Title: The Campaign
Author: Hank Silverberg
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1543422610
Pages: 372
Genre: Political Thriller
Reviewer: Aaron Washington

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Politics is a stimulating subject, and a matter which affects us all. Every tax paying adult understands politics shapes our way of life. There is no way of avoiding politics: whether it is local, national, and even global politics. 2024 is a special year because the United States will be having general elections. From outside looking in, the politicking appears, murky, entertaining, enlightening, absorbing, and overall eye opening. Everyone can identify with their favorite candidates, their policies, party leanings, and what they stand for.

In The Campaign, we follow the story of Amy Roosevelt, a former vice president, as she tries to vie for the top seat. Being a vice president had its challenges, and given that Roosevelt had been in government, one would assume that going for the presidency would be easy. It is through Roosevelt that the author shows us the ins and outs, the complexities, and the intricate matters in a presidential race. I like that Roosevelt is ambitious, and does not let any obstacles stop her, not even a new candidate. One cannot help but draw parallels between the campaign in The Campaign and the campaign we witness in real life there are multiple similarities. It is titillating learning about politicians and how their minds work.

Amy Roosevelt, in her road to the presidency, has had to sever ties with some parties, and change her strategy. Her president Andrew Freeman reads from a different page from her, and while this may work as a disadvantage to some, Roosevelt does not allow any crisis to pass. Roosevelt is not alone with the presidential ambition, there are other candidates that pop up, making the decision to run for the top seat even tougher.  Throughout the campaign, author Hank Silverberg introduces the reader to other fascinating characters. We meet characters who enjoy the chaos which comes with campaigns, those who use such times for revenge, the passionate characters, the strategists, the calm ones – and many more. Among these characters is Ishmael, a man who is unorthodox in every means. Ishmael is loud, inconsiderate and disorganized. He is one character whom the reader will loathe, but considered necessary to make the story stimulating.

Hank Silverberg has written a masterpiece. Having been in the media for a decade, the author knew what to incorporate in the book to make the story both entertaining and edifying. I like the theme of the media in informing the masses, and how the stories they run shape the national discourse. Hank Silverberg, even when writing the story, shared his expert views, and his knowledge in the media. I also appreciate the author for giving the readers an insight of how sometimes biased today’s media can be, and the importance of independent media. You will also appreciate Han Silverberg’s work because he gives a clear perspective on every subject matter that he discusses in the story.

The Campaign is an exciting book if you are following the current political events, you consume news of all kinds – more than the average person, and if you generally enjoy reading political literature. You will appreciate every character, and learn from every storyline.  The Campaign is an intense, thought-provoking read that blends political drama with an authentic insider’s perspective on the world of journalism and politics.  It’s a must-read for anyone interested in political thrillers or curious about the behind-the-scenes workings of a campaign trail.