Preemptive

by Douglas Grant

Growing up in Manhattan, Zack McCrady did not have an easy life. First, his father died in a skiing accident. Then his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Eventually Zack was left orphaned, and his big sister Jenny took over parenting and provided him with the unconditional love he craves. But after Jenny's death during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York, Zack begins spending his days pondering his rage toward Al-Qaeda , his dark feelings toward his own government , and his enduring pain and inner turmoil. On the other side of the world, Afghanistan is rotting from within . The Soviets have withdrawn and, technically, the Mujaheddin have won. Hakeem Rashid , raised by a surrogate father since infancy, is bright and gifted and knows the lessons of the Koran in depth . Despite growing up in war torn Herat, Hakeem has managed to remain civilized and with a sense of purpose, but when Hakeem's real father returns , everything is subject to change. Zack is involved in a violent crime . Hakeem has become his father's minion. As two men on opposite sides of the world battle intense psychological tumult , one of them is about to uncover a truth that will change him forever.

Genres: Drama

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2010

Reviews

[Ken Brimhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preemptive by Douglas Grant is the first book I’ve read where an American author has characterized Afghans convincingly. The question always is, “Why do people hate the USA and become terrorists?” This book gives an answer. It also weaves an intricate plot, culminating in a brutal climax. Once the beginning chapters had elapsed and I was in Afghanistan, the story held my interest to the end. An excellent book.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got into this book right away. Is about the lives of two young men. One in New York and one in Afghanistan. Zach had lost both parents and was parented by an older sister and brother. He had lots of freedom and entered into drug delivery to make a living. Then 9/11 occurs and his pregnant sister and her husband are killed. In Afghanistan Hakeem is being raised by an uncle who is very protective of him. Hakeem's father is off at war and is a trained killer. The day comes when Hakeem is grown and his father returns to show him the real world. There is lots of action, murder and war in this book, but turned my thinking to the humans upbringing, environment and culture teaching. So much deception in the world that leads one down a certain path of hate. In the end we are all humans and all have choices. I liked this book as the two young lives eventually meet and end is bittersweet. All will gain from reading this book.Thanks to Mr. Grant and Goodreads.

[April eclecticbookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received from Goodreads giveaway
This book bounces back and forth between an Afghani father and son in the 80s and a young man in Manhattan after 9/11. I enjoy historical novels and seeing the chain of events that lead up to a life-altering event... so I should have liked this more than I did but I had a hard time keeping interested and by the end, I realized I was rooting for Zack's death. I don't have a lot of tolerance for recreational drug use so that might have been part of it. The characters were realistic and I do think it would make a good movie.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The a realistic plot of a angsty young adult dealing with post-9/11 trauma contrasted with 1980's American-led training of Afghani soldiers. Interesting story that I wouldn't have read if I hadn't won the book in a giveaway, small grammatical errors throughout.

[Len Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good first read from this new author. I look forward to reading more.

[Elizabeth Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book from a new and talented author! Just ordered his latest.