Episode 42: Politics
Summary: Join Holly and Devin as they explore the world of US and international politics on today’s episode! While neither of them have read many political books in the past, they appreciated these books specifically for their accuracy, the tension built, and the clear demonstration of the impact politics can have on the lives of those working in those spaces.
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (3:23): Devin discussed Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston, a novel that follows Alex (first son of the United States) and Henry (grandson to the King of England) in one of the most epic enemies to lovers romances out there. After bad press from an incident involving a destroyed wedding cake, Alex and Henry are thrust together for a PR campaign that slowly becomes much, much more. It has just been released on Amazon Prime as a movie - check it out! Devin’s key takeaways were:
More than anything, this novel is about and conveys LGBTQIA+ joy. Henry is gay but forced to remain in the closet by his family and the crown. Alex had never come to terms with his own sexuality and his journey into understanding his bisexuality is moving and important.
Politics, shocker, are at the core of this novel and Alex’s mother (the President) is working to be elected for a second term. The accuracy of a re-election campaign, the exploration of a new friendship out of political necessity, and the adrenaline rush of following our protagonists as they navigate their feelings and the potential global consequences would get any reader’s heart beating faster.
UK and American history is woven throughout the novel; the histories greatly inform the choices, pressures, and decisions Alex and Henry make. They must grapple with what history means for them, what history will see in them, and how they can impact the outcome of their futures by the decisions in their present.
The Dagger (23:40): Holly discussed State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny, a political thriller following new Secretary of State Ellen Adams. A wide-ranging and global story, Clinton and Penny delve into the lives of Ellen Adam and a low-level State Department Employee named Anahita after news of a bomb exploding on a bus in London and Paris breaks. Holly’s key takeaways were:
Clinton and Penny collaborated together to write this novel during the pandemic. They got to the core of the story they wanted to tell when Louise asked Hillary what kept her up at night, what gave her nightmares when she herself was Secretary of State. Penny’s writing is as strong as ever and Hillary’s expertise shines through via plot and structure.
This book explores the power of female friendship and being a woman in politics; a lot of the main characters are representatives from different countries like Iran, Pakistan, India, and Russia and Betsy, Ellen’s number two is named after and an homage to Hillary and Louise’s mutual friend who passed away.
Yes, State of Terror is a thriller, but don’t forget the politics. A lot of the drama happens at a conference room table and the driver behind all of the plot ultimately is the domestic and international political situations that Ellen must navigate.
Hot On the Shelf (43:00):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (46:57):
Devin: Baking bagels for the first time!
Holly: The film Theater Camp
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