We Hold These Truths: 1

In politics as in life and love victory and defeat arent always easy to differentiate.In his timely debut novel David S. Mitchell grants the reader unprecedented access to the provocative world of code-switching African-American Ivy Leaguers and the dark underbelly of Southern race politics as seen through the eyes of Al Carpenter. Al an erudite and incorrigible law student struggles to square the hopeful outcome of President Obamas 2008 election with the prospect that many Americans dont actually want the change they clamored for.When he arrives in North Carolina to assume a senior position with a cash-strapped US Senate campaign Al faces swift and unexpected resistance to African-American attorney Ron Johnsons candidacy. By navigating the thorny maze of Tar Heel State politics and grappling with personal growing pains Al finally learns to play the game. But can he change the game or will the game change him?