Books Like...

'Rodham' by Curtis Sittenfeld is an alternative history novel exploring the premise of Hillary Rodham Clinton not marrying Bill Clinton. The book delves into the imagined relationship between Hillary and Bill at Yale Law School, where they fall in love but ultimately part ways due to Bill's womanizing behavior. The story follows Hillary's life as a senator, her political ambitions, and a fictionalized version of the 2016 election, incorporating real-life events and characters like Donald Trump.

"Washington, D.C." by Gore Vidal is a historical novel set in the last years of FDR's presidency through that of Truman, focusing on the lives of politicians and the intersection of politics and the press in Washington DC. The story revolves around powerful conservative senator James Burden Day, his ambitious assistant Clay Overbury, and the wealthy publisher Blaise Sanford and his children. The novel delves into the personal lives and political ambitions of these characters, portraying a backdrop of real historical events with Vidal's signature humor, cynicism, and interesting storytelling style. offers a glimpse into a lesser-explored period of American history through a narrative filled with intrigue and complex relationships.

Tom Rosenstiel's 'Shining City' is a political thriller that delves into the behind-the-scenes activities involved in getting a Supreme Court nomination, from vetting to confirmation. The book follows the death of a Supreme Court Justice and the nomination of a replacement, intertwining political maneuvering with a subplot of serial murders. The two main characters, Randi Brooks and Peter Rena, run a consulting firm that solves problems for politicians and delve into the qualifications of the nominee, Judge Madison, leading to connections between the main plot and the B story of the serial killer. The book is praised for its realistic cast of characters and the author's expertise in media and politics, providing insights into the intersection of big media with political processes.

In "Eligible," Curtis Sittenfeld presents a modern retelling of Jane Austen's classic "Pride and Prejudice." Set in contemporary America, the story follows Liz Bennet, a magazine writer living in New York, who returns home to Cincinnati to help her family during her father's illness. There, she encounters haughty neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy and his friend Chip Bingley, leading to a series of events that mirror the beloved original while adding modern twists and addressing societal issues.

'Hope Never Dies' in the series 'Obama Biden Mysteries' by Andrew Shaffer follows the retired Vice President Joe Biden as he investigates the suspicious death of an Amtrak conductor, Finn Donnelly. Teaming up with former President Barack Obama, the duo embarks on a quirky adventure, delving into the seamy underbelly of Wilmington, Delaware, encountering biker gangs, failed communities, and a range of improbable scenarios. The writing style is described as audacious, ridiculous, and quite fun, with the story being told from Biden's point of view, creating a humorous and entertaining diversion from more serious reads.

is a blend of cozy mystery and political fanfiction, with elements of humor, nostalgia, and camaraderie between the characters. Through the lens of Joe Biden, the narrative explores themes of friendship, politics, and compassion, while incorporating witty dialogue, dad jokes, and entertaining banter. Despite the unrealistic portrayal of the characters, the book offers a light-hearted and campy take on the bromance between Obama and Biden, presenting a unique and amusing twist on the detective genre.

'Enemies of the State' by Tal Bauer is an intense political thriller with a central romance between a fictional US president and one of his Secret Service agents. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, thrilling political intrigue, and a beautiful love story that captures readers' attention. The writing style is engaging, balancing factual progression with well-developed characters, making it a fun and immersive read. The book offers a mix of action, romance, and suspense, keeping readers on the edge with explosive plot twists and emotional depth.

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld is a novel that delves into the lives of identical twins, Daisy and Violet, who possess psychic abilities. As adults, the sisters lead contrasting lives, with Daisy trying to maintain a normal suburban existence while keeping her powers hidden, and Violet embracing her psychic gift openly. When Violet predicts a major earthquake in their hometown, the story unfolds around the repercussions of this prediction on their lives and relationships. The narrative alternates between past and present, exploring themes of family dynamics, secrets, and the complex bond between siblings, all narrated from Daisy's perspective.

"Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld follows the story of Lee Fiora, a scholarship student at a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts. The narrative delves into Lee's struggles with insecurity, alienation, and self-doubt as she navigates through the complexities and awkwardness of high school life. The writing style captures the bittersweet account of Lee's coming of age, portraying her as a relatable but not always sympathetic character who grapples with fitting into her surroundings while dealing with unrequited love and teenage angst.

Set against the backdrop of a prep school, the novel offers a realistic portrayal of adolescent experiences, showcasing themes of anxiety, insecurity, and the constant struggle for acceptance and belonging. The story unfolds through Lee's perspective, providing insights into her journey of self-discovery and transformation during her years at the boarding school. The plot explores the challenges faced by Lee as she copes with feelings of isolation and inadequacy, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of teenage life.

Marie Benedict's novel about Hedy Lamarr portrays the actress's life journey from her early marriage to an arms dealer in Austria to her escape to Hollywood, where she became known for her beauty as well as her intelligence and scientific contributions. The book delves into Lamarr's struggles, achievements, and the injustices she faced as a female inventor in the 1930s and 40s. Through a mix of historical facts and fictionalized accounts, the novel sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Lamarr's life, including her inventions and the challenges she overcame.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld follows the story of Sally Milz, a writer on the comedy show 'Night Owls', reminiscent of SNL. The book delves into the budding romance between Sally and Noah Webster, a famous pop singer guest host, set against a contemporary backdrop including the challenges brought on by the pandemic. The novel explores Sally's insecurities, Noah's patience, and the dynamics of their evolving relationship with elements of comedy, romance, and social commentary intertwined throughout.