Walk With Us: How "The West Wing Changed Our Lives" edited by Claire Handscombe
I have a blog based on a television show. I have TWO podcasts based on television shows. I named my daughter after a television show. So I clearly embrace the idea that it's not silly to have a show mean so much to you. In fact, I understand just how alternate reality can focus you and give you perspective... perspective that turns out to be very real even if its catalyst is fictional.
Walk With Us was an immensely touching dedication to Aaron Sorkin's work of art. Various viewers contributed their own stories about just how The West Wing changed their outlook on the world, inspired them to enter into public service and has given them a safe haven when life was anything but kind.
Although the voices of the contributors are varied, the experiences are so eerily similar that the change in writers is neither jarring not distracting. And Handscombe's editing enhances that familiarity that rings through the entire book.
All fans of The West Wing should pick up this one. #bartlet4america
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Synopsis:
The West Wing premiered in 1999. That’s a long time ago. Back then, we were worrying about the Millennium Bug, paying $700 for DVD players, and using pagers. 1999: a century ago. And yet, the show continues to have an impact that is arguably unique. If you live or work in DC, references to it are inescapable. People have walked down the aisle to the theme music. Or they’ve named children, pets, GPS systems, and even an iPhone app after the characters. Or they’ve started Twitter accounts as the characters to continue the storyline and comment on current political events. Or they credit it for closer relationships with their family members or a way out of depression. In this anthology of quotes and essays, contributors from six countries, ranging in age from twenty to seventy years old, tell their West Wing stories.
*Note: This review copy was given to me by the editor. All opinions expressed in this post are wholly my own, except those of the author. Bear Allen cannot be bought! *