From BenBella books, comes a new 24 book - Jack Bauer for President. Read on for more info, and check back shortly for our review of the book!

New book—Jack Bauer for President—offers insightful commentary on modern political landscape

Examining what FOX’s riveting show 24 says about American society

DALLAS: The critically acclaimed show 24 explodes onto television sets across America each week, filled with fast and furious scenarios unfolding simultaneously—pumping viewers’ adrenaline in the process. The classic “ticking time bomb” plot continues to thrill and shock fans across the nation, evidenced by the 33 million viewers who watched the season six premiere. Above all else, 24 seems to be a sociopolitical commentary, reflecting America in the days after 9/11. The character of Jack Bauer, portrayed by actor Kiefer Sutherland, is widely regarded as a modern day hero for many viewers. Why is Jack Bauer so popular? Why are both liberals and conservatives (fans include President Bush and former President Clinton) equally interested in the show?

These questions and more are reflected upon in Jack Bauer for President: Terrorism and Politics in 24 (BenBella Books, April 2008) edited by The New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized terrorism expert Richard Miniter. Through 24 essays from experts in fields such as philosophy, psychology, political science, counterterrorism and law, Jack Bauer for President examines how 24 twists, mirrors and comments upon the current political landscape.

As various essays reveal, 24 appeals to such a diverse audience because viewers are forced to analyze serious matters such as current threats to America’s national security. Other compelling issues that Jack Bauer for President astutely examines include:

• The implications of the torture scenes in 24

• How Jack Bauer compares to famed philosopher Jeremy Bentham’s ideal “utilitarian” hero who seeks to apply the greatest good for the greatest number of people

• The depiction of Islam and Muslims in the plot lines

• Sex, race and family conflicts

• The political implications of portraying the first African-American president on primetime television

• How watching the show might better prepare Americans to cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Part of the Smart Pop series, Jack Bauer for President is a unique and fascinating read that deconstructs a phenomenon of pop entertainment in an accessible, intelligent and interdisciplinary manner.

Richard Miniter is the author of two New York Times-bestselling books, Losing Bin Laden and Shadow War, and is an internationally recognized expert on terrorism. He lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Also available from BenBella Books’ Smart Pop series:
Batman Unauthorized (ISBN: 1933771305; ISBN-13: 9781933771304)
House Unauthorized (ISBN: 1933771232; ISBN-13: 9781933771236)

Book Details:
Title: Jack Bauer for President: Terrorism and Politics in 24
Editor: Richard Miniter
Publisher: BenBella Books, Distributed by Independent Publishers Group
Publication: April 2008, $17.95 (CAN $19.95), Paper, ISBN: 1933771275; ISBN-13: 9781933771274
Politics/Entertainment, 193 pages, 6 x 9

Available at bookstores everywhere and through Independent Publishers Group,
814 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL  60610. Toll-free number for orders only:
1-800-888-4741. Visit us online at www.ipgbook.com.