The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Exposed my Wife's CIA Identity. A Diplomat's MemoirJoseph Wilson, $26
Who wrote it? "Ambassador Joseph Wilson," as the publisher calls the former diplomat.
What's the gist? The White House broke the law trying to assassinate the character of Joseph Wilson, who is an amazing diplomat and friend to many celebrities. Who's Joseph Wilson? Please consult the hundreds of pages in this autobiography.
How long is it? More than 450 pages. 325 are Wilson's chronology of his years as a diplomat, and 125 are the story of how he exposed a lie in the 2003 State of the Union speech – and was then targeted (along with his wife, a CIA agent whose name was revealed) by White House flacks and journalists. There are an additional 25 pages of newspaper op-eds Wilson wrote in 2003.
Writing style? Dry and plodding, with occasional jabs at celebrities that sometimes work and sometimes don't. Wilson recounts some events day by day, including the times of phone calls he received and TV shows he was invited on.
Typical quote? "At Mayaki's urging, I gave Wanke a crash course in what he would need to know if he was going to succeed as chief of state."
Revelations? The Daily Show is filmed in the Jon Stewart Comedy Central building. The building itself is named after him. Also, the CIA's memorial to fallen agents does not reveal their names.
Surprises? Not really any. The story has been covered to death by the media.
Conspiracy theories? Karl Rove didn't himself discover that Wilson's wife was a CIA agent, but he called journalists to tip them off in the hopes they would reveal it. Also, the White House will stoop to anything to silence dissent, including (Wilson speculates) physical harm.
Insult-o-meter (out of 10)? 4. Wilson is careful to praise the people he likes and ruefully dismiss the people he doesn't. Sean Hannity is "easily one of the least interesting people I have ever spoken to." Bob Novak is "Bob No-Facts." He doesn't do much tearing into Bush, though, preferring to malign his advisors.
Bias-meter (out of 10)? 3. Wilson isn't very partisan, as he tells the many TV hosts he meets throughout the book. He doesn't talk about his assistance of John Kerry or express a pure hatred for George W. Bush. In fact, he speaks very kindly of his dad. The only bias is a trend toward self-obsession – Wilson begins the book with four dedications thanking a total seven family members, and compares his plight to Dante's.
Overall worth? Maybe $5. Priceless if you yourself are Joseph Wilson.
