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The President: A Novel of National Redemption
Originally published in 1995, The President reads like today's newspaper. Mid-way through his term, a secular-humanist President becomes a Christian and has to decide how his new worldview must change his policies. His wife, children, siblings, staff and the entire nation grapple with how his new faith informs his actions. Meanwhile, terrorists are plotting to detonate a nuclear warhead in New York. The many strands of the story all come together in Manhattan as the terrorists use the World Trade Towers to launch their attack, the center of action is a place called Ground Zero and one of the characters yells, "Let's Roll" near the end. The President is a gripping action thriller with a strong Christian message for the individual and the nation.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 17, 2010
While I didn't enthuse over this book to the degree that the person who recommended it to me (and gave me a copy for Christmas!) did, I still liked it reasonably well as entertainment. Hudson does some things well here, and illustrates some of the potential strengths of Christian political fiction --while also illustrating some of the lamentable weaknesses that too often tend to bedevil the existing examples of it.
Set in the near future (from a 1995 perspective), this novel's central figure is William Harrison, a liberal Democrat in the Southern progressive tradition, who at its outset has been President for a few months. As noted above, he entered office as a conventionally secular nonbeliever; but early in the book, he experiences a genuine conversion to Christianity. Harrison is drawn as a three-dimensional, realistic and fully understandable middle-aged male, as human as the rest of us despite his high office; his conversion is handled in a plausible and natural fashion, and wouldn't differ much from that of a schoolteacher or a dentist with a similar psychological makeup. Given his position, though, the application of the new ethical and social understandings his developing faith brings him presents special challenges, and gives Hudson ample scope for bringing out what he sees as the social and political implications of Christianity for our day. He fleshes these out with other plotlines involving a variety of other characters in (and out) of the government or media, including Harrison's siblings, who differ in their relation to Christianity. (One is a naval officer, as was Hudson at one time; the author usually uses that background to good advantage --though I have my doubts whether the military still uses Gatling guns.) Among the issues explored are church-State relations, sexuality (hetero and homo) and how public policy relates to it, women's roles, Middle East policy, etc.
Most of Hudson's characters are fully drawn, believable figures, and to his credit, he generally doesn't demonize the ones who disagree with his positions or embrace lifestyles he doesn't share; they come across as just people who have different attitudes on some things, not as monsters, and he often gives them some good qualities. Political and philosophical debates usually arise naturally and smoothly from the events of the plot, and fit in well. The character's interactions tend to be well done, and the prose flows smoothly. In many ways, the author's messages are on target and timely, particularly in his handling of sexual issues, and his masterful depiction of the utter ideological bias of the mainstream TV news media.
There are significant flaws here, though. Hudson presents a case for a view of the U.S. founding and Constitution (which is actually the position of an extremely tiny minority of U.S. Christians), that holds that civil government should be essentially a Christian theocracy, and that the U.S. government's legal and constitutional basis is in fact historically set up that way. (Despite the quotes from early U.S. political figures that preface each chapter, though, he does not succeed in convincingly making that case.) His Moslem characters tend to be an exception to his usual pattern; they're one-dimensional and wholly evil, and the nuculear terrorism plotline built around them is handled rather melodramatically. (Also, the reference to one of them praying to "the Moslem god" is jarring, to anyone who knows anything about Islam. Hudson would no doubt say that Moslems don't believe in the true God, since they aren't Trinitarians --but do Jews pray to "the Jewish god?") A lot of the profound complexity of political problems, both in the Middle East and domestically, tends to get drastically glossed over here; and some obvious areas of Christian social concern, such as environmental stewardship and economic justice, don't make much appearance. The author's underlying attitudes seem to be somewhat sexist, though the talents and contributions of some of his female characters militate against those attitudes (another example of "trust the tale, and not the teller" :-)). Finally, he has a view of the U.S. political scene that can only be characterized as naive and unrealistic --NO Democratic (and probably no Republican) President who ever seriously declared an intention to apply traditional Christian principles to public life would get the support of a fraction of his/her Cabinet and Congressional party, let alone about half of it; and it would take vastly more than this to bring about the kind of massive political realignment he depicts.
So, all in all, this was a book I liked as well as I could, for its merits. But it's very far from being THE definitive modern Christian political novel that it could have been in more insightful hands.
Set in the near future (from a 1995 perspective), this novel's central figure is William Harrison, a liberal Democrat in the Southern progressive tradition, who at its outset has been President for a few months. As noted above, he entered office as a conventionally secular nonbeliever; but early in the book, he experiences a genuine conversion to Christianity. Harrison is drawn as a three-dimensional, realistic and fully understandable middle-aged male, as human as the rest of us despite his high office; his conversion is handled in a plausible and natural fashion, and wouldn't differ much from that of a schoolteacher or a dentist with a similar psychological makeup. Given his position, though, the application of the new ethical and social understandings his developing faith brings him presents special challenges, and gives Hudson ample scope for bringing out what he sees as the social and political implications of Christianity for our day. He fleshes these out with other plotlines involving a variety of other characters in (and out) of the government or media, including Harrison's siblings, who differ in their relation to Christianity. (One is a naval officer, as was Hudson at one time; the author usually uses that background to good advantage --though I have my doubts whether the military still uses Gatling guns.) Among the issues explored are church-State relations, sexuality (hetero and homo) and how public policy relates to it, women's roles, Middle East policy, etc.
Most of Hudson's characters are fully drawn, believable figures, and to his credit, he generally doesn't demonize the ones who disagree with his positions or embrace lifestyles he doesn't share; they come across as just people who have different attitudes on some things, not as monsters, and he often gives them some good qualities. Political and philosophical debates usually arise naturally and smoothly from the events of the plot, and fit in well. The character's interactions tend to be well done, and the prose flows smoothly. In many ways, the author's messages are on target and timely, particularly in his handling of sexual issues, and his masterful depiction of the utter ideological bias of the mainstream TV news media.
There are significant flaws here, though. Hudson presents a case for a view of the U.S. founding and Constitution (which is actually the position of an extremely tiny minority of U.S. Christians), that holds that civil government should be essentially a Christian theocracy, and that the U.S. government's legal and constitutional basis is in fact historically set up that way. (Despite the quotes from early U.S. political figures that preface each chapter, though, he does not succeed in convincingly making that case.) His Moslem characters tend to be an exception to his usual pattern; they're one-dimensional and wholly evil, and the nuculear terrorism plotline built around them is handled rather melodramatically. (Also, the reference to one of them praying to "the Moslem god" is jarring, to anyone who knows anything about Islam. Hudson would no doubt say that Moslems don't believe in the true God, since they aren't Trinitarians --but do Jews pray to "the Jewish god?") A lot of the profound complexity of political problems, both in the Middle East and domestically, tends to get drastically glossed over here; and some obvious areas of Christian social concern, such as environmental stewardship and economic justice, don't make much appearance. The author's underlying attitudes seem to be somewhat sexist, though the talents and contributions of some of his female characters militate against those attitudes (another example of "trust the tale, and not the teller" :-)). Finally, he has a view of the U.S. political scene that can only be characterized as naive and unrealistic --NO Democratic (and probably no Republican) President who ever seriously declared an intention to apply traditional Christian principles to public life would get the support of a fraction of his/her Cabinet and Congressional party, let alone about half of it; and it would take vastly more than this to bring about the kind of massive political realignment he depicts.
So, all in all, this was a book I liked as well as I could, for its merits. But it's very far from being THE definitive modern Christian political novel that it could have been in more insightful hands.
March 17, 2016
In light of the upcoming presidential election, perhaps it was simply a coincidence but I would call it a divine appointment, that I reviewed The President by Parker Hudson. It is pretty much what you would think it might be about, William Harrison is the President of the United States who has vowed to work to get his election policies passed during his time in office, but without the support of Congress, the Senate or the House of Representatives, he might have to resort to some underhanded tactics. He often wondered if our original first Presidents dealt with much of the same issues and how they handled it. Perhaps that is why he found himself reading about what our nations leaders like George Washington, Woodrow Wilson and Abraham Lincoln had to do what faced with insurmountable odds in office.
It doesn't help that members of his family, like his younger sister Mary and now his wife Carrie have all found God and have made Him a part of their lives. The one thing he can't dispute is how changed they are, how much more at peace they seem and even radiate a happiness he can no longer find. But William believes he doesn't need God to help him deal with all the recent changes in policies in his term in office. From dealing with homosexuals in the military, to federally funded healthcare which includes late term abortions, the morning after pill and even a points system to determine who gets certain surgeries and who doesn't. He even has to deal with the implications of watching them happen to specific members of his own family while denying that God might have it right.
Upon further research on his own, William soon learns just how much of our own American history has been changed and altered so much it no longer reflects what it was intended to do, much like the separation of church and state which the media and the government have stripped the intent to water down its initial meaning to remove all traces of God from the lives of the people in the United States, from prayer in school to the removal of the Ten Commandments. Imagine what might happen if the President of the United States suddenly decided to run this nation by the terms set forth by God? What might that look like and how might it impact the different levels of government? What if a terrorist group suddenly gained possession of a nuclear warhead and threatened to detonate it someplace in the United States without any warning if their demands were not met? This is the very premise behind The President by Parker Hudson and it will be a book that will forever change the way you look at this nation and at the office of the President.
I received The President by Parker Hudson compliments of the author himself even though this book was previously published under Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. This is such a great novel I can't begin to explain why everyone in the United States should read it despite your religious beliefs. This is eye opening because if we don't change the direction we are headed, we might very well find ourselves in the same situations presented in this novel. I especially love all the quotes from our founding fathers and others about how God was initially the author of the way our government should be ran and how far we have fall in just a few generations. Makes you wonder even today how George Washington or even Abraham Lincoln were to view what is happening in America today and how they might go about fixing things. One thing for sure, government is not the answer, it is the problem with what is wrong in this country today and the willingness of its people to sit back and let the government implement more laws and policies to dictate that life for us. For me, one of the best novels I have read to date and well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for a review of this novel and the opinions contained here are my own personal and honest evaluation of the novel.
It doesn't help that members of his family, like his younger sister Mary and now his wife Carrie have all found God and have made Him a part of their lives. The one thing he can't dispute is how changed they are, how much more at peace they seem and even radiate a happiness he can no longer find. But William believes he doesn't need God to help him deal with all the recent changes in policies in his term in office. From dealing with homosexuals in the military, to federally funded healthcare which includes late term abortions, the morning after pill and even a points system to determine who gets certain surgeries and who doesn't. He even has to deal with the implications of watching them happen to specific members of his own family while denying that God might have it right.
Upon further research on his own, William soon learns just how much of our own American history has been changed and altered so much it no longer reflects what it was intended to do, much like the separation of church and state which the media and the government have stripped the intent to water down its initial meaning to remove all traces of God from the lives of the people in the United States, from prayer in school to the removal of the Ten Commandments. Imagine what might happen if the President of the United States suddenly decided to run this nation by the terms set forth by God? What might that look like and how might it impact the different levels of government? What if a terrorist group suddenly gained possession of a nuclear warhead and threatened to detonate it someplace in the United States without any warning if their demands were not met? This is the very premise behind The President by Parker Hudson and it will be a book that will forever change the way you look at this nation and at the office of the President.
I received The President by Parker Hudson compliments of the author himself even though this book was previously published under Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. This is such a great novel I can't begin to explain why everyone in the United States should read it despite your religious beliefs. This is eye opening because if we don't change the direction we are headed, we might very well find ourselves in the same situations presented in this novel. I especially love all the quotes from our founding fathers and others about how God was initially the author of the way our government should be ran and how far we have fall in just a few generations. Makes you wonder even today how George Washington or even Abraham Lincoln were to view what is happening in America today and how they might go about fixing things. One thing for sure, government is not the answer, it is the problem with what is wrong in this country today and the willingness of its people to sit back and let the government implement more laws and policies to dictate that life for us. For me, one of the best novels I have read to date and well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for a review of this novel and the opinions contained here are my own personal and honest evaluation of the novel.
March 22, 2011
Very light, enjoyable pleasant reading . . . for when you simply don't want to have to think too hard. Great theme that would be great to see actually played out in the Oval Office! Our current president is perfect for the role of the main character.
March 22, 2016
This is one of those books that doesn't necessarily keep you on the edge of your seat, but it's still full of so many great points. It leaves a lot to ponder, and it will have your interest in history piqued!
January 3, 2021
I wish this story would be made into a movie but unfortunately it would not be a big money maker because faith based (Christian) stories never do. Especially with everything that has happened this year with the presidential election this story needs to broadcast to the nation. This is a wonderful concept for Christians and I totally agree with all of the beliefs shared by the author. It’s frightening to think our country may really look like this in a few years.
December 15, 2022
I loved thi book. Had to keep reminding myself that it was written 25 years ago. I know it's fiction but so close to what is going on in our government today that you wonder if the writer had a vision of the future. Excellent writing and tied all the story lines together perfectly. Lot of typo's but probably the best book I have read this year. Going to read "On the Edge now". Very glad I found this author.
September 14, 2023
I am amazed that this book was first published in 1995, years before the 9/11 attack. Parker Hudson also portrayed a significant number of events occurring today. Destruction of our youth, family and government in a Nation that no longer puts God first. I found the book a little tough situationally at times but I kept reading. Through these fictional characters I learned volumes about history, the value of each individual and the power of prayer.
April 27, 2022
How could Hudson know what our world would be like in 2022? This book was published in 1995!! I recommend reading the contents and taking notes...explanation of our country’s Christian roots are made very plain! Our leaders need to read the situations in this story coupled with the Bible...they need wisdom and their hearts need to be changed! America needs to turn to God!!!
January 12, 2023
Great plot
A great plot that kept my attention throughout, but I’m giving the book only 4 stars because it badly needs an editor. There are too many characters and too much useless conversation, descriptions, etc. that bog down the flow, as well as numerous editing errors. Finally, I just have to wonder how realistic the ending is for our time of 2023. I hope it is.
A great plot that kept my attention throughout, but I’m giving the book only 4 stars because it badly needs an editor. There are too many characters and too much useless conversation, descriptions, etc. that bog down the flow, as well as numerous editing errors. Finally, I just have to wonder how realistic the ending is for our time of 2023. I hope it is.
May 15, 2023
Hard to believe this was written 10 years ago
Well written and very interesting. There are some typos but it could be the Kindle version. Some interesting concepts are presented. Of course, there is the idea of "if only". This story does make one continue to pray for those in office. God can do miracles. We certainly need one today.
Well written and very interesting. There are some typos but it could be the Kindle version. Some interesting concepts are presented. Of course, there is the idea of "if only". This story does make one continue to pray for those in office. God can do miracles. We certainly need one today.
June 21, 2019
Extremely interesting Christian fiction.
July 7, 2020
Great
I enjoyed this book. Oh how I wish our nation would turn back to God!! This book shows us what could happen if we pray!
I enjoyed this book. Oh how I wish our nation would turn back to God!! This book shows us what could happen if we pray!
July 19, 2021
Powerful and relevant
Excellent book! I truly loved everything from start to finish! I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves America!
Excellent book! I truly loved everything from start to finish! I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves America!
January 4, 2022
Awesome book
Well written and enthralling . as good as any thriller I've ever read. What a bonus that its CHRISTIAN.. MY THANKS TO YOU
Well written and enthralling . as good as any thriller I've ever read. What a bonus that its CHRISTIAN.. MY THANKS TO YOU
December 5, 2022
Published in 1994 , it reads like what our nation has done - away from God. Now more than 20 years after 2001 and the events from September 11th, our country is even in worse shape.
November 1, 2023
A Little Predictable
I enjoyed the read but I am afraid that only a remnant of our citizens will heed the call for us to return to the faith of our founders.
I enjoyed the read but I am afraid that only a remnant of our citizens will heed the call for us to return to the faith of our founders.
June 2, 2025
great story
This book has a wonderful message for America and where we are today. The story seems to drag on at times but is well worth your time and money.
This book has a wonderful message for America and where we are today. The story seems to drag on at times but is well worth your time and money.
January 29, 2013
this is a fantastic book! parker Hudson did an amazing job writing it. I kept saying to myself" why can't our government's leaders be Godly like William Harrison? " Now that I have read it, I have a lot of praying to do. again, THIS book you have GOT to read. the ending was wonderful. everything seemed so real because it is exactly like our country today except for Christians running for office. maybe THAT. will come true soon. otherwise God WILL turn his back on what once was a great God-fearing nation.
August 6, 2009
Masterful story of political power-plays and intrigue. If you think Chuck Colson's fiction is good, wait until you read this. Colson will appear a rank amateur in comparison. Author Parker Hudson is an international business exec with a master's degree in economics from the London School of Economics, and also served as a communications officer in the US Navy. He uses these experiences to wonderful effect. Foreshadows the current debate over health care reform.
July 6, 2016
This is a Christian political thriller that is exciting and well-written. I could only handle it in small doses, however, as it seems very predictive of many things happening today. It was actually written 21 years ago, but many of the moral decisions facing people in the book are things we are battling today.
March 21, 2016
Awesome
Even though this was written a few years ago, it is amazing to me how much this sounds like our government and our world today. Please read and pray hard for our country. This could very easily be us.
Even though this was written a few years ago, it is amazing to me how much this sounds like our government and our world today. Please read and pray hard for our country. This could very easily be us.
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