Can an honest man become president? In The Race, this timely and provocative novel from bestselling author Richard North Patterson, a maverick candidate takes on his political enemies and the ruthless machinery of American politics. 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.
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"Good book for the 2008 election. Characters are easily recognizable but idealized or demonized. A John "McCainish" war hero sees the Republican party as one of "God and Greed" but somehow runs for President anyway. Ending somewhat absurd, but a good read."
— Joe (4 out of 5 stars)
Patterson captures the good, the bad, and the ugly of the American political process...Michael Boatman's seamless delivery is crisp and clear. His straightforward approach allows listeners to feel the full force of ruthless politics with painful clarity...Patterson and Boatman prove to be a pair of gifted storytellers.
— AudioFile, Earphones Award Winner on ExileRichard North Patterson is a terrific novelist.
— The Washington Post on ExileExile is an astonishing book, a hugely entertaining human drama that also offers remarkable insight into the lethal conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Richard North Patterson has outdone himself--Exile is his best novel yet.
— Bill Clinton on Exile“Michael Boatman performs with aplomb, never missing a beat and never becoming overly wrapped up in the layers of emotion Patterson has created...This is more than a political thriller--Boatman's performance draws the listener into politics and its rhetoric.
— AudioFile" I read this book while the US Presidential election campaign was in full swing - very good timing. "
— Heather, 2/19/2014" I waded through this one. I like RNP's writing but the politics were a bit much. Reminded me that I probably don't follow world events as closely as perhaps I should. "
— Corky, 2/9/2014" Good book, wish-fulfillment fantasy for people of my political bent. Religious nutcakes probably won't like it. "
— Ray, 1/23/2014" Based upon election year politics and dickering around that happens behind the scenes in campaigns. I must say it was engaging, moving, and so idealistic in the end. Still didn't ruin the book like other endings have -- read "The Rainmaker". A quick read for me. He didn't use any of the stock characters from the other books so (or at least the ones I remember) so we're talking a whole new set of people to watch develop over this intensely stressful process. I have no idea how close it comes to the real thing, but my guess is pretty close. I really liked it. Patterson is one of my favorite authors even though I don't always catch the new ones when they come out. "
— June, 1/21/2014" It was like reading the last season of West Wing, with a religious right slant. Good but not up to the author's usual standards. "
— Martha, 1/16/2014" My first novel by Richard North Patterson but not my last. Can hardly wait to get another one of his titles. Written in 2007 but is all about the current political climate of 2012 pre-election. "
— Deanna, 1/5/2014" didn't care for plot, slow and tedious "
— Lauriezeitlin, 12/16/2013" This book was okay. An easy read for the bedside table. The analogies to the current political climate and players, at first, was amusing and clever, but by the end it seemed gimicky and cliche. The ending of the story was totally implausible. "
— Jennifer, 11/13/2013" Okay read. Not my favorite RNP novel. "
— Diane, 11/4/2013" Not quite as good as his other political novels but still enjoyable "
— B, 10/22/2013" Thinly veiled fantasy about the John McCain who should be running for president, instead of the McCain that is running for president. Depressing. "
— Robert, 5/18/2013" thought I would like this book because it is about politics but was very disappointed. Won't be reading anymore of Patterson's books anytime soon "
— pam, 12/23/2012" I love all his books. This one deals with corruption and influence peddling disguised as political piety - "pro-God", anti gay, anti stem cell, etc. "
— Marianne, 11/2/2012" I was listening to this on audio book. I tried and tried to finish it, but I just couldn't. Moving on. "
— Carla, 10/26/2012" Can't go wrong with Studs! "
— Mo, 3/4/2012" Let me save you some time. According to this book, the only Republican worth voting for is one that behaves like a democrat. All the rest are bigots and religious fanatics. North's personal politics were nauseatingly transparent. "
— Aaron, 1/31/2012" I enjoyed this book immensely. It was the first I've read by this author. I was blown away by the ending! "
— Mike, 1/31/2012" Timely, read during the Primary "
— Claudine, 10/29/2011" A good look at the race for the Presidential nomination., Changing my rating, it was too simplistic and kind of boring. "
— Sid, 9/26/2011" Compelling yet repulsive, with all characters willing to compramise their messages for the ultimate goal of becoming elected. Not a flattering view of Politics in general. "
— Al, 4/20/2011" I like Patterson. THis is one of those completely unbelievable books that i only wish were true...great political novel for West Wing fans "
— Mary, 2/1/2011" Good Engaging book, with a unpredictable ending. <br/> <br/>I would recommend to those who would like to read political thrillers. <br/> <br/>Insightful. "
— Nw, 1/21/2011" didn't care for plot, slow and tedious "
— Lauriezeitlin, 1/9/2011" Patterson tells a good story and makes one think about politics of today. "
— Stucar66, 11/8/2010" Lots of intrigue that had me guessing the outcome. The circumstances of the RACE are so timely, making it a challenge to understand all that goes on behind the scenes of a run for a political office. "
— Linda, 9/19/2010" Slow beginning. Once the pace picked up it became a quick read. "
— T, 8/27/2010" Remarkable how many facets of it seemed to parallel the 2008 Presidential primaries before they occurred. A great read. "
— John, 7/13/2010" Not quite as good as the other two books of his I've read, but it was enjoyable. He presents an idealized presidential candidate and the political forces at work are quite disturbing. As always, good character development. "
— Julie, 7/4/2010" Just average for a RNP book, jeez I would have voted for him in spite of his daliance with with a younger, black, liberal and Hollywood type woman. "
— Debbie, 5/18/2010" A political thriller dealing with the question of who will be the Republican nominee for the next presidential election. A good read with one guy representing the person we wish all politicians were like. "
— Kari, 3/16/2010" This book took me forever to read. I just wasn't that into it. I'm sure it's an enjoyable book if you're into politics and presidential races. I don't know why I insisted on finishing it, but I finally did after about a month... Not one of my top picks. "
— Laura, 12/29/2009Richard North Patterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Devil’s Light, In the Name of Honor, The Spire, and a number of other bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, he was the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups. Patterson has appeared on such programs as the Today show, Good Morning America, Hardball with Chris Matthews, and Buchanan and Press.
Michael Boatman is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and twice winner of the prestigious Audie Award for narration. He is a versatile television, film, and stage actor whose work on the hit TV show Spin City garnered him a GLAAD Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and nominations for two NAACP Image Awards. For his work playing Stanley Babson on the long-running HBO series ARLI$$, he was nominated five times for the Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.