Sammy’s Hill (2004)

by Kristin Gore

Genre: Chick Lit

Maybe I’m stereotyping a bit, but I never would have imagined that the daughter of a politician could have me laughing hysterically!  Kristin Gore (Al’s daughter) brings Washington to life with her main character, Samantha (Sammy) Joyce.  Sammy is a young senatorial aid who is dedicated to bringing better health care to seniors.  She’s also a self-deprecating hypochondriac whose love life is a mess and who finds herself constantly in sticky Bridget Jones-esque situations.  She insists on having fish as pets, for example, though she can’t keep them alive.  She does have the flushing ceremony down pat, complete with the song “Octopus’s Garden” playing in the background as the fish are flushed to their watery graves.  Despite her quirks, as you delve into her personal and professional life, you find yourself becoming proud of the girl as she stands up for what’s right… no matter how much trouble it lands her in.

Gore’s debut novel is one of the funniest I’ve read in awhile; and, I’ve just discovered that the sequel, Sammy’s House, was released in July of this year. 

If you love comedy and politics, try these out, and let me know what you think.