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The Race
He's a decorated Gulf War pilot. A fashion plate. A ladies' man. An independent thinker who speaks his mind and never takes no for an answer. The only thing Americans can expect from Corey Grace is the unexpected... Love him or hate him, the country can't wait to see how this charismatic white senator from Ohio―who now has fallen in love with black movie star Lexie Hart―will perform in the most brutal of political contests. Will Grace endure in spite of his controversial lifestyle, and a tragic mistake buried deep in his past? Or will he perish under pressure―from players on both sides of the party line? Nothing and no one in Grace's life is off-limits once the race begins. Now the only thing this candidate has to lose is…everything.
544 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2007
182 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Richard North Patterson
105 books673 followersRichard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson served as the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and women’s rights. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha’s Vineyard.
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
January 8, 2021
Couldn't finish the audiobook. I just didn't enjoy the story. Didn't find it interesting or believable. Just feelt very extreme
January 14, 2008
This book took me forever to get into, but once I did it was a quick and enjoyable read.
It is in three parts, the first part is a lot of set-up, flashbacks and exposition. The last two-thirds is when the ride starts.
As a main character, Corey Grace is almost freakishly perfect. He's a hero, a decent guy, says what he means and not what he thinks people want to hear. He's a young, handsome white Republican dating a beautiful Oscar winning, young, fabulous Democratic, liberal black actress. In short, he's someone who'd never actually make it in politics. But this is fiction, so, there you go.
The romance is nice and adds a little angst for Our Hero, but frankly, the guy has enough angst without the added twist of the girlfriend. He's running for President and his party doesn't want him to win. His main opponent has a campaign manager who is just about the slimiest, dirtiest piece of work you'd ever want to meet. And he there is his own version of Rupert Murdoch who hates his guts.
The stand-out part is the whole primary in South Carolina. As one character says "South Carolina, too small for a republic, too large for an insane asylum. You're headed for the heart of darkness, boy."
I did think that there were too many convenient events, too many loose ends tied up. I don't mind the dangly bits left dangling once in awhile. This was just too pat for my taste. But, as I said above, this is fiction, so there you go. And I was disappointed in the the ending. I thought it was a bit of a cheat.
I give this three stars because, well, it feels like a three star book. I liked it well enough, but that is pretty much it.
It is in three parts, the first part is a lot of set-up, flashbacks and exposition. The last two-thirds is when the ride starts.
As a main character, Corey Grace is almost freakishly perfect. He's a hero, a decent guy, says what he means and not what he thinks people want to hear. He's a young, handsome white Republican dating a beautiful Oscar winning, young, fabulous Democratic, liberal black actress. In short, he's someone who'd never actually make it in politics. But this is fiction, so, there you go.
The romance is nice and adds a little angst for Our Hero, but frankly, the guy has enough angst without the added twist of the girlfriend. He's running for President and his party doesn't want him to win. His main opponent has a campaign manager who is just about the slimiest, dirtiest piece of work you'd ever want to meet. And he there is his own version of Rupert Murdoch who hates his guts.
The stand-out part is the whole primary in South Carolina. As one character says "South Carolina, too small for a republic, too large for an insane asylum. You're headed for the heart of darkness, boy."
I did think that there were too many convenient events, too many loose ends tied up. I don't mind the dangly bits left dangling once in awhile. This was just too pat for my taste. But, as I said above, this is fiction, so there you go. And I was disappointed in the the ending. I thought it was a bit of a cheat.
I give this three stars because, well, it feels like a three star book. I liked it well enough, but that is pretty much it.
November 30, 2007
I listened to the unabridged version of this book and the most impressive part of that experience was the reading by Michael Boatman (formerly an actor on Spin City and Arliss). He was absolutely the best reader I have ever heard on an audiobook.
To the actual book...
A timely and fun passing of time. With the 2008 race upon us, it's nice to relax a little with some interesting characters, many of whom have a lot more integrity than the real folks hoping to become our next president. Patterson's last foray into presidential politics was his trilogy on Democratic President Kerry Kilcannon. So it's kind of fun to see him take a look at the other side of politics: the Republicans. His main character, Sen. Corie Grace (R-OH), is a young war hero hoping to win a GOP nomination upset against the favorite, Sen. Marotta (R-PA). It's clear that Patterson is dredging up some real-world stories from recent political history. Marotta and his political advisor, Price, are reminiscent of the Bush-Rove duo. An interesting re-telling of the Bush-Rove shameful shenanigans of South Carolina in the 2000 race is well done. At times it's difficult to listen through as a disgraceful deed is told yet again. Clearly this puts Grace in the mold of John McCain, though Grace is younger. There's also a Colin Powell character, a Bob Jones character, and a few other folks to make it different enough from reality.
What keeps me from rating this higher was the completely unrealistic and disappointing ending. Still, I hope there are sequels.
To the actual book...
A timely and fun passing of time. With the 2008 race upon us, it's nice to relax a little with some interesting characters, many of whom have a lot more integrity than the real folks hoping to become our next president. Patterson's last foray into presidential politics was his trilogy on Democratic President Kerry Kilcannon. So it's kind of fun to see him take a look at the other side of politics: the Republicans. His main character, Sen. Corie Grace (R-OH), is a young war hero hoping to win a GOP nomination upset against the favorite, Sen. Marotta (R-PA). It's clear that Patterson is dredging up some real-world stories from recent political history. Marotta and his political advisor, Price, are reminiscent of the Bush-Rove duo. An interesting re-telling of the Bush-Rove shameful shenanigans of South Carolina in the 2000 race is well done. At times it's difficult to listen through as a disgraceful deed is told yet again. Clearly this puts Grace in the mold of John McCain, though Grace is younger. There's also a Colin Powell character, a Bob Jones character, and a few other folks to make it different enough from reality.
What keeps me from rating this higher was the completely unrealistic and disappointing ending. Still, I hope there are sequels.
September 9, 2015
The Race is poorly written, not very believable, trite, and annoying to read. There was little to no credibility or positive aspects about this novel. What makes it worse was that the author clearly had a political agenda in this novel. The level of bias interfered with any possibile enjoyment. I don’t read fiction to hear about an author’s political beliefs, but Richard North Patterson clearly used this as a soapbox for him to espouse his own theories.
In this novel, Senator Corey Grace, a Republican from Ohio, who is a Gulf War hero, is in line to get the party’s nomination for the upcoming presidential race. He is opposed by some of the people pulling strings within the party. The race changes when he enters a relationship with Lexie Hart, an African American actress lobbying for stem cell research.
There is so much wrong with this novel and just about nothing right. For one thing, stem cell research is the biggest issue in the campaign, when in real life it ranks about 100th in terms of political priorities. Secondly, the characters are characaturish cartoons instead of real people. The political axe-grinding by the author is nauseating. There is nothing remotely believable about any aspect of this novel. This is one of the worst novels I have read. Don’t waste your time with it.
Carl Alves – author of Blood Street
In this novel, Senator Corey Grace, a Republican from Ohio, who is a Gulf War hero, is in line to get the party’s nomination for the upcoming presidential race. He is opposed by some of the people pulling strings within the party. The race changes when he enters a relationship with Lexie Hart, an African American actress lobbying for stem cell research.
There is so much wrong with this novel and just about nothing right. For one thing, stem cell research is the biggest issue in the campaign, when in real life it ranks about 100th in terms of political priorities. Secondly, the characters are characaturish cartoons instead of real people. The political axe-grinding by the author is nauseating. There is nothing remotely believable about any aspect of this novel. This is one of the worst novels I have read. Don’t waste your time with it.
Carl Alves – author of Blood Street
December 10, 2007
The book was a bit political thriller, a bit drama, and a bit romance. The story chronicles a turning point in the life of Senator Corey Grace, a potential Republican presidential nominee. Part of the novel is Grace working through the mistakes in his life as he blames himself for every tragedy that has occurred to his friends/family. Another part of the novel is the adventures of the chief runners and potential runners in the Republican primary from start to finish. You see a good guy become a bad guy, a good guy remain a bad guy, and a person that you don't like so much become human (and nope I'm not going to tell you who fits what bill).
I'm not sure the story is very connected to reality as I'm not sure a Republican that fits Grace's profile could even get elected to the Senate. He's fiscally moderate or liberal, socially moderate to liberal, and strong on defense. He's very open and doesn't compromise his principles, but since a good chunk of the Republican party doesn't even fit his basic beliefs not sure how he'd get elected.
Not a bad book, but not a great book. Pretty easy read though and thought provoking.
I'm not sure the story is very connected to reality as I'm not sure a Republican that fits Grace's profile could even get elected to the Senate. He's fiscally moderate or liberal, socially moderate to liberal, and strong on defense. He's very open and doesn't compromise his principles, but since a good chunk of the Republican party doesn't even fit his basic beliefs not sure how he'd get elected.
Not a bad book, but not a great book. Pretty easy read though and thought provoking.
October 31, 2007
Let me start by saying that although I enjoyed this book, I did not give it 5 stars for the following reasons:
1. It was leaner than typical RNP fare. It was RNP Lite.
2. The ending was lame.
3. At a certain point, none of the bad guys were distinguishable from each other, as is often the case with naughty Republican politicians.
That having been said, I did really like this novel. It is a fast-paced political thriller about the race to become the nominee for the Republican party in the next presidential race.
The candidates are: Reverend Bob Christie, a wack-o member of the crazy Christian right; Rob Marotta, a less wacked out, but still super-conservative, who likes to play dirty; and our hero, Senator Corey Grace, Gulf War hero, straight-shooter, and all-around nice guy.
You can pretty much guess what the plot's like, with very few twists. But it's still good. RNP makes you feel like you're a part of the campaign at every turn.
If you like RNP, you'll like this.
10/31/07
1. It was leaner than typical RNP fare. It was RNP Lite.
2. The ending was lame.
3. At a certain point, none of the bad guys were distinguishable from each other, as is often the case with naughty Republican politicians.
That having been said, I did really like this novel. It is a fast-paced political thriller about the race to become the nominee for the Republican party in the next presidential race.
The candidates are: Reverend Bob Christie, a wack-o member of the crazy Christian right; Rob Marotta, a less wacked out, but still super-conservative, who likes to play dirty; and our hero, Senator Corey Grace, Gulf War hero, straight-shooter, and all-around nice guy.
You can pretty much guess what the plot's like, with very few twists. But it's still good. RNP makes you feel like you're a part of the campaign at every turn.
If you like RNP, you'll like this.
10/31/07
July 19, 2009
I am still reading this book, but am finding it very difficult to get through. I'm frustrated with the plot line and find parts of it somewhat offensive (due to the heavy emphasis on religion). I am always one to finish a book even if I find it boring, but I am seriously considering putting this one up on the shelf unfinished. I'm moving on to another book, but will probably come back to this one before it is all said and done.
Coming back after I finished the book I was glad that I worked through everything and somewhat enjoy the book. I don't agree with others who think this book is the best one in years, but ultimately it was a new way to look at the politics of Washington DC. It's not a bad book, but I don't know if I would spend the week reading this book again.
Coming back after I finished the book I was glad that I worked through everything and somewhat enjoy the book. I don't agree with others who think this book is the best one in years, but ultimately it was a new way to look at the politics of Washington DC. It's not a bad book, but I don't know if I would spend the week reading this book again.
May 26, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised at how good and compelling this book was. Without thinking, I grabbed it off the shelf on my way to the Doctor's office and got hooked almost immediately.
The story describes a fictional Republican primary campaign set in 2008. Patterson must have had a crystal ball as he predicted many of the issues that would be-devil the last two presidential campaigns and the upcoming 2016 fight. The main character, Corey Grace, is a Senator and war hero. His opponents in the primary season are a fundamentalist preacher, Bob Christy, and a fellow senator and insider, Rob Marotta, who will do anything to gain the nomination. It only focuses on Republicans, and the difficulties a moderate has trying to earn the Republican nomination.
The problems Grace faces underscore many of the issues Republicans have in being forced to kowtow to both the religious right and tax hating big donors. A major part of the book describes a fictional primary in South Carolina where every dirty trick seen in the recent past is used to try and destroy both Grace and Christy. It was hard to not recall the kinds of tactics often ascribed to Karl Rove and evident in the 2000 Republican primary in the same state. Adding to the difficulty is Grace's decision to continue a romantic relationship with a black actress, Lexie Hart. Though, fictional, the story rang true because it described tactics that have actually been used in recent political campaigns.
There were a couple sub-plots that, while adding to the action, were unnecessary to the major narrative including an Al Quaeda assassination attempt. That notwithstanding, I had a hard time putting the book down even though I had some pressing chores to accomplish. I was especially entranced by the last part of the book that takes place during the nominating convention. The ending is a little contrived but does tie loose ends together and provide a satisfying conclusion.
What can I say except that even if you have no interest in the current political process you will enjoy this book. If you have an interest, you will devour it.
The story describes a fictional Republican primary campaign set in 2008. Patterson must have had a crystal ball as he predicted many of the issues that would be-devil the last two presidential campaigns and the upcoming 2016 fight. The main character, Corey Grace, is a Senator and war hero. His opponents in the primary season are a fundamentalist preacher, Bob Christy, and a fellow senator and insider, Rob Marotta, who will do anything to gain the nomination. It only focuses on Republicans, and the difficulties a moderate has trying to earn the Republican nomination.
The problems Grace faces underscore many of the issues Republicans have in being forced to kowtow to both the religious right and tax hating big donors. A major part of the book describes a fictional primary in South Carolina where every dirty trick seen in the recent past is used to try and destroy both Grace and Christy. It was hard to not recall the kinds of tactics often ascribed to Karl Rove and evident in the 2000 Republican primary in the same state. Adding to the difficulty is Grace's decision to continue a romantic relationship with a black actress, Lexie Hart. Though, fictional, the story rang true because it described tactics that have actually been used in recent political campaigns.
There were a couple sub-plots that, while adding to the action, were unnecessary to the major narrative including an Al Quaeda assassination attempt. That notwithstanding, I had a hard time putting the book down even though I had some pressing chores to accomplish. I was especially entranced by the last part of the book that takes place during the nominating convention. The ending is a little contrived but does tie loose ends together and provide a satisfying conclusion.
What can I say except that even if you have no interest in the current political process you will enjoy this book. If you have an interest, you will devour it.
January 30, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, but, right from the beginning, I found three fatal flaws that I just couldn't move past. One, the main character, though described as a Republican, doesn't really fit within the party on any level. He acknowledges that he is a social liberal, which isn't really a problem, but claims to be a fiscal conservative and strong on defense, when none of his actions show him to be the latter, and the only time he has a chance to prove the former, his actions explicitly show it to be untrue. By any reasonable estimate, he is not a Republican at all but a middle-of-the-road Democrat.
A second problem is that you never see the Democrats at all, which makes it even harder to see Corey as fitting within the Republican party as he is, by far, the most liberal politician in the book. Some sort of comparison with politicians further to the left (preferably as over-the-top as the Republican caricatures) would have made accepting Corey as a plausible Republican far easier.
The third is that I guessed the basics of the entire plot no more than fifty pages in (my only mistake was .
Overall, I was pretty disappointed.
A second problem is that you never see the Democrats at all, which makes it even harder to see Corey as fitting within the Republican party as he is, by far, the most liberal politician in the book. Some sort of comparison with politicians further to the left (preferably as over-the-top as the Republican caricatures) would have made accepting Corey as a plausible Republican far easier.
The third is that I guessed the basics of the entire plot no more than fifty pages in (my only mistake was .
Overall, I was pretty disappointed.
December 16, 2007
A book about the ins and outs of a Presidential campaign. A maverick Republican senator decides to run for President and faces all of the challenges that come with the territory. His race is complicated by the fact that he has just started a romance with an African-American actress.
I was slightly disappointed with this book, mainly because Patterson has written political thrillers before and this felt like a retread to me, particularly the forbidden romance plotline.
But with the real-life primaries heating up, this is a very timely read. The best part of the book is matching the fictional characters with real people; some of the parallels are very obvious. If you enjoy politics and are eagerly anticipating the upcoming primary season, you will enjoy this one.
I was slightly disappointed with this book, mainly because Patterson has written political thrillers before and this felt like a retread to me, particularly the forbidden romance plotline.
But with the real-life primaries heating up, this is a very timely read. The best part of the book is matching the fictional characters with real people; some of the parallels are very obvious. If you enjoy politics and are eagerly anticipating the upcoming primary season, you will enjoy this one.
July 27, 2010
I picked this up on cd, as I was in the mood for a political thriller. I remember liking some of Richard North Patterson's books years ago and decided to give this one a shot. First, let me say, that the reader (Michael Boatman from Spin City) is simply out of this world fantastic! This is a by-the-numbers thriller with stock characters with an uninteresting and unbelievable love story tacked on, but because Mr. Boatman was reading, I stayed interested! While nothing out of the ordinary, Mr. Patterson keeps the pace brisk and there are a few genuine surprises (although you can see some plot twists coming a mile away). Not a must read, by any means, but if you are looking for someone who knows how to read a book, give this one (and Mr. Boatman) a try.
April 22, 2011
Though slow at the beginning and with one lull in the middle I ended up really enjoying this book. By the end I couldn't put it down and read late into the night -- something I haven't done in awhile. It was nice to see a book that painted Republicans in a decent light as it seems hard to find that and take it seriously. But the book didn't offer reprieve either. The social issues discussed in the book include race, homosexuality, religion, and more. Worthwhile for an easy read between more serious books. Highly recommend!
February 9, 2013
This is an excellent novel on what it takes to win the white house and the various factions one must cow to. The religious right has too great an impact in my opinion, but with all the other issues raised, it somehow seems appropriate. 9 of 10 stars
March 1, 2013
Wow politics is a dirty business as are the parties and the deals and the compromises.....
Everyone needs to drop the parties and work on the individual issues in America.
Great read....
Everyone needs to drop the parties and work on the individual issues in America.
Great read....
January 18, 2018
Reminiscent of an old Fletcher Knebel novel "Dark Horse, especially the shaking & moving of a contested national convention...written in 2007, Richard North Patterson is prescient in capturing the hijacking of both parties, by their more radical elements & how difficult it is for our moderate, war hero Republican hero Sen. Corey Grace to win the nomination...decent except for his gratuitous slams toward social conservatives!!!
February 16, 2011
I have found that I have an odd predilection for books about political campaigns. I prefer it when they don't ascribe to any one party's view point, but instead try to encapsulate both the awe-inspiring optimism and historical context of our nation as well as the wide ranging foibles of ego, humanity and Americana that make our political process, well.....kinda f#*%ed up honestly. So I've read both fiction (Supreme Courtship) and non-fiction (Team of Rivals) and plays (The Best Man) and even watch the unpopular 6th and 7th seasons of The West Wing. These don't always satisfy my desire for a balanced view of the political process, but they do satisfy my desire to imagine political strategists crafting plans in a battle for the hearts and minds of the American people.
The Race satisfied me in much the same way. Driving from Ohio to Wisconsin and back again this past weekend I was listened to the story of a "maverick" Republican senator, a war hero and iconoclast who voted his mind and would not debase himself to political chicanery. If that protagonist seems impossibly idealistic--it's because he is. Patterson latches on to this hero ("Cory Grace") and romanticizes him into an All-American icon (quarterback, air force pilot, dating a movie star, etc.). None of his political rivals stand a chance of winning the audience's sympathies and it becomes difficult not to see this as a simplistic battle between good politics and bad politics, as opposed to real politics.
Still there's a lot to like about the book. It digs in deep to the political strategizing I find so compelling. It turns photo ops and press conferences into miniature assaults on other candidates and asks serious questions about the goals of the Republican party (i.e. fiscal conservatives v.s. social conservatives). It allows for some stirring rhetoric and clever dialogue that reminds the reader/listener of what they wish politicians would say (rather than the trite sound bites we seem to be burdened with). The performing reader (Michael Boatman) has a solid arsenal of voices and stays consistent throughout offering especially good televangelists and bloviating cable news pundits.
But while it's entertaining at times, I kept noticing myself rolling my eyes. Especially in the early going the tone is stilted with large swathes of text fairly crying out for a neon sign proclaiming: HEY LOOK HERE COMES SOME EXPOSITION!!!!! Patterson frequently forgoes engaging with diverse opinions in favor of leaning on hyper-emotional anecdotes. Some (like Grace's memories of his younger brother's suicide) strike a chord, others (like a pseudo-9/11 attack) seem woefully contrived. And again and again the absolutist distinction between the principled Grace and his manipulative rivals seems more like a campaign pamphlet than an actual novel.
Patterson does offer one phrase that I absolutely love: "running for President is the true American odyssey". I think that's true: you have a bunch of "would-be" symbols of our nation, traveling throughout the country; encountering the unique cultures, issues and beliefs of each region; fighting with others for the chance to control our nation, and fighting with themselves over how much to compromise for the sake of appealing to everyone. I think that The Race simplifies that odyssey a little more than I would like...but as long as there is an odyssey to imagine, I'll be satisfied.
(Note--I'm not sure about that grade...feel free to leave a comment arguing with me and I may bump it up)
The Race satisfied me in much the same way. Driving from Ohio to Wisconsin and back again this past weekend I was listened to the story of a "maverick" Republican senator, a war hero and iconoclast who voted his mind and would not debase himself to political chicanery. If that protagonist seems impossibly idealistic--it's because he is. Patterson latches on to this hero ("Cory Grace") and romanticizes him into an All-American icon (quarterback, air force pilot, dating a movie star, etc.). None of his political rivals stand a chance of winning the audience's sympathies and it becomes difficult not to see this as a simplistic battle between good politics and bad politics, as opposed to real politics.
Still there's a lot to like about the book. It digs in deep to the political strategizing I find so compelling. It turns photo ops and press conferences into miniature assaults on other candidates and asks serious questions about the goals of the Republican party (i.e. fiscal conservatives v.s. social conservatives). It allows for some stirring rhetoric and clever dialogue that reminds the reader/listener of what they wish politicians would say (rather than the trite sound bites we seem to be burdened with). The performing reader (Michael Boatman) has a solid arsenal of voices and stays consistent throughout offering especially good televangelists and bloviating cable news pundits.
But while it's entertaining at times, I kept noticing myself rolling my eyes. Especially in the early going the tone is stilted with large swathes of text fairly crying out for a neon sign proclaiming: HEY LOOK HERE COMES SOME EXPOSITION!!!!! Patterson frequently forgoes engaging with diverse opinions in favor of leaning on hyper-emotional anecdotes. Some (like Grace's memories of his younger brother's suicide) strike a chord, others (like a pseudo-9/11 attack) seem woefully contrived. And again and again the absolutist distinction between the principled Grace and his manipulative rivals seems more like a campaign pamphlet than an actual novel.
Patterson does offer one phrase that I absolutely love: "running for President is the true American odyssey". I think that's true: you have a bunch of "would-be" symbols of our nation, traveling throughout the country; encountering the unique cultures, issues and beliefs of each region; fighting with others for the chance to control our nation, and fighting with themselves over how much to compromise for the sake of appealing to everyone. I think that The Race simplifies that odyssey a little more than I would like...but as long as there is an odyssey to imagine, I'll be satisfied.
(Note--I'm not sure about that grade...feel free to leave a comment arguing with me and I may bump it up)
July 13, 2011
This is the story of a race for the republican nomination for President of the United States, particularly from the point of view of Senator Corey Grace - Iraq war hero, who is ostensibly an honest man, but has his own secrets and demons to hide.
The book alternates between a love story between Grace and a movie star, and the race for the nomination with two other rivals - one who will pull any trick or dirty tactic to win and the other a staunch religious zealot trying to win to restore god to the country.
First of all, im going to make a big claim here so hold on to your hats! I didnt believe this book. There i said it. I know thats a big claim to make, when im an Englishman living in Australia commenting on American republican politics, but i just found the three main characters just too unbelievable. The three sides of the nomination just seemed too distinct, seemed too clear on their differences, whereas in my view most politicians these days are a blend of grey and beige.
But im happy to admit that i could be being naive! I feel that way more so when I read the afterword and find some republican heavyweights have contributed to the book...so who am i really to make such comments? but its just how i felt, right or wrong...sorry....
Secondly, when i chose the book to read i was looking for a a good tense description of a political titlefight - trying to recapture that feeling of watching the last season of the West Wing (the debate episode is still i think the benchmark of how debates should be in any country! but then politics isnt carefully scripted...is it?)
But I felt somewhat unsatisfied with the political descriptions (though it would help if i understood the American political system more intricately than i do) and then before long the book would turn to the love interest, which just felt disjointed to me.
Overall, it wasnt a bad read, the pages turned without too much trouble, but i just didnt connect with the book in the way i was hoping for.
The book alternates between a love story between Grace and a movie star, and the race for the nomination with two other rivals - one who will pull any trick or dirty tactic to win and the other a staunch religious zealot trying to win to restore god to the country.
First of all, im going to make a big claim here so hold on to your hats! I didnt believe this book. There i said it. I know thats a big claim to make, when im an Englishman living in Australia commenting on American republican politics, but i just found the three main characters just too unbelievable. The three sides of the nomination just seemed too distinct, seemed too clear on their differences, whereas in my view most politicians these days are a blend of grey and beige.
But im happy to admit that i could be being naive! I feel that way more so when I read the afterword and find some republican heavyweights have contributed to the book...so who am i really to make such comments? but its just how i felt, right or wrong...sorry....
Secondly, when i chose the book to read i was looking for a a good tense description of a political titlefight - trying to recapture that feeling of watching the last season of the West Wing (the debate episode is still i think the benchmark of how debates should be in any country! but then politics isnt carefully scripted...is it?)
But I felt somewhat unsatisfied with the political descriptions (though it would help if i understood the American political system more intricately than i do) and then before long the book would turn to the love interest, which just felt disjointed to me.
Overall, it wasnt a bad read, the pages turned without too much trouble, but i just didnt connect with the book in the way i was hoping for.
August 19, 2008
Ah, summer! The traditional season for road trips. For me, that also makes summer the season of books on tape.
Or in this case, books on CD.
Choosing books to listen to (as opposed to read) is a tricky proposition, especially if you're going to be listening to it while covering endless miles of blacktop. Road books are meant to be diversionary. Rather than making a reader think or feel, they are simply to keep a reader entertained. For that, Richard North Patterson's The Race works.
Heavy on deus ex machina and unremarkable in its plot, Patterson manages to hold an audience with a quick pace and (for Democrats) a thoroughly satisfying tarring of current Republican politics. One does not need a doctorate in Literary Criticism to figure out which real life person for which the fictional characters are meant to be stand-ins - and none of them come out looking good.
Politics aside, this is standard 'beach' fare. Engaging while mindless, exciting but instantly forgotten, and easily read (or listened to) within the course of a vacation. In fact, the seven CDs of the audio book undoubtedly took longer to get through than the paper and glue version would have.
The ending was lame, certain descriptions and turns of phrase appear regularly, the characters are flat, and the movie is certainly in the offing, but for what it's meant to be, The Race will leave the reader satisfied.
Or in this case, books on CD.
Choosing books to listen to (as opposed to read) is a tricky proposition, especially if you're going to be listening to it while covering endless miles of blacktop. Road books are meant to be diversionary. Rather than making a reader think or feel, they are simply to keep a reader entertained. For that, Richard North Patterson's The Race works.
Heavy on deus ex machina and unremarkable in its plot, Patterson manages to hold an audience with a quick pace and (for Democrats) a thoroughly satisfying tarring of current Republican politics. One does not need a doctorate in Literary Criticism to figure out which real life person for which the fictional characters are meant to be stand-ins - and none of them come out looking good.
Politics aside, this is standard 'beach' fare. Engaging while mindless, exciting but instantly forgotten, and easily read (or listened to) within the course of a vacation. In fact, the seven CDs of the audio book undoubtedly took longer to get through than the paper and glue version would have.
The ending was lame, certain descriptions and turns of phrase appear regularly, the characters are flat, and the movie is certainly in the offing, but for what it's meant to be, The Race will leave the reader satisfied.
November 11, 2009
Where can I sign up to vote for Corey Grace?
In The Race, Patterson continues his themes of honesty, principle, and politics. Corey Grace is a war vet haunted by the act of heroism that earned him a medal and cost a friend's life. He is also a hopeless idealist, and a "throwback" Republican who harkens back to a Teddy Roosevelt style of conservatism that is terrifically appealing to people like me in the political center -- fiscally conservative, militarily hawkish, and socially progressive. When Senator Grace runs for president, he is challenged by "political machine" advisors who urge him to compromise his principles in the short term for the sake of the good he could do as president, not to mention a competitor who spends the novel sliding down the slippery slope of ethical compromise for political gain. Oh yeah -- and running for president may well turn out to cost him the chance to make a life with a woman he loves.
Grace is, of course, a too-good-to-be-true politician. Or maybe it is just my cynicism about politics that makes me think nobody can actually be that idealistic and principled and survive in professional politics. The ending managed to surprise me, and the journey to get there is a witty tour of contemporary American politics -- both the way it is, and the way we wish it could be. Although heavy-handed at times, Patterson succeeds in sucking me in to the story and making me wish for a "Core Grace for President" bumper sticker for my car.
In The Race, Patterson continues his themes of honesty, principle, and politics. Corey Grace is a war vet haunted by the act of heroism that earned him a medal and cost a friend's life. He is also a hopeless idealist, and a "throwback" Republican who harkens back to a Teddy Roosevelt style of conservatism that is terrifically appealing to people like me in the political center -- fiscally conservative, militarily hawkish, and socially progressive. When Senator Grace runs for president, he is challenged by "political machine" advisors who urge him to compromise his principles in the short term for the sake of the good he could do as president, not to mention a competitor who spends the novel sliding down the slippery slope of ethical compromise for political gain. Oh yeah -- and running for president may well turn out to cost him the chance to make a life with a woman he loves.
Grace is, of course, a too-good-to-be-true politician. Or maybe it is just my cynicism about politics that makes me think nobody can actually be that idealistic and principled and survive in professional politics. The ending managed to surprise me, and the journey to get there is a witty tour of contemporary American politics -- both the way it is, and the way we wish it could be. Although heavy-handed at times, Patterson succeeds in sucking me in to the story and making me wish for a "Core Grace for President" bumper sticker for my car.
April 17, 2009
I guess that I didn't get enough politics over the last 2 years, so I indulged in what I thought would be an interesting political thriller.
The first half of the book reminded me of a Spencer Tracy / Katherine Hepburn film where the characters go back and forth at each other, not really developing a story, but just the relationship. I almost put the book down at that point but I trudged on hoping it would get better. It was more than halfway through before the politics really got interesting.
The plot of the book (weak as it is) is that Corey Grace is running for the Republican nomination as President of the United States. He has two main rivals, Rob Martolla, a fellow senator, and Bob Christy, a ultra-conservative Christian minister. Along with those three characters there are so many more that I literally had to write them down to keep track of everyone. I ended up with a list of 18, leaving most of the minor characters off.
The similarities between Grace and John McCain are striking, even though Patterson says the similarities end with the military background. Yeah, right. Grace is the only character that has honesty and integrity while the others will pretty much do or say anything to get elected.
I am not recommending this book since it starts off slow and is way too stereotypical.
The first half of the book reminded me of a Spencer Tracy / Katherine Hepburn film where the characters go back and forth at each other, not really developing a story, but just the relationship. I almost put the book down at that point but I trudged on hoping it would get better. It was more than halfway through before the politics really got interesting.
The plot of the book (weak as it is) is that Corey Grace is running for the Republican nomination as President of the United States. He has two main rivals, Rob Martolla, a fellow senator, and Bob Christy, a ultra-conservative Christian minister. Along with those three characters there are so many more that I literally had to write them down to keep track of everyone. I ended up with a list of 18, leaving most of the minor characters off.
The similarities between Grace and John McCain are striking, even though Patterson says the similarities end with the military background. Yeah, right. Grace is the only character that has honesty and integrity while the others will pretty much do or say anything to get elected.
I am not recommending this book since it starts off slow and is way too stereotypical.
April 13, 2012
Corey Grace--a handsome and charismatic Republican senator from Ohio--is plunged by an act of terrorism into a fierce presidential primary battle with the favorite of the party establishment and a magnetic leader of the Christian right. A decorated Gulf War Air Force pilot known for speaking his mind, Grace's reputation for voting his own conscience rather than the party line--together with his growing romance with Lexie Hart, an African-American movie star--has earned him a reputation as a maverick and an iconoclast. But Grace is still haunted by a tragic mistake buried deep in his past, and now his integrity will be put to the test in this most brutal of political contests, in which nothing in his past or present life is off-limits.
Depicting contemporary power politics at its most ruthless, The Race takes on the most incendiary issues in American culture: racism, terrorism, religious fundamentalism, gay rights, and the rise of media monopolies with their own agenda and lust for power. As the pressure of the campaign intensifies, Grace encounters betrayal, excruciating moral choices, and secrets that can destroy lives. Ultimately, the race leads to a deadlocked party convention where Grace must resolve the conflict between his romance with Lexie and his presidential ambitions--and decide just who and what he is willing to sacrifice.
Depicting contemporary power politics at its most ruthless, The Race takes on the most incendiary issues in American culture: racism, terrorism, religious fundamentalism, gay rights, and the rise of media monopolies with their own agenda and lust for power. As the pressure of the campaign intensifies, Grace encounters betrayal, excruciating moral choices, and secrets that can destroy lives. Ultimately, the race leads to a deadlocked party convention where Grace must resolve the conflict between his romance with Lexie and his presidential ambitions--and decide just who and what he is willing to sacrifice.
Read
February 2, 2008Richard North Patterson is one of my favorite writers of contemporary fiction. He writes legal/political thrillers, and they are very well plotted. I've read quite a few of his books and I always learn something about politics and law, as well as get grabbed by the throat. This one takes place right this minute--a presidential race occurring right now. The most fun part of the book for me was when the story, and real life, were in the same spot, during the primaries, after New Hampshire and Iowa but before South Carolina....which was made so much more interesting because of the parallel. His main character is a Republican--but one I can picture myself voting for! There were no Democrats in the story--it's just about the Republican primary-so we'll just have to imagine how it will end up-- but the book (and the primary) come to an interesting plot twist at the end. I really recommend this for the timing alone. But he's really also a very good writer of this type of book.
April 12, 2012
It is several years since I regularly read Mr Patterson's legal thrillers, where the main characters were lawyers and judges battling for their liberal beliefs.
Owing to a dearth of new thrillers by my favourite authors (not helped by the recent deaths of Robert Parker and Reginald Hill) I took this novel off the library shelf.
I was rewarded with a political thriller that is full of tension, and also of scenarios that provoke serious thought about American politics.
The central character is a liberal Republican senator who has entered the 2008(? - the year is carefully not stated) Republican primaries to select a presidential candidate.
The central theme of the book is the venality of modern politics as practised by corrupt politicians and their corrupting advisers.
It is a compelling and depressing read, especially in the light of the 2012 presidential race, and it makes a perfect counterfoil to George Clooney's movie about the Democratic primary race, The Ides of March.
Owing to a dearth of new thrillers by my favourite authors (not helped by the recent deaths of Robert Parker and Reginald Hill) I took this novel off the library shelf.
I was rewarded with a political thriller that is full of tension, and also of scenarios that provoke serious thought about American politics.
The central character is a liberal Republican senator who has entered the 2008(? - the year is carefully not stated) Republican primaries to select a presidential candidate.
The central theme of the book is the venality of modern politics as practised by corrupt politicians and their corrupting advisers.
It is a compelling and depressing read, especially in the light of the 2012 presidential race, and it makes a perfect counterfoil to George Clooney's movie about the Democratic primary race, The Ides of March.
January 28, 2020
Patterson began this during the 2004 election, set it aside and wrote "Exile," then finished this. In some ways they are the same story. That story is: How old ways of thinking--culture and tradition--can inhibit love, happiness, and well-being. It is a story worth telling again and again until it is got. Patterson, in his last two novels, paints a woeful tale of the current state of affairs in the world. I can't say he's an optimist--but a recorder of the way things are. This is a novel about American politics, and campaigning to get yourself elected. The characters and positions and methods are recognizable. There is John McCain, Carl Rove, Colin Powel. There is Race, Religion, and Business - none of which look good when examined closely.
November 1, 2010
Though a trifle unrealistic, I think the book made you feel the energy and exhaustion of being on the road just before a primary, the tactics used and the dirt that is slung. Not a heroic depiction of the human race. The "hero" rises above petty politics and is victorious. All I can say is the book depicted Republicans in the most favourable light I've ever seen. Character development is excellent and human failings abound. It's worth a read.
September 7, 2013
The Hero is a bit too good to be true and some of the plot developments turn out very conveniently but a true page turner and I finished the last 200 pages in one sitting. A smart and cynical novel which I read imagining Clooney and Halle Berry in the lead roles. Just a shame Clooney played a similar character in the Ides of March. This was published a year after Primary Colours and covers a lot of the same ground and probably got overlooked in comparison, but just as good.
April 3, 2013
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was the first I've read by this author. I was blown away by the ending!
November 3, 2016
This book was scary on how close it came to today's political scene.. I quite enjoyed it..
December 31, 2022
Very much a reflection of the politics of the late Bush era, and honestly some of the intraparty struggles within the GOP depicted have only been amplified in the proceeding decade and a half. That being said, my god did this book move slowly, and there were unfortunately one two many dei ex machina for a political party machine thriller to be believable. It’s not giving too much away to say not one but multiple terrorist incidents simultaneously change the course of the immediate plot and yet seem to have no real bearing on the border world, and by the second one you find yourself thinking “oh come on!” This felt like it could have had real power and transcended the political and cultural context in which it was written, but the narrative just has too much baggage to rise above a fine political narrative for it’s time. The Chekhov guns (plural!!) are also a bit on the nose. But perhaps the biggest transgression is that it’s never actually clear why the main character is a Republican besides the fact he has been written as one and I guess the federal debt? Even though moderate Republicans weren’t so endangered in the late aughts, the central character strains credulity.
September 8, 2023
I throughly enjoyed this book and even though it was written in 2007, it is relevant today more than ever.
The book follows the presidential race of Sen. Corey Grace, a Republican from Ohio. He is a Gulf War veteran pulled into politics by his heroic deeds in the steps of Eisenhower, Grant, and Kennedy. Along the way he meets, an award-winning African American actress, a right-wing fundamental pastor, a family-value senator and the usual suspects you find today. Throw in another act of heroism to finding backroom politics at it's best with each day bringing a new challenge. Add a power-hungry media mogul and the cast continues. Sound pretty familiar?
So needless to say, each twist and turn keeps you interested in what will happen next. It contains all the usual subjects of racism, homophobia, terrorism, stem-cell debate, religious fundamentalis, and the rising power of right-wing media. So how does this level headed man who speaks his mind and votes his conscience survive with all these forces at play?
Check it out!
The book follows the presidential race of Sen. Corey Grace, a Republican from Ohio. He is a Gulf War veteran pulled into politics by his heroic deeds in the steps of Eisenhower, Grant, and Kennedy. Along the way he meets, an award-winning African American actress, a right-wing fundamental pastor, a family-value senator and the usual suspects you find today. Throw in another act of heroism to finding backroom politics at it's best with each day bringing a new challenge. Add a power-hungry media mogul and the cast continues. Sound pretty familiar?
So needless to say, each twist and turn keeps you interested in what will happen next. It contains all the usual subjects of racism, homophobia, terrorism, stem-cell debate, religious fundamentalis, and the rising power of right-wing media. So how does this level headed man who speaks his mind and votes his conscience survive with all these forces at play?
Check it out!
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