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Friday, October 9, 2015

What Makes It Worthy By David Paul Kuhn : A Review




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.”


The author is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card:




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