Washington Schlepped Here: Walking in the Nation's Capital (Crown Journeys)

Chris Buckley has written another funny book, this one a semi-insider's guide to the nation's capital. Like me, Buckley is not a native but has been living in DC for a while. He came here to work for George Bush the elder, I came here to be near my ex-wife's relatives. Clearly he had better luck. The walking tour seems to be in here only because the publisher required it, the real fun is Buckley's stories about the highs (Vietnam Memorial, Union Station, Grant's statue), and the lows (Wilbur Mills, Fanny Flagg, the FDR Memorial). I have read most of Buckley's other books, they are all well-written, insightful, and terribly funny. He just does not have his late father's sense of adventure and intrigue, and now he is supporting Obama. Good thing WFB has gone on to collect his just rewards.

I've always enjoyed walking through the nation's capital, so I was intrigued by the premise of WASHINGTON SCHLEPPED HERE--written and read by Christopher Buckley. It is a walking tour of Washington, DC, by an insider who has both lived and worked there for some 20 years . . . ordinarily, I'm not a big fan of such books, but I had fun with this one and only regret that I was listening to it when driving to work in Pennsylvania . . . it would have been so much meaningful to have it in hand when actually taking the tours that the author describes. Buckley interjects lots of humor into what ordinarily could be a dull topic; however, he also gives mini-history lessons that taught me things about the city that I never knew . . . though he also presents information about the Arlington National Cemetery, which isn't even Washington, I enjoyed that part perhaps the most because of his mention of the fact that Allard Lowenstein (my all-time favorite politician) is buried there.

I am neither ardent Republican nor Democrat. But, I am an ardent Christopher Buckley fan. I've read most of his books and find him to be unfailingly witty and insightful. And, if you've ever seen him doing his schtick in person, you'd realize that he doesn't take himself that seriously.So, if you scrutinize this book looking for evidence of partisanship, you're surely going to find it. But consider the way Buckley presents it: screaming across the room to get Dick Cheney's attention, he is self-aware enough to acknowledge that his behavior is a source of embarrassment to his children. And as for those who might criticize his penchant for name-dropping, consider the following passage: "For two years I had a White House pass that allowed me everywhere except, of course, the second-floor residence. One time, hearing that Jimmy Cagney was about to get the Medal of Freedom in the East Room - where Abigail Adams hung her wash out to dry, where Lincoln's body lay in state, and where I once sat behind Dynasty star Joan Collins while she and husband number four (I think it was) spelunked in each other's mouths with their tongues while Andy Williams crooned 'Moon River' - I rushed over from the Old Executive Office Building just in time to see President Reagan pin it on the man who had tapped out 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and was now a sad, crumpled, speechless figure in a wheelchair. I remember Reagan putting his hand on Cagney's shoulder and saying how generous he had been 'many years ago to a young contract player on the Warner Brothers lot.'"That's typical of the book and of Christopher Buckley's personal style. Just the right combination of name-dropping, humor and reverence. He's silly when can be, and respectful when he needs to be. His 'Washington Schlepped Here' demonstrates a child-like enthusiasm for museums, an insatiable willingness to learn from Park Rangers and other tour guides, and a respectful reverence for George Washington and (especially) Abraham Lincoln.And despite growing up in a family where Franklin Roosevelt was known only as 'that man,' he pays tribute to the enormity of FDR's achievements when visiting both the FDR Memorial and the Holocaust Museum.For Christopher Buckley fans and newcomers alike, this book is a great read.

First of all, I NEVER buy tour books. I avoid them like the plague in fact. I wouldn't have touched this one if it hadn't been written by C. Buckley, who happens to be a riot to read anyhow, so why the heck not? I loved it. He even managed to not offend my (admittedly swing-voter-ish) Democratic sensibilities. I actually really enjoyed his personal, insider reminiscences, although I am now dying to find out who Mr Code is/was. Call it Buckley's own version of "deep throat," although, of course, Mr Code didn't intend to share his info with anyone. (If you want to know what I'm talking about-read the book). It's thoroughly enjoyable even if you aren't planning on hitting DC any time soon. I basically walked around the Capital, snorting like a coke addict, except without the illegal substance high. I'd recommend this book to anyone who (1) hates tourist books (2) hates tourist buses and matching T-shirts and fanny packs (3) loves being outside and active and (4) has a sense of humor.

Christoper Buckley's "Washington Schlepped Here" was a joy to read, and any one who has an affection for the more wonderful aspects of our Nation's Capitol city will enjoy the read. Buckley admits to having cribbed a lot of his facts from other books, and also relays anecdotes he picked up on various other walking tours, but is sly wit and true love of the city are what shine through, and his suggested tours would in fact be interesting.Buckley is a Republican and that comes through, but in a good way, as he spent time in Reagan's White House, and he weaves historical tales with his time there, and it works to great satisfaction. He reserves special affection for the memorials to Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Pierre L'Enfant, the original designer of the city, who, if you've visted here, has only one section of the city named for him, L'Enfant Plaza, which, as Buckley notes, is in SW DC, "hidden behind the Energy Department & U.S. Postal Service, ehich is just as well, as it looks like it was designed by Stalin". Buckley mixes wit like this with thr true stories he's heard in his 22 years in the city, and each tale it told with relish and appreciation for the people who built the monuments and lasting impressions of the city. He describes the Capitol as the "zero milestone for American Democracy", and tells with reverence of Lincoln's final hours and of his memorial.All in all, it is a fast read, but if you like DC, and especially if you live here, it's like a pocket guide to the city's greatest hits. A fun all around read.