Sammy's House

"Sammy's House" is a delight. On the lookout for a story that would be a break from a steady literary diet of crime fiction, I came across both of Kristin Gore's novels about Washington's political scene as viewed from the inside, "Sammy's Hill" and "Sammy's House." In "Sammy's House," Gore's heroine Samantha Joyce is a junior staffer for the Vice President of the U.S. The story follows Sammy's adventures and misadventures in her endeavor to balance a career in public service with the often conflicting demands of her romance with Charlie Lawton, an ace reporter for the Washington Post. Through Sammy's eyes, we're served generous helpings of witty and often poignant insights into life in the White House, politicians (both admirable and not-so-admirable), the press, and her own engaging personality. Gore succeeds brilliantly in balancing humor and irony with a cast of believable characters and a compelling plot that will resonate strongly with readers who follow today's political scene. On the CD version, Kirsten Potter perfectly captures all the nuances of Sammy's irrepressible personality. Highly recommended.

If you loved Sammy's Hill don't hesitate for a second in buying this book. Our heroine returns to navigate us through a new set of political-situations and scandals, this time from the White House. Sammy doesn't spend as much time detailing her neuroses in this book because there is so much going on in her world that she doesn't have time to slow down and ruminate on possible fatal diseases she could contract. I highly recommend Sammy's House, and will be sure to talk this one up with my friends.

This book is SUCH a treat. Wonderful 20-something Samantha "Sammy" Joyce, aide to the Vice President of the United States, was introduced to us in "Sammy's Hill," when her boss was a then-lesislator. The first book was wonderful, but Gore's writing style has smoothed and matured into an easy, unselfconscious style that is easy to read and packs a lot of punch. In this second in what I hope is a long series, Sammy is working in the West Wing, and the inside informatin of how hard these people work and exactly what they do is fascinating (Gore is the middle daughter of Al Gore and obviously knows of what she speaks). For those who may avoid this book because of negative feelings about Al Gore, please don't. The Administration pictured herein, while probably Democratic, is fairly drawn, and FAR from perfect, as the plot reveals. As Sammy works hard as pharmaceutical drug/health care informational specialist for her boss, intrigue and upset are swirling in the White House. Is President Wye drinking again? Is he taking a drug banned in the United States? If so, will this affect Sammy's increasingly serious relationship with her boyfriend, a reporter for The Washington Post? Beneath the lighthearted, often comedic and truly enjoyable plot is a deeper message about responsbility in government, no matter what affiliation, and the pitfalls that can occur with great power. Highly recommended.

This book was just as great as the first. Gore fluently continues the story line from Sammy's Hill through Sammy's House and the characters evolve to show more depth and hilarity. Like Sammy's Hill, I found I couldn't put the book down and devoted my weekend to nonstop reading. Gore has a true talent for laugh-out-loud story telling. This is a sure hit for anyone!

This book is a humorous take on the White House by the former vice president's daughter. Kristin Gore adds details about the house itself that give the reader a seemingly intimate view of DC and the people who run it. The main character is quirky and interesting. I look forward to watching this on the obvious next step: TV or movie. I'll be rooting for the good ol' fish Cal Ripken, Jr. to make it to the sequel. Sammy's Court, anyone?