What
Makes It Worthy
By David
Paul Kuhn
Genre:
General Fiction, Political Fiction
What Makes It Worthy
is the personal story of Taylor Solomon and Cait Ellis. Taylor is a rising star
at America's fastest-growing political media machine. Cait is a young New
York Times reporter who wrestles with the shadow of her legendary
mother.
And it is an historic--yet
familiar--campaign. The Republican, who hails from one of America's power clans
and has long been in the national spotlight, seeks to become the first female
president. Her Democratic opponent, a State Department veteran setting the
election afire with populism, hopes to make his own history as the first
Hispanic president. On the campaign trail, as ethics gray and events envelop
politicians, operatives, and reporters--as Cait and Taylor struggle with how
much distance must be accepted between their ideals and their choices--the
political not only becomes personal, but also threatens to upend their lives,
as well as the presidential campaign itself.
Written by well-known political
journalist David Paul Kuhn, What Makes It Worthy is "a heartfelt
page-turner that proves a good novel can both entertain you and inform
you," in the words of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.
The novel is also perhaps the most
accurate depiction yet written about how the relationship between the media and
the modern presidential campaign shapes American politics.
My review:
Often,
when I come across rare books that talk about the dirty side of politics, I expect
intrigue and detailed back stories of the mudslinging people resort to. While I
have great respect for this genre, most books simply sensationalize the events
leading to the ascent and the scandals that become downfalls. This book, on the
other hand, blends intrigue, emotions and the entire behind the scenes events
so well that I knew, without reading the author’s bio (or paying much attention
to the second half of the summary, I admit) that this was written by someone
who had ample experience in this field.
Two
political journalists – on literally opposite ends, (one for the democratic
side and one on the republican side) inevitably develop interests for each
other. While the candidates they are following are each fighting a different
battle and are vying for the ultimate glory, the impending chaos is very evident
in the budding romance of two promising young journalists.
Not to reveal too much about the plot,
the story is fast paced and of course is going to give you more information
about the background of political sagas than you expected. Written by someone
in the know, this book is all about how careers, and personal life will be at
loggerheads and how the battle between the head and the heart are the most
difficult. Once you are through reading this, you will be left with numerous
questions about what you see and what you should believe.
The
language is clear and simple and I personally loved the writing style and the
occasional humor. The plot made me read the book in two sittings and that is an
achievement.. While political thrillers are my favorite element, I was a bit
apprehensive that this book is also going to be a product of the same stereotypical
mould of drama. I was, thankfully proven wrong. If political thrillers are your
favorite books, do not miss this. But if you don’t like that genre, there is
enough to interest you in this book anyway!
Author Bio:
David Paul Kuhn is a writer and
political analyst living in New York City. He is the author of the political
novel What Makes It Worthy—an “absorbing novel” that is “all too
real” (political strategist James Carville), “captivating” (novelist Matthew
Thomas), “a genuinely tender love story” (Kirkus Reviews).
Kuhn
has held senior writing positions across the political-media landscape,
from Politico to RealClearPolitics to CBSnews.com. He has also
written for The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The Washington Post
Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, among other
publications, and regularly appears on networks ranging from BBC to Fox News.
As the Macmillan Speakers Bureau described him, “David Paul Kuhn is an expert
analyst of presidential and gender politics.” He is also the author ofThe
Neglected Voter, which General Wes Clark called “a
brilliantly insightful analysis of American politics.”
Website: www.DavidPaulKuhn.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Nx3dkX
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ERAkrv
The
author is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card:
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