American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
Date: 14 September 2009
This is an absorbing story about a Republican First Lady, Alice Blackwell. The similarities to Laura Bush are plain - both were school librarians, both involved in a car crash in which someone was killed, and both married into wealthy, privileged families. Alice is depicted compassionately - her kindness to others, liberal views and her great love of reading are evident throughout. This is a love story, as she adores the man she married despite his heavy drinking, which sees them separate for a short time. The novel is well written and would be a great book for a reading group.