Boys, they're jumping a ravine in The General Lee, and the screen suddenly pauses for a smarmy comment from Waylon Jennings before going to commercial.
That's how this solid, interesting, page-turning book ends, with Bo & Luke in midair and The Balladeer pointing out, "Gee, this sure isn't looking too spiffy for our heroes..."
The intentional cliffhanger ending feels so out of place, though. I don't really mind that the story continues through to the next book in the series. This ending felt like when Roscoe was chasing The Duke Boys, they're jumping a ravine in The General Lee, and the screen suddenly pauses for a smarmy comment from Waylon Jennings before going to commercial.
That's how this solid, interesting, page-turning book ends, with Bo & Luke in midair and The Balladeer pointing out, "Gee, this sure isn't looking too spiffy for our heroes..."
September 19, 2014
While I enjoyed this, perhaps a bit less than the first book in the series. I like the concept of someone getting into politics who is truly committed to changing the way of "business as usual". But, I kept waiting for the star of the show to do something that had to do with the people of our country - a bill that made things better, some sort of reform to legislative process - instead, the book focused almost entirely on election campaigns, both his and others, with nothing really changing other than getting a bunch of independents elected to office in place of members of the two main parties. Still, it was interesting enough, and ended on enough of a cliffhanger, to make it worth heading on to the next book in the series (the title of which, unfortunately, I think anyway, gives away the direction that things are headed next).
January 12, 2022
After finishing the 1st book in the series, I couldn't wait to read the next one. I initially got a sample and then got the book right away after. The 1st book ended with Mike losing the race, but the incumbent was arrested and convicted of a crime and that meant that a new election was required. This story starts with Mike taking the oath of office since he was the winner of the special election. The story goes on and shows the contempt that the members of Congress had the steps that they took to try and get him out of Congress. It told of how hard Mike's staff, prior students of his, and the lessons that had to learn to survive in their new roles.
The story ends with Mike winning reelection along with 75 other independent congressmen as well. This did not go over well with the establishment. This group of Independents would upset the existing order and a group of Leaders of the other parties attempted to introduce a measure that would force the new group to join one of the two existing parties. A vote was taken.
To discover what the vote result was, what Mike and another Independent from Texas did and the unexpected ending of this story, then you need to read this book.
The story ends with Mike winning reelection along with 75 other independent congressmen as well. This did not go over well with the establishment. This group of Independents would upset the existing order and a group of Leaders of the other parties attempted to introduce a measure that would force the new group to join one of the two existing parties. A vote was taken.
To discover what the vote result was, what Mike and another Independent from Texas did and the unexpected ending of this story, then you need to read this book.
October 6, 2020
I just finished the second install of this series. I so thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Book #1 was excellent, and I hoped the sequel would be as good, but did not get my hopes up too much. Glad to say Mr. Carlson did not disappoint me in any way. I read voraciously, and this book captivated me on many levels. I have downloaded #3 and look forward to reading it. I will not read it immediately. When I am on a roll with an author I enjoy, I put off reading the next tome in a series, so I can savor the anticipation before I tuck into it. I read 4-5 books a week, but really love reading fewer than I like. I expect to work my way through as many of this author's books as I can find. Thank you, sir.
September 16, 2021
Continuing our long awaited correction
Good grief! What an "ending"(?)... The depth, insight, & presentation of Mr. Carlson's authorship are spot on the brokeness of our democratic republic (or of our republican democracy. Bennit's & " students" characters, though unlikely, are very much liked by me as they convey the sad, drastic state of our (sabotaged) union... I look forward with excited anticipation to the next in this insightful, possibly "messianic" series... (which I've already purchased). Note also that I am hoping that I and all readers of the next book of the series will find that wonderfully talented, positive, Chelsea, emerging (miraculously) from the "nothing" she was placed in as The iCongressman concluded.
Good grief! What an "ending"(?)... The depth, insight, & presentation of Mr. Carlson's authorship are spot on the brokeness of our democratic republic (or of our republican democracy. Bennit's & " students" characters, though unlikely, are very much liked by me as they convey the sad, drastic state of our (sabotaged) union... I look forward with excited anticipation to the next in this insightful, possibly "messianic" series... (which I've already purchased). Note also that I am hoping that I and all readers of the next book of the series will find that wonderfully talented, positive, Chelsea, emerging (miraculously) from the "nothing" she was placed in as The iCongressman concluded.
February 11, 2019
iCongressman
This book makes the reader question themselves as to why haven't I paid more attention to what is going on around me. This us a definite read.
A quote and a question:
In 2006, over two hundred eighty-seven million dollars were donated to candidates for the House and Senate during that election cycle. Three elections later, that sum grew exponentially. With that much money comes considerable leverage and power. Imagine what is up to now.
WHY? Why are we allowing this?
This book makes the reader question themselves as to why haven't I paid more attention to what is going on around me. This us a definite read.
A quote and a question:
In 2006, over two hundred eighty-seven million dollars were donated to candidates for the House and Senate during that election cycle. Three elections later, that sum grew exponentially. With that much money comes considerable leverage and power. Imagine what is up to now.
WHY? Why are we allowing this?
November 4, 2019
Another good read
This book was a decent follow up to the first one, the iCandidate. I think the author did a good job of keeping the characters interesting in their lives moving forward. You can’t help but to care about what happens to all of them. I believe the author does a great job in capturing the angst of early professionals and a career that is not what they thought it would be. He certainly has a keen eye for how politics work – or do not work – in America right now
This book was a decent follow up to the first one, the iCandidate. I think the author did a good job of keeping the characters interesting in their lives moving forward. You can’t help but to care about what happens to all of them. I believe the author does a great job in capturing the angst of early professionals and a career that is not what they thought it would be. He certainly has a keen eye for how politics work – or do not work – in America right now
April 26, 2022
The iCongressman
Michael Ben it and his former students are now in DC. Amid much controversy and wheeler dealing it is time for another election. Many more I candidates are on the ballots throughout the country and the balance of power is shifting especially in the House of Representatives. The old guard is trying to maintain power and failing to do so. What does the future hold for these new representatives?
Michael Ben it and his former students are now in DC. Amid much controversy and wheeler dealing it is time for another election. Many more I candidates are on the ballots throughout the country and the balance of power is shifting especially in the House of Representatives. The old guard is trying to maintain power and failing to do so. What does the future hold for these new representatives?
October 21, 2020
Democracy and Constitution violated by Politicians
This book gives us how politics and politician under serve the country and their constituents. Politicians place their parties above what is best for the People. In this electoral year 2020 our Democracy is jeopardize and our Constitution is being sequestered by those who made the commitment to uphold it.
This book gives us how politics and politician under serve the country and their constituents. Politicians place their parties above what is best for the People. In this electoral year 2020 our Democracy is jeopardize and our Constitution is being sequestered by those who made the commitment to uphold it.
December 6, 2020
Another enjoyable read
I really enjoyed the side history lessons and humor. Of course,
Michael is the epitome of how we would like to see our politicians act. In this Second installment Michael and his crew take on the house of representatives. How does this all turned out? It has a surprising and twisted ending, getting you ready for the next installment.
I really enjoyed the side history lessons and humor. Of course,
Michael is the epitome of how we would like to see our politicians act. In this Second installment Michael and his crew take on the house of representatives. How does this all turned out? It has a surprising and twisted ending, getting you ready for the next installment.
March 25, 2021
Not as good as the first, but keeps me going.
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first in the series. It had a little too much “preachiness,” (I think I just made up that word!). I wanted more story and less instruction on the way politics work. However, I loved the first book and look forward to the third. I have also read all of his other books, so I am a fan.
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first in the series. It had a little too much “preachiness,” (I think I just made up that word!). I wanted more story and less instruction on the way politics work. However, I loved the first book and look forward to the third. I have also read all of his other books, so I am a fan.
May 16, 2021
Halfway through a great series
I have completed two of the four books in this series and loo forward to the remaining two. This grabbed me early and has not let go. I find interesting the writing in first person by chapter of different main characters. More so, the pace, intrigue and plot twists engage me and even surprise me at times. I look forward to more from this author!
I have completed two of the four books in this series and loo forward to the remaining two. This grabbed me early and has not let go. I find interesting the writing in first person by chapter of different main characters. More so, the pace, intrigue and plot twists engage me and even surprise me at times. I look forward to more from this author!
October 21, 2021
Very nice book. Easy to read. Love the First Person narrative. Not as good as the first book. Too much emphasis on character relationships instead of sticking to the plot. Plot could have been developed better. Cliffhanger at end was fantastic. Now I will pick up the next book in the series. Read it.
July 1, 2022
This is not great literature, but it is a solid summer read. The characters are well drawn and interesting enough for me to care about what happens to them. Though much of the story is predictable, there is enough suspense to keep me turning the page and the last chapters were, at least to me, a surprise that will make me buy the next book in the series.
July 5, 2023
I am enjoying this series.
This book continues where the last left off and doesn’t disappoint. It lets the reader in on what happens to certain Congress people if others think that they don’t belong.
I look forward to continuing this series, especially with the way this book ended.
This book continues where the last left off and doesn’t disappoint. It lets the reader in on what happens to certain Congress people if others think that they don’t belong.
I look forward to continuing this series, especially with the way this book ended.
July 29, 2023
Wake up America!
The first two books have been very interesting…..as an American it shows me how broken our political system currently is and that we need to wake up and pay attention to what our elected officials are doing or perhaps NOT doing for those who put them in office. Moving on to book 3!
The first two books have been very interesting…..as an American it shows me how broken our political system currently is and that we need to wake up and pay attention to what our elected officials are doing or perhaps NOT doing for those who put them in office. Moving on to book 3!
May 23, 2024
Very good sequel
It was a very good sequel to the book iCandidate. I couldn’t put it down until I finished the whole book. The only thing that would have made it better would be better editing. I come from Texas, and we use the word Y’all to mean you all, not you will. I found the grammatical errors to be very distracting.
It was a very good sequel to the book iCandidate. I couldn’t put it down until I finished the whole book. The only thing that would have made it better would be better editing. I come from Texas, and we use the word Y’all to mean you all, not you will. I found the grammatical errors to be very distracting.
May 16, 2020
Full on brilliant
I love the idea of this series! This group of young adults along with there teacher take on Washington by getting Mr. B elected to Congress. The perils they all face in Washington is like something out of the headlines. Excited to read more
I love the idea of this series! This group of young adults along with there teacher take on Washington by getting Mr. B elected to Congress. The perils they all face in Washington is like something out of the headlines. Excited to read more
January 20, 2021
Not. As good as book one but good enough
The first book makes some interesting points and is a good thought experiment. This one is more of an expose' of the weaknesses of party politics mixed with the sins of lobbyists. It is good enough for me to read book 3 iSpeaker.
The first book makes some interesting points and is a good thought experiment. This one is more of an expose' of the weaknesses of party politics mixed with the sins of lobbyists. It is good enough for me to read book 3 iSpeaker.
March 15, 2021
Thought provoking about our Congress
It continues to create interest on how congress more than likely works, and the dishonesty that isprevalent when one becomes a congressman or Senator
It continues to create interest on how congress more than likely works, and the dishonesty that isprevalent when one becomes a congressman or Senator
October 8, 2021
loving this series❤️❤️❤️
Great characters and amazingly timely!! With the current state of our country, you’ll meet characters that have the right idea…and you’ll get a history lesson in the process. Be sure to read The iCandidate before this one.
Great characters and amazingly timely!! With the current state of our country, you’ll meet characters that have the right idea…and you’ll get a history lesson in the process. Be sure to read The iCandidate before this one.
August 4, 2022
Carlson Winner
Another winner as was iCanidate! Looking forward to the next book in the Michael Banner series. Both books have good character development who lead you through the stories.
Another winner as was iCanidate! Looking forward to the next book in the Michael Banner series. Both books have good character development who lead you through the stories.
November 23, 2022
Pretty darn good read! Timely but as Author says “sequels take talent to do right”. This one is no exception. The abrupt, blatant tacky enticement for the next, lost some respect for the Author’s skill.
But WTF? I’ll wait out of begrudging curiosity.
But WTF? I’ll wait out of begrudging curiosity.
February 19, 2023
Keep on keeping on....
So much of this book sounds like a news in today's media and all the craziness that goes on in politics. Once again this book felt like a magnet they kept pulling at me and I read every chance I got to the end. Looking forward to book number 3
So much of this book sounds like a news in today's media and all the craziness that goes on in politics. Once again this book felt like a magnet they kept pulling at me and I read every chance I got to the end. Looking forward to book number 3
May 19, 2023
Michael Bennit is the only Independent Representative in Congress...or is he?
When Michael Bennit takes his seat in The House of Representatives after his second run for office,he is the only Independent Representative in the House...or is he???
When Michael Bennit takes his seat in The House of Representatives after his second run for office,he is the only Independent Representative in the House...or is he???
June 11, 2020
This series is a must read, I couldn't put them down once started, love this author, haven't read a series this good in a very very long time.
There are 4 books, start with #1.
There are 4 books, start with #1.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
Great book
Great book. Enjoy the series. Easy to read and keeps you wanting to continue.Will read the next book in the series.
Great book. Enjoy the series. Easy to read and keeps you wanting to continue.Will read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews