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The Third Way
A college student with a fear of public speaking finds herself leading a movement to abolish corporations, pushed to the forefront by a mysterious law student with a past.
After losing her college scholarship, Arden Firth—with the help of Justin Kirish, a law student with a mysterious past—becomes the reluctant leader of a movement to ban corporations. South Dakota Ballot Initiative 99 is Arden’s last hope to save her grandmother’s farm from foreclosure; but as the movement grows, shadowy forces conspire to quash it, and Arden sees “99” begin to spiral out of her control.
A novel charting the intersection between idealism, extremism, and forgiveness, fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Margaret Atwood will love The Third Way—the story of a young woman struggling with her own demons while trying to articulate a vision that could change the world.
After losing her college scholarship, Arden Firth—with the help of Justin Kirish, a law student with a mysterious past—becomes the reluctant leader of a movement to ban corporations. South Dakota Ballot Initiative 99 is Arden’s last hope to save her grandmother’s farm from foreclosure; but as the movement grows, shadowy forces conspire to quash it, and Arden sees “99” begin to spiral out of her control.
A novel charting the intersection between idealism, extremism, and forgiveness, fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Margaret Atwood will love The Third Way—the story of a young woman struggling with her own demons while trying to articulate a vision that could change the world.
- GenresFictionContemporary
312 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2022
10 people are currently reading
3465 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Hoben
2 books26 followersAimee Hoben is a lawyer and writer who lives in Connecticut, with her husband, two kids and two dogs. She has worked as a land conservation lawyer and a town attorney, as well as at the historic fire insurance company where Wallace Stevens wrote poems as he walked to work. She studied English literature at the University of Colorado, and law at the University of Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 5, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: General Fiction
The Third Way is the story of a college student (Arden Firth) who loses her college scholarship due to college funding cuts that authorities have approved. It will be too difficult for Arden to continue her studies as she is dependent on her grandmother Emma who is not doing well due to her illness. The costs of her treatment are huge and she is about to lose her farm because of it. Along with her friends and with the help of a law student (Justin Kirish), Arden becomes an activist and leads a movement to save her grandmother’s farm.
This was an interesting story to read. It is very relevant for our time. Corporations are getting bigger and bigger and the bigger they get, the greedier they are becoming. It is very unfortunate that people suffer because these big corporations decide (at least indirectly if not directly) the policies and regulations. For example, in this story, the student lost her scholarship because the government cut college funding in order to lower the corporate tax rate! Things like these when happen give you an idea of who is ruling.
The author of this book is a lawyer and one can feel her expertise in her field when reading this book be it the politics, the laws, the policies, and at least the big picture of what is going on. The story is well written and brings to light many issues and loopholes the current policies suffer from. What happens with the main character and her grandmother is just an example of what happens to many other people in the US and various countries around the world. This is a very important book that raises many questions about how the wealth of the country is redirected for the benefit of these big corporations instead of important fields like healthcare and education.
The main character has a strong personality and that is important for this kind of story. In the past, her grandmother marched on the state capitol to keep factory farms out of South Dakota. She got that willpower from her grandmother. And like her grandmother, she also despises corruption in politics. All this made her stronger and a fit candidate to lead the movement. This is not the kind of story that one reads for its entertainment value but more for its impact, relevance, and importance. I liked it.
Many thanks to the publisher She Writes Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
Genre: General Fiction
The Third Way is the story of a college student (Arden Firth) who loses her college scholarship due to college funding cuts that authorities have approved. It will be too difficult for Arden to continue her studies as she is dependent on her grandmother Emma who is not doing well due to her illness. The costs of her treatment are huge and she is about to lose her farm because of it. Along with her friends and with the help of a law student (Justin Kirish), Arden becomes an activist and leads a movement to save her grandmother’s farm.
This was an interesting story to read. It is very relevant for our time. Corporations are getting bigger and bigger and the bigger they get, the greedier they are becoming. It is very unfortunate that people suffer because these big corporations decide (at least indirectly if not directly) the policies and regulations. For example, in this story, the student lost her scholarship because the government cut college funding in order to lower the corporate tax rate! Things like these when happen give you an idea of who is ruling.
The author of this book is a lawyer and one can feel her expertise in her field when reading this book be it the politics, the laws, the policies, and at least the big picture of what is going on. The story is well written and brings to light many issues and loopholes the current policies suffer from. What happens with the main character and her grandmother is just an example of what happens to many other people in the US and various countries around the world. This is a very important book that raises many questions about how the wealth of the country is redirected for the benefit of these big corporations instead of important fields like healthcare and education.
The main character has a strong personality and that is important for this kind of story. In the past, her grandmother marched on the state capitol to keep factory farms out of South Dakota. She got that willpower from her grandmother. And like her grandmother, she also despises corruption in politics. All this made her stronger and a fit candidate to lead the movement. This is not the kind of story that one reads for its entertainment value but more for its impact, relevance, and importance. I liked it.
Many thanks to the publisher She Writes Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
April 9, 2022
An insightful journey into activist politics, the personal sacrifices, the bad, good and ugly, facing reformers. The plucky Arden, young and idealistic and alone except for grandma Emma puts everything on the line to challenge power in her state,South Dakota, after her student grants dry up. Well-researched and written like a thriller with layered characters, Hoben shows us the complex challenges we face to change society and how we think about the world we live in. The conflicts between the idealistic and the strategic are laid bare. Not advocacy literature but a deep dive into the commitment required to make an impact. For anyone who has ever attempted political change or aspires to do so . . . .
May 20, 2022
One of my measures of a good book is whether I enjoy spending time with its characters and their relationships. “The Third Way” wins on this criterion. I liked Arden and identified with her idealism. Kirish was harder to warm up to, by design, but his relationship with Arden, and himself, was complex and ultimately satisfying. Author Aimee Hoben did a wonderful job of weaving, layering, and nuancing multiple political and emotional issues. The book educated while also entertaining and never resorted to simple solutions. A very enjoyable and stimulating read! I was lucky to receive a pre-publication copy to review.
August 13, 2022
Though good on both counts, THE THIRD WAY is a better novel than it is a political commentary and that was more than enough to keep me happily engaged with this entertaining thriller.
Personally speaking I rarely have time for contemporary politics in fiction. It requires a nuanced discussion that something like THE THIRD WAY (or almost any novel) isn’t equipped to deliver, even though its protagonist ends up as an activist leader hoping to “ban corporations.”
Corporations may be by-and-large evil, but nearly all of them began as a small business with almost no chance of success. For a pie-eyed founder to start with an idea and end up managing a viable company is nothing less than a miracle.
It’s also a miracle for a good book to be written, and that’s just what Aimee Hoben has delivered! As a protagonist Arden Firth is easy to admire.
Just a college student, she didn’t want to be center-ice in the middle of a bruising political brouhaha pitting big money against the people of her beloved South Dakota: fate found her.
Still, her idealism is energizing.
She didn’t expect the young man who got her into the movement to have skeletons in his closet that threaten all their efforts.
Still, her persistence is gratifying.
Mystery, extremism, greed and doggedness in the face of disillusionment: THE THIRD WAY has all the elements that made for an enjoyable novel.
The social issues were knowledgeably written into the story by an obviously bright author; but above all I was made to care about the main character. Call it a miracle.
Personally speaking I rarely have time for contemporary politics in fiction. It requires a nuanced discussion that something like THE THIRD WAY (or almost any novel) isn’t equipped to deliver, even though its protagonist ends up as an activist leader hoping to “ban corporations.”
Corporations may be by-and-large evil, but nearly all of them began as a small business with almost no chance of success. For a pie-eyed founder to start with an idea and end up managing a viable company is nothing less than a miracle.
It’s also a miracle for a good book to be written, and that’s just what Aimee Hoben has delivered! As a protagonist Arden Firth is easy to admire.
Just a college student, she didn’t want to be center-ice in the middle of a bruising political brouhaha pitting big money against the people of her beloved South Dakota: fate found her.
Still, her idealism is energizing.
She didn’t expect the young man who got her into the movement to have skeletons in his closet that threaten all their efforts.
Still, her persistence is gratifying.
Mystery, extremism, greed and doggedness in the face of disillusionment: THE THIRD WAY has all the elements that made for an enjoyable novel.
The social issues were knowledgeably written into the story by an obviously bright author; but above all I was made to care about the main character. Call it a miracle.
April 30, 2022
I have no interest in politics or rallies, etc., so I took chance on this for the writing and character development. The author writes well and did a nice job of telling the tale in a compelling way. Many literary fiction fans will probably like this one.
I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!
I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!
May 1, 2022
Fast paced novel with anti-corporate and environmental themes. Great character and plot development.
August 15, 2022
One might think that Arden Firth was the protagonist of this story. In fact, it's Ballot Initiative 99 that seems to weather all the challenges a classic protagonist might. Firth may be the brainchild of a ballot initiative that would make corporations obsolete in South Dakota (first lesson learned: corporations are the products of states, and can only be created or destroyed by the individual states), but it's the fate of the initiative, and how it captures the public imagination, and changes those in its path, that is the real force of this accomplished novel. As a veteran of a ballot initiative that had the same fate, I read, rapt as those working on 99 are driven by the passion for change, and met be the forces of inertia. This could have devolved into a cliche thriller where corporate forces stalk the naive political operatives, but it remains grounded in the reality that death threats are unnecessary when the awesome power of money-fueled legal action can dampen the fires of any change for the good. Hoben's debut is a roller coaster of passion and power with a plot as enthralling as it is polemical.
August 13, 2022
the third way is the second book I’ve read this year that I’d put in the category of books about political movements and I’m thoroughly enjoying this category.
I gained a lot of insight into what leading a voter initiative campaign might look like through this read. the author did a great job showing various viewpoints and how idealism can clash with practicality as well as how policy change is rarely, if ever, a straight line to what we’d like to see happen. Hoben also ties in the rich histories of some of the native people groups of North America in the second half of the book and how policies of the United States have affected them. I learned a lot reading this book and felt a warmth toward Arden and her desire to affect change even when it felt impossible. reading about Arden and her team, I felt a deep appreciation for the idealists, the policy change makers and writers, the strategists and the people who work with them to make all of the pieces fit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Kate Rock Book Tours. Thank you to both of them for the opportunity to read and review the book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
I gained a lot of insight into what leading a voter initiative campaign might look like through this read. the author did a great job showing various viewpoints and how idealism can clash with practicality as well as how policy change is rarely, if ever, a straight line to what we’d like to see happen. Hoben also ties in the rich histories of some of the native people groups of North America in the second half of the book and how policies of the United States have affected them. I learned a lot reading this book and felt a warmth toward Arden and her desire to affect change even when it felt impossible. reading about Arden and her team, I felt a deep appreciation for the idealists, the policy change makers and writers, the strategists and the people who work with them to make all of the pieces fit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Kate Rock Book Tours. Thank you to both of them for the opportunity to read and review the book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
July 10, 2022
A young, idealistic woman is thrust into a leadership position in a movement to limit the power of corporations in her state. Working with a new lawyer who is smart, effective, and seemingly dedicated to the cause but who has a secret in his past that threatens the success of the movement, she learns some hard lessons about politics and the power of money. Will she continue to fight or will she concede defeat?
August 16, 2022
This fictional novel is truly an eye-opening situation that many of us need to look into it as our ever changing world evolves simultaneously. This novel touches political, the big corporations, the imbalanced laws and extremism that Arden had to endure while fighting for her lost scholarship, her grandmother’s farm facing foreclosure and her many other issues as a young college-student should not be engaging. The books evolved around Arden and Justin’s (Arden’s law-student friend) fighting and challenging justice to change the world. The activisms they relegate are inspirational. I don’t want to add political views but with current inflation around the world, the greedy big corporations controlling our daily lives and the ubiquitous disparities are some of the examples parallel to this book! It’s sad but we are victims of the issues too. A page-turner and fast-paced book! If you like suspense and social-change, this might be for you.
Thank you #Letstalkbookspromo, #Getredpr, @shewritespress, @aimeehoben for letting me participate in the booktours in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you #Letstalkbookspromo, #Getredpr, @shewritespress, @aimeehoben for letting me participate in the booktours in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2022
As far as contemporary fiction goes, I am absolutely obsessed with this novel. From a movement to ban corporations to saving a farm from foreclosure, Hoben creates a spectacular novel for all to devour.
Arden Firth has lost her college scholarship. Her only hope is to save her grandmother’s farm with the help of a law student, Justin Kirish. With a vision that could change the world, Arden must first overcome her own demons.
Readers will be captivated with Hoben’s talent to create such a determined character. A novel that left me thoughtful, I think you’ll all love this one.
Arden Firth has lost her college scholarship. Her only hope is to save her grandmother’s farm with the help of a law student, Justin Kirish. With a vision that could change the world, Arden must first overcome her own demons.
Readers will be captivated with Hoben’s talent to create such a determined character. A novel that left me thoughtful, I think you’ll all love this one.
October 1, 2025
This book surprised me in the best way. The Third Way isn’t just about politics, it’s about fear, courage, and finding your voice when the world pushes you into the spotlight. Arden is such a relatable character; her anxiety and hesitation at the beginning felt so authentic, and watching her growth throughout the story was moving. The themes of idealism, extremism, and forgiveness were woven together beautifully. A compelling, thought-provoking read that lingers with you long after the last page.
September 13, 2022
This was a very interesting read for me. I did appreciate the plot, the character development was done very well. It’s a story about a political movement where Arden is propelled into a campaign initiative with the help of a lawyer who may have a few secrets of his own to restrict the power of corporations in her home state of South Dakota. Though it’s a work of fiction it is relatable to current times.
April 20, 2023
I am an unabashed fan of fiction where a woman changes for the better due to difficult circumstances that arise. That is exactly what happens when the main character Arden Firth, whose life and family are damaged by huge corporations becomes a leader of a movement to ban them. Although she doesn’t know she has the strength and courage, she develops an idea that could change the lives of many Americans. Arden is just a regular person called by extraordinary circumstances. I love that.
May 11, 2023
Spoilers
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I definitely wasn’t sure about this book when I first started it. It took me about 80 or 90 pages to really get into it. I was definitely hooked, though. A page turner for sure.
While I appreciated that the ending was realistic, it just did not feel like a complete story. It really feels like the first third of a trilogy. There seems like there needs to be more to the story. The ending was kind of a letdown.
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I definitely wasn’t sure about this book when I first started it. It took me about 80 or 90 pages to really get into it. I was definitely hooked, though. A page turner for sure.
While I appreciated that the ending was realistic, it just did not feel like a complete story. It really feels like the first third of a trilogy. There seems like there needs to be more to the story. The ending was kind of a letdown.
September 23, 2022
A primer on the complexities of how the government of the people works (or should work), how change happens for better and for worse, and behind the scenes of a revolution to take back what is lost. Aimee Hoben has solidly written a handbook disguised as a novel with likable characters and a brave protagonist who pushes through her fear in order to follow her passion.
October 4, 2025
The Third Way is a smart, emotionally charged story about conviction, power, and the cost of change. Aimee Hoben brilliantly captures Arden Firth’s transformation from uncertain student to reluctant movement leader, exploring how ideals can inspire or consume. Gripping, insightful, and timely, this novel challenges readers to question where passion ends and extremism begins.
August 18, 2022
This was an enjoyable read. The writing was well done. This is a work of fiction but very relatable and relevant for the way the world is today.
Thank you to @berittalksbooks @letstalkbookspromo for having me on the tour and for the #gifted copy for review.
Thank you to @berittalksbooks @letstalkbookspromo for having me on the tour and for the #gifted copy for review.
November 4, 2023
Great story of young idealist Arden and her journey into activist politics. A page-turner providing insights about the complex challenges we face to change society. An inspiring read.
November 26, 2023
What's wrong with some politics - Good read
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews