Writer Becomes Figurehead of Military Coup in “The (New) American Way”

The (New) American Way

Now try to imagine Adam Marsh, an ordinary citizen who happens to be author of a radical conservative bestselling book and a supporter of Trump’s ideals, being installed by the revolutionists as the temporary Commander in Chief.

That is the premise behind the entertaining, disturbing and politically explosive The (New) American Way (Gatekeeper Press), a novel by Mark R. Adams.

If you’ve done a double take comparing the author’s name to that of his main character, you’re not alone. According to Adams, “If you understand Adam Marsh, then you understand me.”

Adams says the political gridlock and polarization of the electorate drove him to write this fictional story as a warning of what could happen in America if common sense is not employed to solve our problems.

The protagonist Marsh is at book signing for his hit novel, entitled The (New) American Way, when he is summoned by a stranger to meet behind the bookstore after the event. The stranger drives Marsh from the Virginia store to an empty room in a deserted government building in Washington. Suddenly a band of military officials pours into the room.

“We intend to overthrow the federal government,” Marsh is informed by the group leader, General Scott St. Claire. All the military capacity and support has been lined up for the rebellion. The general then explains they want Marsh to be head of the new regime.

“You wrote a book about a new direction for the country,” St. Claire tells a stunned Marsh. “We trust you will run the country with a common-sense approach like the fictional characters in your novel.”

Some of Adams’ characters gently refer to the situation as an intervention. Others call it a dictatorship.

The most successful fiction presents us with imaginary events and people that the reader buys into, with the hopeful belief that, well, maybe this or that actually could happen. The (New) American Way begs for a little leeway here.

Start with the thought that a writer, a former teacher and construction builder with a wife and two kids, could suddenly find himself Commander in Chief (not an elected President, mind you) of the United States, with full decision-making authority. The scenes where he contemplates the opportunity with his wife are unusual in their everyday nature of typical husband and wife contemplation, given the enormity of the subject matter – to say nothing about possible charges of treason.

Then there’s the actual takeover, which not only occurs in Washington but around the country, with tanks populating streets in major cities. How does a nation remain calm and merely accept this state of martial law, as the book has us believe? Adams does not spend much time on this element of the plot.

Then consider the policies Marsh introduces to set the country straight — on immigration, taxation, unemployment, drugs and the prison system.

“The faces of the reporters were a mixture of astonishment, surprise, hysteria and amazement. They didn’t know what to say or ask next.”

“I know I’m looked at in many circles as a madman,” protagonist Marsh says at a press conference. “The press paints me as a monster. The leaders of the old political parties paint me as a fanatic. Religious leaders pray for my repentance.”

Adams, through the character Marsh, wears his politics on his sleeve. In fact, Adams makes no bones about it when he says, “I know this book will upset my liberal friends.” The Republicans, according to Marsh, rightfully provided every obstacle they could to Barack Obama’s success. Marsh believes the Democrats are now returning the favor for Donald Trump. But only by eliminating parties and circumventing traditional processes, the military revolutionists feel, can progress be made to advance Trump’s platform.

There’s plenty more of Marsh pontificating on his political beliefs – a reflection of the author’s point of view and, for the record, no reflection or representation of the views of BookTrib.com.

Marsh continues, “Compromise simply does not work within our system. If I have a solution, I sure don’t want to water it down by mixing it with someone’s bad idea on how to fix the same problem.”

The (New) American Way is a novel within a novel and a fictitious author within a real one. If you’re a sports fan, imagine listening to a baseball broadcaster one day spouting his opinions to fans and the next day managing the Yankees.

This book is sure to fascinate, infuriate and maybe, in some circles, validate. The idea is certainly an unusual one, with enough holes to placate doubters but enough substance to keep a hypnotized audience enthralled.

Is Marsh playing God?

The concept behind The (New) American Way is riveting and enjoyable if you don’t take it too seriously. But then again, what if you do?

The (New) American Way is available for purchase. Learn more about Adams on his BookTrib author profile page.