Gary Gray
Certain books have the ability to take your mind away from the spot in which you are reading.
Certain books can take you to a place you’ve only dreamt about.
Certain books have the ability to make you want to read more and more, until you’re done and realize that you’ve read the 350-page book in six hours.
“The Last Jihad” is one of those books.
Written after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, but before the war in Iraq, “The Last Jihad” by Paul C. Rosenberg gives a startling view on what the world could have been. Rosenberg captures the very essence of Tom Clancy and then some. This novel is an amazing achievement.
“Jihad” follows multiple characters. Everyone from the U.S. President to a Wall Street strategist plays a big part in the flawless plot of Rosenberg’s exquisite novel.
The plot is set after President Bush’s first term. The new President, James MacPherson, has restored America’s economy tenfold.
Al-Qaeda and the Taliban have been eliminated, Osama bin Laden has been found dead and more than 40 terrorist training camps have been neutralized.
The only threat that remains is Saddam Hussein — and what a threat he turns out to be. Without warning, Saddam dispatches his top assassins to the United States, attempting to wipe out Western civilization one last time.
The book follows several Secret Service agents and Jon Bennett, a longtime friend of the President, as they scramble protect themselves and the country.
There is one more twist: Iraq plans to hit the United States with nuclear attacks.
As the book unfolds, you start to realize how completely realistic the plot is. All of the horrific events in “The Last Jihad” can happen.
That is part of the reason that this book should be read by all, the other reason being that “Jihad” gives incredible insight on what goes on in the minds of the decision makers of our country. It shows the personal growth a new President goes through when faced with a life-altering decision.
All of the drama is captured flawlessly.
Rosenberg, who is a communications strategist, has written a novel that should be adapted into a film. With all of the action, drama, and even a little bit of romance, “The Last Jihad” is a wonderful read.
Let’s just hope this isn’t the last we hear from Rosenberg.