If I love watching The West Wing...

[AnnPerkins]

...what books might I like?

I’ve just finished watching it through yet again and I miss it already. I wish the whole series was available in book form then I could read and re-read them as often as I re-watch the DVDs.

But it’s not...so can anybody recommen anything similar I could try?

Ooh following, I have no recommendations though I'm sorry!

Hi! We can wait together

No idea, but while you're waiting can you tell me why I'm going to love the West Wing?

Never seen it. Bought the complete series a few months ago as I know people on here often rave about it, but as I have no interest in politics I'm not entirely sure why I did. I watched the first 20 mins last night and didn't mind it (and it was quite amusing) but I'm not 100% convinced.

So please, what makes you love it so much?

If you can get hold of a series called the Circle and the Cross by Caiseal Mor, it's fantastic.

And if you want something to watch - Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It's another Aaron Sorkin show, a lot of the same cast and crew as the West Wing. You'll probably have to order it, but it's absolutely brilliant.

So please, what makes you love it so much?

I love it for the characters. mostly. The politics is there but it's only there to get these particular characters together, IYSWIM. The writing is totally wonderful as is the acting.

Oh and Jed Bartlet is the best president America never had.

I'm probably not going to sell it very well. It's just...nice telly. The characters are likeable and believable, and the political machinations are fascinating - even if I only understand about 50% of them!

I watch it nowadays to soothe my fevered soul re Trump.

Also Rob Lowe.

@MidniteScribbler thank you for your recommendations. I'm actually looking for books about politics. But realistic, not too thriller-y.

I've just bought House of Cards, it's only £1.99 on Kindle at the moment.

Ahh The West Wing, such great telly.

Brilliant characters who you root for, superb acting, excellent writing and humour.

What's not to love .

..and a will they/won't they story between Josh and Donna.

I haven't seen The West Wing, but it sounds like you could enjoy House of Cards (the American version, on Netflix). There are 4 series, with the fifth yet to be shown. I have got as far as the start of series 3 and am loving it. Kevin Spacey in the main role, if that makes a difference to you. I think he is great in it, but knowing about the allegations against him does make me see his role in a slightly different light.

Sorry, sorry. Just re-read your OP and I see you are looking for books recommendations.

House of Cards was brilliant and Kevin Spacey was terrific.

While you’re waiting for book recommendations, you could also try the podcast The West Wing Weekly. It’s really really good. Especially for WW —nerds-- super fans

Bah! Strike through fail

I've read a lot of books and I can't think of a single one that is "like" West Wing.

What qualities do you want the book to emulate?

US Politics?

Groups working together ?

Lots of witty dialogue?

Yes House of Cards is excellent.

I love TWW too.

Some of the books on this list were used as reference points by the West Wing's scriptwriters, including Sorkin, or written by people who advised the show - others are just interesting.

Spin Cycle by Howard Kurtz
All's Fair by Mary Matalin and James Carville
Why Women Should Rule the World by Dee Dee Myers
The Nine by Jeffery Toobin

I also really like reading stuff about the Kennedy family, and you should definitely listen to Hamilton: An American Musical if you haven't discovered it already. It's the most West Wingy thing that isn't the West Wing, for very good reason.

If you can get hold of it there is also 'Sports Night' also by Sorkin a half hour comedy about a sports show! Sounds dreadful-is brilliant!

I've seen all of the US House of Cards to date. It's much darker than TWW but I did really enjoy it. Once upon a time I might have said it's a little far-fetched but not by today's standards!

I used to listen to some of the TWW podcasts when I was out running but the geekery is a bit too much for me. I still follow it on Twitter though.

Novels about US or UK politics are what I think I'd like to try.

What about Bill Clinton's novel ?

The President Is Missing?

I've never heard of that. It's by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. I do like a Patterson potboiler

£9.99 on kindle though

Fairly sure it's cheaper in ASDA

Not books but i loved the West Wing, The Sopranos, Justified, The Handmaids Tail (there is one book), Scandal, Six

How about American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld? It's a fictionalised account of the life of Laura Bush (George W Bush's wife) and is a fascinating story, also a real eye-opener to the super rich political elite families.