Novels about Senators and Politics..

Novels about Senators and Politics.. asked 525 days ago by Claire - 4 answers

I'm writing a novel whose main character is a US Senator and I'm trying to read around the subject as much as possible to get insights into the day-to-day life of politics in Washington DC, the life of a Senator etc. I've obviously watched the West Wing several times start to finish, and I've also read Sammy's Hill (and Sammy's House is next on my list). I've read Nine and Counting, and some books by Barbara Mikulski are recommended there so I'll be delving into those.

Can anyone recommend anything else that might be in sync with this kind of thing, fiction or well-written non-fiction/biography? I'm looking for something that will give me insight into the day-to-day life of a Senator, or someone in politics at least. It doesn't have to be set in DC, though that's a plus.

Thanks!

Verna W. says:

Well, this is peripheral, and I haven't read it but did see the movie. Have you read Primary Colors? And here's something I suggest: Go to Amazon (using Peter's link, of course!) and search Primary Colors. Then scroll down to "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought." This is a great way to find out about similar books. And good luck with your book!

Anne M. says:

Fiction, satiric and otherwise:
Ward Just, The Congressman Who Loved Flaubert
Jeff Greenfield, The People's Choice
Allen Drury, Advise and Consent (dated, but fascinating)

Deliciously trashy novels:
Sally Quinn, Regrets Only

Memoirs and history that read like novels:
Abigail McCarthy, Private Faces/Public Places
David Brinkley, Washington Goes To War
Margaret Leech, Reveille in Washington ( won a Pulitzer, great social history still)

Verna W. says:

Anne, I read Advise and Consent years ago and was trying to remember the name of it for this question. I second that: dated but fascinating!

Claire (who asked the original question) says:

Might seem odd to answer my own question, but in case anyone else is looking for similar things, I've just discovered Ana Marie Cox's Dog Days, wo will be giving that a try.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions, will be exploring them all!

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