Divisible

by Randy Anderson

Divisible imagines a future where our political divides become geographic ones. Three intriguing short stories capture a post Second Civil War dystopia.

A trade minister from the United State crosses the border and learns of a new technology that could put millions of lives at risk.

A custody battle unfolds in America pitting gender bias against traditional values.

A solitary man in the Nation of Ute writes to a future generation while documenting the tragedy that befell the Old Country.

“I’m asking you, future human, child of my great-great grandchildren’s children, to ponder our progress. Whether you look upon these words as a peace offering from the past, a roadmap for the future, or a silly parable offering nothing more than mild entertainment, I urge you read it through and perceive its absolute sincerity.”

— An open letter to a future generation, Nation of Ute

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2017

About the author

Randy is the author of five books. He began his literary adventure when he self-published his first book, On Making Off: Misadventures off off Broadway, a memoir of making theatre in New York City. His second book, Careful is a coming-of-age tale set in Ecuador. In 2016 he launched a time travel series called Time Phantom. The first two books, Amsterdam and Copenhagen are currently available. The third will be released later in 2017. His fifth book is the incendiary political novella, Divisible.

He is currently working on a literary trilogy where each book is a collection of short stories. This epic journey follows a disheartened baby boomer pastry chef through the second half of the last century.

Before writing books, Randy ran a small New York theater company from 1999-2004. During this time he produced over three-dozen productions and events. He was a co-producer of The Unconvention, a political theater festival during the 2004 Republican National Convention. Plays he's written include; New Year's Resolutions, Homelessness Homosexuals and Heretics, Testing Average, Kill The President, Armor of Wills, and The Dwelling.

Reviews

[Randy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book as a way to explore my disappointment in our nation's deepening polarization. Our current course isn't sustainable and the consequences of not changing could be catastrophic. But this is a work of fiction, so its primary purpose is to entertain—tell a good story. And the three stories that unfold over the short 100 pages will engage you, entertain you, and hopefully make you think a little deeper about the state of our union. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Explore a fictional future to examine our actual present.

[Scott Hirschfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are concerned about the direction of our country, love a good story, and are a little obsessed with current politics (as I am), you should definitely read this book. It is a wonderfully imagined dystopian tale that conjures a United States torn apart following a second Civil War triggered by irreconcilable political divisiveness. It's a frighteningly conceivable story that would have been much less believable just a few months ago - the author really got the timing right! The book alternates among three distinct story lines - a stand-off between the foreign ministers of two hostile countries (think red and blue America split apart), a heated custody battle, and a missive to "the people" from an omniscient-type speaker who reflects on the past and cautions about the future. I was thinking about which part I liked best and truly couldn't decide. Each story and voice is so unique and compelling in its own way. One gets into the politics and is so interesting in the way it depicts the ruptures that led to civil war. The second is very personal and brings everything down to an individual level. And the third is this high-minded rumination on why it all went wrong. It's a really great read - and by the way a super quick read - that's perfect for the times and nicely crafted. It will definitely entertain and make you think. And the end literally gave me chills.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this is such an appropriate story for the current times and perhaps more importantly all times. I really liked the way the three stories were integrated into one another. The book really makes you think about our society's past, present and future and how important it can be to not become complacent and let others think for you. I highly recommend reading this book, and then rethinking where we are as a society today.

I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Bob McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable near future thought experiment, if cynical. It's very brief, but relates three stories of a recognizable U.S. after a second civil war.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a Kindle Edition of Divisible as part of Goodreads Giveaways.

I'm a big fan of dystopian writing, and Divisible is very relevant to today. It's scary how easy it would be for this to be our near future. My only complaint is that I wish this was longer - I'd like to hear more about who the Nation of Ute's citizens were, for example. But overall, pretty thought-provoking and cautionary.

[Donata Thomas]

This feels prophetic. I believe it was written at the first hit of Donald J. Trump announcing his run for president, and from there, it feels too real. Randy describes the threads of societal uniqueness we see here in the U.s. in a sympathetic and relevant story that divides the U.S. into three nations.

[George Poppenwimer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.

The good news. It was free and it was short.

The bad news. It was pure unadulterated drivel.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read win - good book to read - well written

[Elissa Tinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is as an excellent read and so very timely! Thank you, Randy Anderson. I loved this book!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway

[Ann Angle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only good thing about this book is that I won it on Goodreads and it was only 120 pages. I would not recommend it.

[Andrew Carrano Jr. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would give 0 stars if I could.

Completely unbalanced, unhinged, and unbelievable. I am glad I got this for free. I would not recommend as a purchase.

[Katherine Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars