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 the American presidential election is a fractured battle for democracy, held in the ruthless grip of an administration defined by corruption. 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 this fight are two men, Wing, a young scientist of exceptional intelligence, and Jake, an accomplished investigator and former top Presidential advisor. Drawn together by Kit, they fall in love, finding in her a singular companion whose heart and devotion reveal a new vision of what leadership could be. Now their journey has led to this moment: the day Kit steps forward to challenge a corrupt incumbent for the highest office in the land.

But this is no ordinary contender. Offering to take the country on a path of redemption and empowered by a voice made possible through AI, Kit charts a new way forward as history's first dog to run for President. With Jake and Wing helping to guide her campaign, the besieged nation listens to a truth never before heard from a human podium. Now, for the first time, America can hear a new language, with Kit herself leading the way.

About the Author

Ken Ballen's first book, Terrorists in Love, was published by Simon & Schuster. The New York Times praised its unique stories and "fascinating confessions," while the Washington Post called the book, "riveting, heart-wrenching and haunting," and the Huffington Post "engaging the emotions and challenging readers."

A former federal prosecutor, Ken also 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 has regularly contributed to CNN. His articles have also been published in the Washington Post, Financial Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor, among others.

Wu Ming ("Anonymous"), a Chinese citizen, grew up in Shanghai, and graduated from Beijing's Tsinghua University. Theyhave served as a software engineer and subsequently a senior software engineer at two of the leading global tech companies. Their real identity is withheld to protect their family in China and to protect themselves in the United States.