Hope Never Dies

Hope Never Dies

2018 • 305 pages

Ratings3

Average rating4

15

I thought that it was great genre work; a wry romp of a fictional Biden in position of an amateur detective or PI. This had parts that made me laugh: Joe likes ice cream (which I believe to be true), Jill likes reading harlequins/bodice rippers (not sure if true, but fun to picture). There's also mention of “Orange Mocha Frappuccinos”, which I can't help but read and hear as it's said in Zoolander, attempts at fist bumps, diners (I thought the Waffle Depot was play on Waffle House, but there might be one in VA), and a high speed chase.

There are a few oblique references to the 45th president such as “Tweeter-in-chief” and at the end of the book it's hinted at that (fictional) Biden considers running again -- which was why there was some tension between him and Obama. Obama wanted to give him space in case he was running, but Biden mistook it as their friendship was fading.

I was so happy when Biden mentions Malcom Gladwell: ‘Getting the legs moving supposedly has a synergistic effect with brain synapses (that's what Malcom Gladwell told me once).'

I thought that the part about "That's what happens when you take a sandal to a stiletto fight" was hilarious.

August 12, 2023