Lit Hit List: Election Fiction
Lit Hit List: Election Fiction
Unless you know me in real life — and you’ve known me for a long time — you might not know that I was an intern at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. I worked backstage on Credentials, and to a government nerd like me, it was like being in paradise. I’ve never worked on a campaign as more than a volunteer, so I’ve gotten my insights into what it’s like by reading (and obviously watching “The West Wing” like 1,000,000 times). In honor of the kickoff of the Conventions, I wanted to round up some of my favorite reads about being on the campaign trail.
“The Hopefuls” by Jennifer Close (Bookshop | Kindle) - I actually moved to DC in 2014, tagging along with an Obama appointee for a job in USG (my old boss - get your head out of the gutter), and this book really reminds me of that era — the optimism, the enthusiasm for the administration, even the places I drank as a young executive branch staffer. This is the story of two young couples in that orbit, and how they deal with the ups and downs of being White House staffers — and everything that follows, including a Congressional run. Of all the books on this list, I’ve read and re-read this one the most; I love revisiting that part of my life.
“Campaign Widows” by Aimee Agresti (Bookshop | Kindle) - Okay, to be fair, this isn’t a story about being on the road with the candidate, but rather, left behind by those that hit the election trail. This fun read tells the story of 4 people left behind in Washington, DC as their significant others try to get a President elected. It’s light and breezy, with a side of romance and a ton of real life insights into DC — perfect for an escape from 2020 politics.
“Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win” by Jo Piazza (Bookshop | Kindle) - I know Shannon has already reviewed this one fully, I will refer you there to get a more thorough look at this winner of a book. Don’t even act like you didn’t know that pun was coming. This book hit me hard when I first read it after the 2016 elections, as it hews fairly closely to the Hillary Clinton stereotype of political ambition. Looking at it now, I am less emotional - but Jo Piazza created an incredibly well-crafted picture of being a woman running for higher office and how that impacts everyone around her.
“The Wrong Side of Right” by Jenn Marie Thorne (Bookshop | Kindle) - I first read this adorable YA novel a few years ago, and I have added it into my poolside re-reading rotation ever since. It’s part absentee-father meeting his long-lost daughter combined with some star-crossed lovers on a Presidential election trail. After our heroine Kate’s mom dies, she finds out her Dad is running for President — and of course, she’s put on the campaign with him. Along the way, she meets and has sparks fly with the son of the Republican candidate. It’s so fun to see this story told from a teen’s perspective, and it had a few twists along the way.
“Cleo McDougall Regrets Nothing” by Allison Winn Scotch" (Bookshop | Kindle) - my full review of this one is coming soon! I promise! but I will say that this one was an insightful look at cancel culture and how it intersects with female ambition in the political sphere. It made me really much more angry about the ingrained misogyny in our current media environment and how that impacted the 2020 primary cycle, but it is still a clever and timely read. I would recommend a glass of wine and a media-free few days to accompany it, though.
“Young Jane Young” by Gabrielle Zevin (Bookshop | Kindle) - What would happen if Monica Lewinsky went off the grid, had a kid, and then decided to get into politics? That’s not exactly the premise of this book, but it’s how I remember it — or at least maybe mis-remember it? I’ve never read such a funny look at slut-shaming, but it somehow manages to be that, with a side of snark and heart. Gabrielle Zevin is a gifted author, and I love her look at the double standards that follow women as they attempt to navigate this space.
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