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22 reviews for:
A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President
Jeffrey Toobin
3.62 AVERAGE
22 reviews for:
A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President
Jeffrey Toobin
3.62 AVERAGE
This book has clearly been extensively researched, much of the detail is presented to us, but rather than it being a readable gathering of what happened os we can draw our own conclusions. We have endless ramblings and assertions that are clearly shaped by the author's own views. It is clear in this book that he has a sexist view of women, he shows the same fascination for salacious detail that figured so heavily in the way this case was presented in the media, which is disappointing. It is a shame there is a good story in here fighting to get out.
With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Even with Toobin acknowledging both his, the media, and the nation’s inherent sexism in the late 90’s in a new foreword provided post Me Too Movement in 2018, it’s hard to get past the distracting sexism and not so veiled misogyny of the author voice when he originally wrote the book in 2000.
Very interesting topic and moments of genuinely interesting examination of the publics obsession around an extramarital affair, but overall disappointing given the dated tone.
Very interesting topic and moments of genuinely interesting examination of the publics obsession around an extramarital affair, but overall disappointing given the dated tone.
informative
slow-paced
I read this for two reasons: first, because of the planned season for American Crime Story based in part on this book. Second, having been alive during this time period, I was interested in how it was written.
This is about the Clinton impeachment. And as I read, I remember how it unfolded in the media; I remembered what I thought at the time. I learned things I didn't know, had a better grasp of what was and was not going on.
I'd read that Monica Lewinsky is a producer for the planned season, and I'll say this: this book is not always kind to her. So that she is involved in this makes me respect her all the more: and I do respect the hell out of her, for what she's gone through, and what she's done since.
Back to the book: I'm impressed with how much research was done, and how many people the author talked to, to get so much information, and then to put it together in a narrative that makes sense. If, like me, you're old enough to remember this, it's worth the read to discover what you didn't know. Or, also, to see if as time has passed, any of your judgments have changed.
And if this is "history" to you, it's worth it to read, because what happened then didn't end then. It's helped shape today's political landscape.
This is about the Clinton impeachment. And as I read, I remember how it unfolded in the media; I remembered what I thought at the time. I learned things I didn't know, had a better grasp of what was and was not going on.
I'd read that Monica Lewinsky is a producer for the planned season, and I'll say this: this book is not always kind to her. So that she is involved in this makes me respect her all the more: and I do respect the hell out of her, for what she's gone through, and what she's done since.
Back to the book: I'm impressed with how much research was done, and how many people the author talked to, to get so much information, and then to put it together in a narrative that makes sense. If, like me, you're old enough to remember this, it's worth the read to discover what you didn't know. Or, also, to see if as time has passed, any of your judgments have changed.
And if this is "history" to you, it's worth it to read, because what happened then didn't end then. It's helped shape today's political landscape.
dark
funny
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Ah the good ol days when a President having an extramarital affair with a consenting adult was our nation's biggest scandal.
Toobin is good at breaking down legalese for the rest of us. As he did in Run Of His Life, he shows the maneuvering of powers that converged in an unlikely way for a trial that descended into farce. But unlike the OJ Simpson trial, which took time to get there, Clinton's was ridiculous from the beginning.
There are numerous people here, each with their own agenda and Toobin lends honesty and clarity to each of them. There were no winners in this scandal; everyone came off bad (except, perhaps for Monica Lewinsky who was used for her body by the President and harassed and bullied by his desperate adversaries in the Starr office). Though Toobin cuts through the bs to show that Clinton was railroaded, he also gives equal measure to Clinton's hubris and that of his lawyers. It's as evenhanded of a portrayal as one can expect.
Toobin is good at breaking down legalese for the rest of us. As he did in Run Of His Life, he shows the maneuvering of powers that converged in an unlikely way for a trial that descended into farce. But unlike the OJ Simpson trial, which took time to get there, Clinton's was ridiculous from the beginning.
There are numerous people here, each with their own agenda and Toobin lends honesty and clarity to each of them. There were no winners in this scandal; everyone came off bad (except, perhaps for Monica Lewinsky who was used for her body by the President and harassed and bullied by his desperate adversaries in the Starr office). Though Toobin cuts through the bs to show that Clinton was railroaded, he also gives equal measure to Clinton's hubris and that of his lawyers. It's as evenhanded of a portrayal as one can expect.
medium-paced
dark
informative
medium-paced
I read this book because of the new season of American Crime Story and that I really enjoyed reading Toobin’s other book that ACS was based on. This book was super informative around the events of this scandal and I felt it was especially eye opening since I wasn’t old enough to follow it at the time and didn’t learn any details later on. It’s almost shocking how many people were involved in one way or another and that made it difficult to follow. Because it’s difficult to follow it was hard to stay engaged. However, the real reason for the lower rating is even with Toobin’s updated opening, he is downright awful to Monica Lewinsly who was the real victim in all this. Regardless, I definitely recommend season 3 of ACS.