If You Love The West Wing, Read These Books

Happy birthday to the best TV show ever made (in my not-so-humble opinion)

Today, 22nd September, is the 23rd anniversary of the first episode of The West Wing being aired on American TV. If you know me, you’ll know the show had a big impact on my life — ultimately inspiring me to pivot to writing as my main career and a move to DC where I stayed for ten years (and would still be if circumstances allowed). And I know I’m not the only one — dozens, if not hundreds, of people have made a similar move or gone into politics because of the show.

So it would be remiss of me not to use this date to point you to all kinds of books you’ll love if you, too, love The West Wing. And if you’ve never watched it, what better time to try it?

Dear Mr You, by Mary-Louise Parker

Quirky, smart, playful, trippy at times - this is exactly how I imagine Mary-Louise Parker to be, and it's how her book is, too. This beautifully written memoir-in-letters is full of heart and tenderness, witty at times, almost unbearably sad at others. It was fascinating to get an insight into who Mary-Louise Parker was before she was The West Wing’s Amy Gardner — perennially unpopular at school, and, in what might be my favourite chapter, incapable of learning to juggle. Hope for us all, maybe?

West Wingers, by Gautam Raghavan

This collection of essays by Obama staffers is infused with the kind of hope and idealism that draws many of us back to The West Wing — especially in times when it’s hard to cling to those things.

The Hopefuls, by Jennifer Close

Jennifer Close is a long-time DC resident, and she writes really insightfully about the city, its vibe, and the people whose lives revolve around politics and campaigns. I really enjoyed this novel about a young couple navigating all of that as they figure out marriage.

They Said This Day Would Never Come, by Chris Liddell-Westefeld

If you’re one of the people who loves seasons six and seven — when the show pivots to more of a hopey, changey campaign vibe as the first Latino candidate runs for President — don’t miss this oral history by the people who were in the thick of the action when Barack Obama made history.

Walk With Us, ed. Claire Handscombe

Okay, this one’s mine. Well, partly mine. I edited this collection of quotes and essays by fans of The West Wing whose lives have been changed by the show — whether it’s taught them something, helped them build relationships, or inspired their career or their political activism. It was a real joy to put together and I’m super proud of it.

Want more?

More books for West Wing fans can be found here (US) and here (UK).

Feedback is welcome on the format of this newsletter, and please feel free to comment with the thing you love, so I can recommend relevant books for you!

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