Books
Books to Thrill You While 'Scandal' Is on Hiatus
Scandal’s winter finale left many questions hanging in the air — what is Eli Pope going to do now that he’s been ousted? What is Olivia’s mom still doing in DC? How the hell does Pope & Associates survive without an office assistant?! New episodes of Scandal won’t be available until the end of February, but there are plenty of books to keep you occupied in the meantime. These soapy tales of political deceit and power are just as entertaining as Scandal (though you’ll have to supply your own Liv-sized glass of wine).
'The Starr Report: The Findings of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr on President Clinton and the Lewinsky Affair '
Can’t get enough of Fitz and Liv’s racy scenes? Check out the official findings of Kenneth Starr’s four year investigation into the presidency of Bill Clinton. Full of lurid, sexually explicit details, the Report is shocking and more than a little TMI.
'What Really Happened: John Edwards, Our Daughter, and Me' by Rielle Hunter
Always root for Liv, no matter what Fitz’s marriage status is? You’ll love this memoir from former Senator John Edwards’s mistress. The two began an affair (and Hunter got pregnant) while Edwards was running in the 2008 presidential election — and while his wife was dying from cancer.
'Monica’s Story' by Andrew Morton
Did the recent flashback to Mellie’s rape make you see her in a different light? Check out Andrew Morton’s authorized look at Monica Lewinsky’s side of the story. Culled from exclusive conversations with the infamous intern, the book is sympathetic towards Lewinsky, painting her as an inexperienced girl caught up in what she thought was a loving relationship.
'Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime' by John Heilemann & Mark Halperin
Love the scheming, self-righteous Sally Langston? Revisit all the Sarah Palin drama in this thorough investigation into the high stakes, historical 2008 election. (And while you’re at it, check out Julianne Moore’s amazing take on Palin in HBO’s based-on-the-book movie, Game Change.)
'All the President’s Men' by Carl Bernstein & Bob Woodward
Shocked when Candace Marcus blamed her sister’s political opponents for breaking into their home? Revisit the break-in to end all break-ins: Watergate. Nearly 40 years later, Bernstein and Woodward’s exhaustive investigation is just as riveting; the scandal and cover-up is still just as disheartening.
'Once Upon a Secret' by Mimi Alford
Couldn’t wait to see what would happen with Amanda Tanner? Pick up this memoir by former White House Intern and JFK mistress Mimi Alford, who lost her virginity to the playboy president.
'Finding Chandra' by Scott Higham & Sari Horowitz
Remember when the Beltway Unbuckled blogger was murdered? Her story is a lot like Chandra Levy’s, a congressional intern who disappeared in 2001. Levy’s body was found nearly a year later, and the prime suspect for her murder was the Congressman she had an affair with. The real story behind her death will surprise (and sadden) you.
'Rough Justice: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer' by Peter Elkind
The Madam that Olivia defended in the first season? Totally could’ve played a part in former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s own prostitute scandal. Learn more about Spitzer’s political success (there were assumptions that he’d be the first Jewish president) and his embarrassing fall from power (black socks, anyone?) in this well-reported book.
'The Confession' by James McGreevey
Long for the early, simpler Scandal scandals, like when the military hero reveals he’s gay in the first episode? Pick up the real life version. Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey came out of the closet in 2004, and his memoir is an honest and intriguing read about his journey in self-discovery and acceptance.
