American Wife

A Novel

By: Curtis Sittenfeld

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A gorgeously written novel that weaves class, wealth, race, and fate into a brilliant portrait of a first lady—from the author of Rodham and Eligible

“Terrific . . . an intelligent, bighearted novel about a controversial political dynasty.”—Entertainment Weekly

NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Time • People • Entertainment Weekly

A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice Lindgren has no idea that she will one day end up in the White House, married to the president. In her small Wisconsin hometown she learns the virtues of politeness, but a tragic accident when she is seventeen shatters her identity and changes the trajectory of her life. More than a decade later, when the charismatic son of a powerful Republican family sweeps her off her feet, she is surprised to find herself admitted into a world of privilege.

And when her husband unexpectedly becomes governor and then president, she discovers that she is married to a man she both loves and fundamentally disagrees with—and that her private beliefs increasingly run against her public persona. As her husband’s presidency enters its second term, Alice must confront contradictions years in the making and face questions nearly impossible to answer.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review • Chicago Tribune • NPR • Rocky Mountain News • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Washington Post Book World©2008 Curtis Sittenfeld; (P)2008 Books on Tape

Excellent!

This was very interesting storytelling no matter how closely it adhered to facts regarding Laura and George. The parallels were nevertheless evident. I enjoyed this book very much.

Good Start

I would agree with other reviews on this book, that it's enjoyable 2/3 of the way through. The last part of the book just wasn't up to par with the others. I still enjoyed the book overall but it trailed off so much in the end that I had to find the time just to finish the last 2 hours. I wouldn't let this keep you from buying the book though. Maybe just the abridged version instead?

A pleasant surprise

Held my attention the entire way through. Drops off a bit toward the end but i can overlook that. Who cares if it's based on Laura Bush? It's a good story. STORY. As in fiction. I enjoyed it.

FUN! Light and easy listening!!

Never a fan of George W's, nor any of the Bushes for that matter, I really enjoyed this book! The narrator is excellent, and in my opinion, was able to capture the very essence of each character! You can "see" Barbara, as she reigns supreme over her unruly clan. Laura is a truly remarkable woman, who should be nominated for sainthood, and, like him or not, no one can deny George W's incredible tenacity.
It really doesn't matter how much of this story is fact or fiction...although from the many books I've read about this dynasty, there's a lot of truth here.

Amazing book

I have read (or listened to) this book three times, and it never fails to capture me whole. Undoubtedly Curtis’ best novel.