Them - Paperback

by Andrew J. Gregor (Author)

Jonah Piers, a teenager in rural Kansas, becomes attracted to Leila, a Muslim girl in his class whose parents immigrated from Lebanon. Jonah's father, Jesse, a nationalist who passionately believes he is the embodiment of patriotism, does everything in his power to challenge and deter his son's interest in other ethnic groups, Muslims in particular. When his wife, Kimberley, befriends Marie, Leila's mother, Jesse's prejudices are triggered.

When another Middle Eastern family of immigrants move into their small town, Jesse's prejudices devolve into anger, and he becomes convinced that evil machinations are afoot. Determined to expose a terrorist plot which he believes is being hatched, he begins clandestinely investigating the Muslim community in Culver City. Certain that he will be heralded as a hero, Jesse takes matters even further. Undeterred by even his closest friend's advice and frustrated that others do not seem to notice the looming danger, he puts together a plan to save the country. In doing so, however, he finds that he is waging a war against the very people he sought to protect.