The Sum of All Our Anger by William R. Douglas plunges readers into the throes of a politically charged future America, where the nation teeters on the brink of another civil war. Set in 2061, this thriller imagines a country divided between the Old Way and the New Way, with each side fervently believing in the righteousness of its cause. The newly elected President Devin Cyrus has a vision to establish a Socialist utopia, regardless of the cost. On the other hand, Oklahoma Governor Mary Whitfield emerges as a stalwart defender of traditional American values, willing to lead her followers into secession if it means preserving the Old Way.
The Sum of All Our Anger is particularly compelling because it humanizes the conflict through its characters. DeShawn King, the fiery founder of the 1619 Brigade, embodies the anger and desire for retribution that fuels the New Way. Yet, his father, Bishop Jackson King, represents the moderates caught in the crossfire, making the stakes feel personal and relatable. The storyline is so relatable to today as William R. Douglas doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of such a polarized nation at the end of the book. The concept of a utopian nation being exaggerated into a dystopian future is central to the storyline. For readers who enjoy thrillers with a heavy dose of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, The Sum of All Our Anger is a thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning the very fabric of modern society. I highly recommend this book.