The Better Animal - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A gripping and ultimately hopeful tale of a future America on the cusp of electing the most unusual President in its history and an allegorical take on the state of our current political climate and technological advances--for readers of speculative fiction, LGBTQ stories, and politics.

It is 2040 and American democracy faces its last chance, held in the ruthless grip of an authoritarian and abusive administration. In this turmoil, an unlikely new voice emerges: Kit, a candidate offering a platform of change and a truth that the nation has been desperate to hear.

At the heart of Kit's campaign are two men, Wing, a young scientist of exceptional intelligence, and Jake, an accomplished prosecutor and former top Presidential advisor. As the country descends from corruption and hatred and prejudice, Kit leads the men, emerging from their own trauma, on an unexpected journey of redemption and love.

Offering to take the country on a path of redemption too and empowered by a voice made possible through AI, Kit becomes the first dog to run for President. Now, a besieged nation listens to a transformative message never imagined before by a human. For the first time, America can hear a new language, with Kit herself leading the way.

Review Quotes

"The novel that can change our world--the profile in courage we need--right now." --Peter Bergen, New York Times bestselling author --Peter Bergen

Part grounded speculative fiction, part LGBTQ+ love story, part political exposé, and right now all too realistic, there could be no more profound allegory and ultimately redemptive vision of America's political future than The Better Animal.

Ballen, a gay author, risked his life by exposing the persecution of gays in the Middle East in his first book. He has shown the same courage here, with an unflinching account of overcoming persecution and oppression and offering a rare promise of hope. --Joseph Kertes, award winning novelist

About the Author

Ken Ballen's first book, exposing the plight of gays in the Middle East, had him banned in Saudi Arabia. As the New York Times reported, "Ballen also elicited a fascinating confession from a Saudi militant who was from a prominent religious family and who had a passionate love affair with his male first cousin."

The Washington Post also praised the book as "riveting, heart-wrenching and haunting," and The Huffington Post found it "engaging the emotions and challenging readers."

A former federal prosecutor, Ken served as counsel to the House Iran-Contra Committee, chief counsel to the Speaker of the House, and chief counsel to the Senate Special Committee on Investigations.

Ken lives near Washington, DC and enjoys the company of his husband, daughter and three dogs.

Wu Ming ("Anonymous"), a Chinese citizen and also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, grew up in Shanghai, and graduated from Beijing's Tsinghua University. They have served as a Research Scientist at two of the leading global tech institutes. Their real identity is withheld to protect their family in China and to protect themselves in the United States.