PushBack

by Alfred Wellnitz

YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN LAWYER JIM REED seemingly has it all. Recently named a junior partner in an Atlanta law firm, Jim is shocked when he stops at his usual gas station and realizes the price of fuel has skyrocketed overnight to fifty dollars a gallon. It is 2033, and the world as Jim knows it is suddenly spinning wildly out of control. Sudden hyperinflation shocks everyone. As panic sets in, the value of the dollar plummets and the resulting devastation causes the United States to splinter into several countries, all of which adopt democratic rules except the Federated States, the one in which Jim Reed and girlfriend Linda Alonzo live. They find themselves citizens of a country governed by a white-supremacist dictatorship. Jim Reed joins a group of African American insurgents and finds himself involved in dangerous, bold attacks on Federated States targets. The insurrection causes the Federated States government to intern or exile the entire Federated States African American population. Reed goes into exile and as he recruits like-minded people to join together with the intent to destroy the Federated States Supremacist government, he conceives a plan that may just become the world's greatest act of terrorism.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

431 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2010

About the author

Alfred Wellnitz grew up in rural South Dakota, served in the United States Navy and worked in technology as an electrical engineer. After retiring from engineering he worked as a real estate agent before deciding to become an author at age seventy-three. He has since published three novels and numerous short stories. Alfred's first novel "Finding the Way" was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 13th Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Awards and "PushBack" was a finalist in the ForeWord Reviews' Book of the Year Awards. Alfred’s most recent novel is "For the Cause." Alfred now lives in Bloomington Minnesota.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WANT MORE!! What a great book Alfred Wellnitz’s “Pushback” was to read! Set in the near future, 2033, the former United States has broken up - and parts of the American continent have become extremely dangerous places for many people to live. Before long one carefully chosen group of people attempt to right the world around them.

Very well written, with a great plot and a fabulous buildup to the climax, “Pushback” gave me everything I want in a good book. The deeper into Alfred Wellnitz’s novel “Pushback” that I got, the more it grabbed me - and held my thoughts - even when I had to put the novel down! As I got close to the end, a reoccurring thought kept striking me - I WANT MORE!!

I received this book for free to review from Librarything. I am a member of Librarything, Goodreads, Bookdiva and the Penguin book club.

DBettenson

[Dáithí's · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author Mr. Wellnitz graciously sent me a copy of this to review. Awesome read with many attention gripping segments. Frightening how the fantasy theme could so easily happen if the tides changed in the wrong direction in this country as we continue to devalue the price of humanity and human relationships. The book has a great underlying social commentary that makes the reader think about just how fragile we are as a nation, especially when divided. May this story line always be fiction, and may we always try our hardest to ensure that it never becomes a reality.

I used the story as an awesome topic for discussion for one of the youth groups that I mentor to stretch their minds about the current state of affairs in the world in relation to race relations and terrorist behaviours. Their laughter and light nature dissipated when they applied the scenarios to present day real life. Great story Mr. Wellnitz!!! Look forward to more of your work in the very near future. Peace.
Thanks again for the book!!

[Amy L. Campbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: I won this through the First Reads program. Also, this is my second attempt at writing this review, stupid back button.

I'm willing to give this one a waffle between 1 and 2 stars.

The plot was vaguely interesting, but got bogged down with repetitive prose and lost in city-sized plot holes. I think my point about the prose is best demonstrated with a quote from the book, "A means to communicate with all people with authority needed to be developed. A message to be communicated to people in authority was needed." This is probably the best worst example I could find, but the repetitive phrasing, descriptions, and dialog was found on _every_ page. It made me wish for a terrible short term memory so that I could actually somehow benefit from the repetitiveness.

The plot holes mostly included the fact that during hyperinflation no one really seemed to panic enough to go on riots, no one seemed to lose internet or cell phone service, apparently even Starbucks and Google survived the crash of the dollar completely unharmed. While I don't think Wellnitz needed to dwell on these issues, it would have been nice to have a little more background information so I wasn't sitting there thinking to myself, "Gee...if the economy crashes I don't think the internet will be one of those things I keep as a necessity." Maybe in 2034 it's free and provided by the government... that just split into five different countries.

Another issue I had was Jim Reed/John Renner's sudden switch from Survival Mode to Revenge after his girlfriend was gunned down. I am willing to allow for a period of shock, but this potential for character development was completely glossed over and all of a sudden John Renner is a black rebel warrior out for blood after being adamantly, "keep your head down and survive" for the first 50-some pages. Then he changes again from vengeance to more noble goals, at least in his actions and attitude, but he still keeps proclaim via the narrator that it's about vengeance! It's frustrating when there's so much good potential to really flesh out this character and make his journey the reader's journey of watching him become a better person.

There were other things I hated about this book, but I think I hit all the major points. I really do think that this could be a 3, or even 4, but it needs the delete key like whoa and some serious editing. I will say that it might make for a pretty good action movie once that big old plot hole with the government/internet/companies-still-existing-pretty-much-the-same-as-always thing is worked out.

[Rachel Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.

I signed up to win this book because I thought the premise sounded interesting. At the beginning of the book, the American dollar loses all value, making prices skyrocket and forcing most people into the poor house. I liked that idea, but then the US started breaking down, forming into three or four different countries of their own, each with their own government. A group of bigoted racists take over the Federated States with help from Russia. Things get so bad, they force all the black people out of the country.

Now this all takes place in the 2030s, so while that's not too far off, I'd like to think people would be more tolerant. But I tried to keep an open mind, even during the blatant racism and the violent acts of terrorism. Still, I found most of this book completely boring, with long explanations and not a lot of action. The author tended to repeat certain words, which got annoying. And the wording was often too formal, considering what was going on. The dialog made every character sound exactly the same, despite differing backgrounds and cultures.

Overall, very disappointing despite the interesting premise.

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received this book free through GoodReads First Reads offers.

I'd like to start by saying that I really enjoyed this book while I was reading it. It was engaging and I had a hard time putting it down at night when it was time to go to sleep (which is, in my opinion, the highest compliment you can pay to an author). The plot was good, a thinly veiled allegory that made me think about some of the assumptions I have in my own life. The premise was, at first, far-fetched enough to the point that I thought, "This could never happen," until I looked at the world I live in and realized that yes, it could happen.

Reading this book, it was clear that it was an early book by the author suffering from some of the same problems you see in all newer authors. Characterization was a bit stilted, though I found myself caring about the characters, and the plot jumped tracks at several points. The most jarring was Welnitz's tendency to tell rather than show. Many times it felt like reading a news report rather than a novel.

Overall, I would recommend this book for a good read, not precisely beach fare, but not a taxing read either.

[Jolie Kerenick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this as a first reads giveaway. I entered to win it because the story line seemed very interesting. Although I found that this was true it took a very long time for me to get in to the book to the point that reading it did not feel somewhat like a chore that you anticipate negatively only to find that it wasn't as bad as you thought it would be but nevertheless you don't look forward to it next time. About two thirds through I did look forward to reading more each time I put it down. I think this may have more to do with the fact that I am generally more attracted to character development than plot development and the author reveals very little about his characters. I don't assume that everyone will respond to the book the same way, so I can't say don't bother picking it up, just don't expect to be blown away and maybe you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Cylia Kamp · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far I think the idea for the plot is interesting, but I've not read the entire book. The writing seems a little stilted, as though the author has not written a lot. Nonetheless I've lent the book to one of my sons who's really interested in and concerned about what would happen should states secede from the union and the US fall into dis-repair. Would it or could it be replaced by independent nations (made up of one or several former states) governed by totalitarian dictators, racists, wild-eyed militia, religious fanatics, etc.? I'll let you know what he thinks when he's finished. Stay tuned.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was kind enough to send me a copy this book! I was initially drawn to this book because of the intriguing plot. Overall I liked the book. The plot was interesting, although I had hoped for some more twists and surprises. Things seemed to go to smoothly up until the later half of the book when some unexpected twists appear.
The writing style was a little clunky for me. Some things could have been said more succinctly. Overall though, I enjoyed the book. Every time I sat down to read, I read a little bit farther then I thought I would. Thanks for the read!

[Kim07076 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the plot/story very interesting and enjoyed the book. Suspense could have been built up better in certain parts.

[Orlando Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interestering and an a enjoyable book.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not finish it. Got boring real quick. The premise is good but long winded.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

This is a story in the not so distant future.

We meet an African American lawyer who finds himself in a world of United States is spinning out of control as each state tries to govern for power.He finds himself working with a group of African Americians who are fighting against a white supreme group to save the country.

An interesting plot showcasing the dangers of power.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this Kindle book in a Goodreads Giveaway back in 2018. I apologize to the author for taking so long to get to reading it.

The book had an interesting premise and a decent flow/pacing, but I really struggled with the dialog which didn't feel realistic. There were also some logical errors in the events that lead to the finale. I may need to try others by the author when I get a chance.

[Jennifer V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

If dystopian fiction is your kind of thing, consider the second release of PushBack: Deficit Triggers Hyperinflation, Terrorism (2014) by Alfred Wellnitz. In the midst of economic chaos, the United States of America is helpless against secessionist efforts. Atlanta native Jim Reed finds himself living in a tyrannical military state that unapologetically eliminates all opposition, including his longtime girlfriend. Now our hero goes underground as John Renner and joins the Freedom Legion, bent on ending the CAN Party’s tyranny.

Now that I’ve got you interested, let’s lay it all out. While PushBack initially may have had some potential, I have to agree with the hero who thinks the plot sounds like a B movie (p. 25). Wellnitz resurrects the Southern Confederacy, Adolf Hitler, and the Soviet Russia – and puzzlingly has them all in agreement – because he apparently can’t think of anything original. His hero is presumably a rather decent person yet is drawn into a terrorist organization because he’s so wrapped up in his desire for revenge. We don’t see an internal struggle fleshed out as he kills and plots to kill hundreds of people. We’re just expected to accept what he and his fellow freedom fighters do, creepily in clear conscience. And in the end, we have a new military state – albeit run by the good guys – that isn’t any more interested in answering questions than the previous government. Oh, and that’s supposed to be the happy ending.

The citizens of the Federated States aren’t the only ones left with questions. I was left wondering about a few things myself. For example, despite Wellnitz’s penchant for including too much backstory and endless detail, he overlooks some important details on how and why the United States of America fell. In the midst of hyperinflation, economic chaos, and secession, the narration keeps its focus on the Presidency. That’s like a first grader’s impression of the Federal government. Where was Congress during all this? Why wasn’t the Senate exercising any power? And how did the Federal Reserve, which is generally conservative in its policies, allow the money supply to expand out of control? Wellnitz might believe he’s politically savvy, but his lousy setup betrays his ignorance.

Another thing that really irked me is his treatment of race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and sexual persuasion. Wellnitz is stuck in the 1950s and lacks any understanding of how racial identity and racism have changed since then. He creates a fantasy world where all whites are bad guys, unless Jewish or Scandinavian (or married to such), and the only political issues of importance are legislating racial supremacy and segregation. While the author probably was hoping for extra points for being inclusive, his diverse cast of characters, including one lesbian, is so contrived that it’s more likely to irritate his readers than impress them. And if he’s hoping to spark some sort of activism by his book, it’ll probably be from Latina Mothers Against Idiot Authors. It’s bad enough that he belabors us with each person’s age and physical description. We really don’t need to be told a zillion times that every Latina character has a beautiful body.

Speaking of irrelevant detail, we don’t need to know the number of chairs at a particular kitchen table which no one happens to be sitting at. We don’t need to know that the hero has his facial hair styled just like the author’s. And we don’t need to be told the names, physical features, dress habits, and backstories of people who will appear in the movie script as Security Guard 1 and Bureaucrat 2. What is needed is for Wellnitz to learn how to edit, and while he’s at it, hire a professional proofreader. The book is rife with typos, formatting errors, poor wording, endless repetition, over-explanation, and spell-checker casualties (e.g., “resurrection” for “insurrection”). All this makes for a rather painful read.

I could spell out every problem I noticed, but my review would end up as long as Wellnitz’s 417-page book. I’ll cut it short with this: Wellnitz fails primarily because he doesn’t stick to writing about what he knows. Religious, ethnic and regional cultures are poorly portrayed. The hero’s career prior ends up being irrelevant because the author’s not familiar with it enough to have the character utilize those skills or knowledge sets. A lot of this could’ve been easily avoided. Instead of our hero being a black lawyer, why not a white Navy officer or engineer? Instead of setting the story in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and California, why not stick with South Dakota and Minnesota (where a Somali love interest would’ve made a lot more sense, I must add). At his age, Wellnitz should have a lot of life experience to draw from. Unfortunately, he doesn’t utilize it in ways that would make this book a success.

While I still stand by my claim that PushBack shows some real potential, it’s nowhere near ready to hit the bookstore shelves. Give the author a few years to clean up some parts, rework others, and run the manuscript by some trained eyes. Then we’ll see how it does with a re-rerelease.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

[David Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid book. Consistent throughout with no real slow spots. A mixture of politics, war, love and hope. I received this book for free from the Goodreads first-read giveaway.

[Carol & Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not put it down.

[Jennifer Bandzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from a goodreads giveaway and really enjoyed it. The plot was interesting and it left me wanting more at the end of the book. I want to know what happened next!

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: I received this book free through the Goodreads First Read Program.

Thank you Alfred Wellnitz/his publisher for giving me this book to try. I commend Mr. Wellnitz for writing a book under the pretense of catastrophe for America and extreme racism in a not-distant future. It is courageous and admirable to force readers to consider the possibility of overt racism becoming a ruling force in our country.

That being said, I did not finish the book. I believe it is only the third book in my entire life that I have not read cover to cover. I wanted to, but only for the sake of completing it. I tried convincing myself I wanted to see how it ended, but I didn't; I didn't care about the people, the mission, or the nations Wellnitz divided America in to. I may come back to the book in a little while, but I'm waving the white flag at least temporarily.

It is a book of tell, rather than show. A book of plot outlines rather than experiencing events. The title epitomizes this. The chapter names reinforce it as well. Time passes in the book (it is clearly stated so that is helpful in keeping it straight), but time does not appear to pass because characters don't change. Perhaps they do change, but I never knew them to begin with so I don't notice. Characters come and go very conveniently for the protagonist. I had a hard time remembering people in the book because they seemed to serve temporary services. Quick! I need a man to drive this getaway vehicle. His name shall be Ralph and he likes video games. Oh he died. Character riding shotgun (Peter?) is sad because he misses Ralph. We never see or hear about either of them again except to show why John (protagonist) wants revenge: for Ralph! For other lady. For other lady before her.

I'm all for far fetched story lines and worlds vastly different from the one I live in. You, the author, it's your job to make it real for me. Mr. Wellnitz didn't even come close. I also found the not subtle comparison to the Holocaust a bit calloused. 100 pages in to the book, "The Black Insurrection is becoming a problem. I have the final solution! Wait, no they already had that. I have the Ultimate Solution! Did I mention my first and last names are German and my last name begins with 'H'? Have you met my 3 close advisors, last names Hawkins, Graff, and Himber?" They certainly reminded me of Hess, Goring, and Himmler. There are other parallelisms, but I'll leave those up to future readers to find for themselves.

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book.

I finished this book and will write a review later. It was absolutely wonderful must read. 5 Stars +.

I started this book, then set aside. The premise was gas prices increasing over a weekend to $50.00 per gallon. This seemed somewhat farfetched. Wow! Was I wrong. With gas prices rising everyday, I started reading this book again. I loved the story. It takes place in the future, but unlike many futuristic novels, it is definitely believable. The story revolves around the United States splitting into different countries. It focuses on one of the countries, the Federated States which has been taken over by a white supremacist government. It follows the struggles of a group plotting against this government. The action goes from California to Costa Rica and beyond. After many "small" attacks on the government an idea is hatched to do the ultimate act of terrorism. The group is comprised of many different individuals from varying backgrounds all rallying around a common cause. I don't want to give away the story, so all I can say is this is a well written page turner that will keep you in suspense to the end.

[WriteKnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 stars – Dynamic Thriller with Economic and Political Intrigue.
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Alfred!)

Pushback: Deficit Triggers Hyperinflation, Terrorism was unlike anything I’ve read before. I loved the premise and the dynamic story that carried that out and drew me in. It was daring of Alfred Wellnitz to write this story – with included a black man as lead character, which you don’t see in many stories.

The novel starts with a good premise, fulfilled more with the plot than the character development. The latter could have been more in-depth, and even with the former there was a bit of speed plotting. The economic and social aspects were handled with enough details and complexity to make it seem both believable and scary that this could potentially happen. As it went along though, it lost some steam by jumping around to minor stories that slowed things down.

In short, I loved the idea and the attempt, and found the story kept me involved to see how it all played out.

[Jacquelynn Fritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book interesting but it did have flaws. Jim Reed is a lawyer in Atlanta when the dollar looses it power and inflation skyrockets. Suddenly, the United States is no more and the states have divided into their own countries. The Federated States where Jim lives is taken over by a White Supremacist dictatorship. Blacks are allowed to leave and Jim does with hope of overthrowing the new government. Some of what the group did to overthrow the government wasn't believable. You are given facts but not how they came about. The premise is great and much of the book is interesting but you're left dangling without a complete ending.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this stories first three chapters leaves the reader a little skeptical, further reading draws you into the story and keeps you reading. The genre seems to be futuristic, fantasy, but not sci-fi. It does make you think about other places in the world that are torn apart by wars, like Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, and the seperation of our states during the Civil War. It seems unimaginable that this could occur today, but that is just what Mr. Wellnitz proposes.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.

I enjoyed this book because of the unique plot and very interesting perspective. The idea was innovative and seemed like a topic the character wanted to write about, not a topic he thought would sell. I loved the story but I felt like the characters could have been developed more than the future time period. It is tough to create a future world AND a set of characters which live in it, this is why I gave it 3/5.

[Bert Edens]

The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book. Will definitely check it out!

[Jo]

While I am catching up on my list, it is very slow going. Working in a library makes it slower – so many books! But I promise I'll get to this one. I just make no promises as to when.