Title: The Term Paper
Author: Steven M. Gareau
Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: ‎ 1648013988
Pages: 210
Genre: Politics/Fiction
Reviewed By: Dan MacIntosh

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It’s been said truth is stranger than fiction, but Steven Gareau’s The Term Paper novel is fiction with a whole lot of truth in it. It’s the story of a man who wrote a term paper in college which inspires a group of bad guys to try and radically transform the American government. If you think, ‘Hey, that could never happen here,’ then you probably don’t follow the news too closely. Both the most recent Republican and Democratic presidents have done some things that ought to make you feel concerned about the future of America – whether you’re from the right or the left. While Gareau seems to lean a little to the right politically, his book will leave those of all political persuasions scratching their heads and wondering what the future holds for the U.S.

Sam Garrison, the book’s main character, is a businessperson that loves his boat, Pearl, and his girlfriend, BJ. He lives in a Boston-area condo, and he’s just sold a successful business. He’s not looking for trouble; he’s just looking to live the good life. His story is one commonly explored in the movies. He’s a normal, honest guy who gets caught up in a dangerous situation he never bargained for.

Garrison’s original term paper prompts four college students to revive some of his political ideas in a new paper, which is the one some evil senators try to put into action. While these bad government officials attempt to make unconstitutional changes to the United States, they also hire thugs to erase anyone with knowledge of this term paper blueprint for their plans. This is how Garrison gets sucked into this whole mess.

Although Gareau works in snatches of political theory into his novel, his book is far more of an action-thriller than any political work. Gareau’s task is to try and stop these bad guys from ruining the U.S. government, while at the same time staying one step ahead of contract killers which are out to get them. While all this drama is going on, Garrison must also maintain his romance with BJ and shield her (as much as possible) from the dangerous situation he finds himself in.

The Garrison character may have served in the military, but he comes off as a regular guy; one you might never have expected to need a gun to fight off attackers. Smartly, though, Garrison has friends in law enforcement available to fight along with him. He also learns, though, about ‘friends’ he can no longer trust. He quickly adapts from a life with many carefree days, to one where he must keep a close eye on his rearview mirror to spot if he’s being followed by those out for his head.

Yes, this is a work of fiction, but it also serves as a worthwhile reminder to keep our American politicians in check. Governmental change doesn’t usually happen overnight but is instead a kind of slippery slope. Whenever politicians attempt to enact unconstitutional changes to governmental practices, this ought to be a red flag to all.

Author Steven M. Gareau tells us a page-turner of a story that will make you think twice about what’s happening in Washington D.C. No one should just assume our government always has our best interests in mind. Hopefully, Gareau’s worries are little more than an overreaction. But you never know. If the recent pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we should never say never. The future may just be a scary place, after all. Whether the days ahead are frightening or not, though, it’s essential to keep our eyes wide open. Steven Gareau has done an excellent job of waking us all up to some mighty crazy possibilities. Let’s all hope this is all just a lot of strange fiction.

This is an excellent book being well written and well thought out. The Term Paper keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with every page turned. One finds the characters both real and endearing. Each draws one into their lives and the reader experiences the range of emotions along with the character in this high-energy packed political thriller. More than just a good read, this book paints a chilling picture of what can all too easily occur within our great country and within our own lifetime.