To continue our monthly series of book lists, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following humorous novels about politics and elections.
October, 2008 – Humorous Political Fiction
Good Evening Mr. And Mrs. America And All The Ships At Sea by Richard Bausch. A naive and devout student of journalism believes that his ultimate destiny is the presidency, and his hapless forays toward manhood leave him sadder but wiser about the ways of a fast-changing world. Large Print book LP 13472. Cassette book RC 43817.
"Q" Clearance by Peter Benchley. Through a bureaucratic bungle, anxiety-ridden and unsung presidential speech writer Timothy Burnham gets a "Q" clearance to receive top secrets. He must learn to cope with unwanted power, jealous White House insiders, and the President, who makes him a trusted adviser. Bestseller 1986. Cassette book RC 23904. Braille book BR 6641. Large Print book LP 5147.
First Hubby by Roy Blount. The first time Guy Fox saw Clementine Searcy she was running naked across a college campus. Now she is the President of the United States and he has become first hubby. Guy, a writer, keeps a journal of his days in the White House as he tackles such problems as homelessness, terrorism, a staff he doesn't want, and eating incognito at a soul food joint. Cassette book RC 32461. Braille book BR 8506.
No Way To Treat A First Lady by Christopher Buckley. Elizabeth MacMann, First Lady of the USA, is accused of killing her philandering husband, the President. As America girds for scandal, Elizabeth reaches out to a former lover Boyce "Shameless" Baylor, who at 1000 dollars per hour, has represented most of the nation’s scoundrels. Large Print book LP 19749.
The People's Choice by Jeff Greenfield. When the President-elect dies in a freak accident just two days after his election, many fear that the departed's dim-witted running mate will accede to the top post. Constitutional chaos ensues as the electoral college process unfolds and insiders vie to influence the outcome. Cassette book RC 42310.
Primary Colors: A Novel Of Politics by Joe Klein (writing as anonymous). A juicy roman à clef paralleling the 1992 Bill Clinton presidential campaign. A southern governor recruits Henry Burton as his deputy campaign manager in his quest for the presidency. Henry at first welcomes the opportunity to gain an insider's view of politics but soon must face his own personal crisis. Bestseller 1996. Cassette book RC 41822. Large Print book LP 12956.
The Last Debate: A Novel Of Politics And Journalism by Jim Lehrer. In this satire by news anchor Jim Lehrer, a panel of journalists decides to use unsubstantiated reports to grill one of the presidential candidates, knowing it will affect the outcome of the election. Lehrer’s novel indicts ethics and sensationalism in journalism and those journalists who would create news rather than report it. Cassette book RC 41638. Large Print book LP 13023.
The King Of Vermont by Stephen Morris. It’s the "chucks" (natives) against the "flatlanders" (yuppie fugitives from suburbia) in this satire set in fictitious Upper Granville, Vermont. A chance comment on a radio show leads ophthalmologist Darwin Hunter (flatlander) to run for the state senate on the platform of "total disclosure," shaking up the rural town as he reveals intimate details about his personal life during the campaign. Cassette book RC 31882.
Election by Tom Perrotta. Faculty advisor Jim McAllister gets more than he expected when he gets involved in a New Jersey suburban high school election. An amusing look at the cutthroat world of political campaigns (even for the lowliest offices). Cassette book RC 47114.
Donovan's Wife by Tom Wicker. Victor T. Donovan, a lackluster congressman, challenges veteran Senator O. Mack Bender's seat in a race resembling contemporary electoral contests with sex, dirty tricks, posturing, rumors, damage-control, and lack of issues. Braille book BR 9207. Cassette book RC 36126.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.