American democracy is under threat, and it's time for the Father of the Nation to set things right! Set in 2028, Paul Greenberg's hilarious satirical novel A Third Term follows the story of a presidential election that could define America's future for generations to come. The Tyrant has changed the rules. Already a two-time president, he has made himself the presidential candidate for the third term through corruption and crookery, and the Democrats are panicking. In desperation, Robert Tonnelly travels to 1799 and brings George Washington from his deathbed back to the present, hoping he will be able to defeat the Tyrant. After a period of rehabilitation, Washington meets the Tyrant in the debates and falls in love with his physical therapist. However, he must bring something special to win against the Tyrant.

A Third Term is a lighthearted satirical drama that pokes fun at the ridiculousness of current American politics and some of its players. With quirky characters and a wildly entertaining plot, author Paul Greenberg delivers a tale rooted in humor, drama, and political intrigue. The dialogue is witty, and every character interaction is full of gems that will make you laugh. Greenberg draws from real-world politics and events, presenting the story as a bit of a cautionary tale despite the humor layering the narrative. The portrayal of George Washington is nothing short of masterful. The Tyrant is also a formidable adversary who steals every scene he is in. All in all, this book was an absolute blast to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For Americans, this is a must-read!

A Third Term: A Political Speculation by Paul Greenberg is a comedy novel set in 2028 when American democracy is in shambles. With the Constitution twisted by Supreme Court loopholes, a president seeks an illegal third term. Desperate, a political operative hatches a radical plan: resurrect George Washington from 1799 to lead the resistance. Brought back to life, Washington—riddled with pneumonia, wearing dentures made from slave teeth, and still reeling from his own time—must be rehabilitated into a modern-day candidate. With the help of a bold campaign manager and an alluring personal trainer, Washington takes on the demagogue president, whom he only refers to as ‘The Tyrant.’ This sharp, witty satire blends humor and political commentary into a delightfully absurd yet thought-provoking tale.

Author Paul Greenberg has a real talent for comedic timing and undercutting even the most serious-seeming moment with a sting in the tail. His sharp wit and biting satire make for a clever and entertaining political comedy that grips you right away and keeps you grinning to the end. The concept of the novel was immediately amusing and conjured up all kinds of disaster potential. The portrayal of George Washington in the modern era more than lives up to this with both imaginative and comically poignant moments that look at why we shouldn’t romanticize the past. There’s also a cunning sense of wit that connects these zany ideas to the stranger-than-fiction times that we currently live in. The balanced blend of humor and speculative fiction offers a refreshing take on current political issues that lightens the mood but also highlights the fragile state of democracy and the potential for darkness. Overall, A Third Term is a hilarious take on American politics that I highly recommend to anyone needing a laugh in these trying times.

A Third Term by Paul Greenberg begins in December 1799, with George Washington on the brink of death. He doesn't die but is instead revived in the 21st century by those who seek his leadership to combat The Tyrant, a rising threat to the Republic. Though physically weak, Washington is drawn into the modern political scene where his historical failures, like his complicity in slavery, aren't exactly well received. When he does start adjusting to modern life, his influence resurges, and he is engaged in divisive politics during a presidential election. The Democratic Party, torn between candidates, sees Washington as a unifying figure. He is pushed to speak at the Democratic National Convention and confront The Tyrant, but Washington’s legacy, particularly his past actions, becomes a focal point in a raging campaign cycle.

A Third Term: A Political Speculation by Paul Greenberg is pitch-perfect satire, with one of the best uses of time travel I've come across in ages. It doesn't even matter how it happens, only that it does happen, and the premise for it is too good to look in any other direction. Who knew that George Washington would be an underdog? The Tyrant, who is never otherwise named, is no accident, serving as a pointed poke at contemporary political dysfunction. Washington’s reawakening in a world vastly different from his own shows Greenberg’s keen eye for the terrifying comfort that politicians can fall back into. Through witty dialogue, exceptional prose, and a timely sharpening of the quill, Greenberg delivers a literary commentary on leadership, morality, and the state of American democracy, all while keeping us thoroughly entertained. Very highly recommended.

In Paul Greenberg's A Third Term, a speculative novella set in a dystopian 2028, George Washington is brought back from the past to combat a tyrannical figure identified merely as the Tyrant. Having left behind an America struggling under oppressive governance, Washington must reconcile his legacy with contemporary issues, including the ongoing ramifications of slavery. As he grips the reins of politics once more, supported by hopeful allies like campaign manager Robert Tonnelly and a newly elected Vice President, Washington navigates the absurdities of modern democracy while battling his ghosts. The narrative intertwines humor and satire, critiquing historical and contemporary American political landscapes. This witty, satirical tale will appeal to fans of Animal Farm, thanks to its critique of the idiosyncrasies of modern politicians. Will Washington succeed in saving America from its folly this time around?

The primary conflict in A Third Term revolves around Washington’s internal struggle to adapt to a world that has dramatically shifted since his time. This is depicted through his interactions with Tonnelly and Chisholm, who represent a blend of admiration and skepticism toward his ideals. The characters are complex—the Tyrant is both formidable and portrayed as a caricatured buffoon, often embodying the worst traits of contemporary politics while drawing laughter from the absurdity of his methods. Strangely, readers are forced to think about contemporary issues and can easily imagine a particular president in the narrative. Paul Greenberg infuses humor into the novella, using Washington’s out-of-place observations on modern life, such as his amazement at contemporary political maneuvering and media culture. When Washington quips about the electorate sacrificing character for “a grocer’s list of wheedling desires,” it cleverly shows the ridiculous nature of modern governance—an echo of his disdain for political machinations in his time. The severe yet comedic portrayal of a complacent electorate reflects deeper issues. From the often humorous descriptions to the stellar writing and the intriguing characters, this story entertains and provokes serious reflection in readers.