Face-Time

by Erik Tarloff

Set up in his trendy Dupont Circle condo, devouring all the perks of A-list society, and impressively navigating the intricate machinations of top-level politics, young Ben Krause seems to have it made. The fast-rising speechwriter for the newly inaugurated Charles Sheffield, Ben is living the ideal Washington life --- and is sharing it with his girlfriend, White House staffer Gretchen Burns. There's just one Gretchen is sleeping with the president. Gretchen swears her love for Ben and vows to do anything to ensure their future happiness...except end the affair. After all, she's won the ultimate one-on-one "facetime" with the president. And, perhaps not coincidentally, Ben's stock as a speechwriter has never been higher...

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kristin Fouquet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a writer as fine as Mr. Tarloff could keep me engaged throughout a novel regardless of my disliking the two main characters.

[Jeffrey Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when Erik and Laura were still in Washington (Laura worked for Clinton). A lot of the story is about what it's like to be just outside the circle of power in DC. The book has a lot in common with Primary Colors in that it portrays a randy president but whereas Primary Colors is about the campaign to win the presidency, Face Time is about what happens after the election. Erik Tarloff is one of our best writers of humor. He deserves a wider readership.

[Heather McChesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are into politics, if you are into scandal, if you are into conspiracy theories, if you are into a page turner, then this is the book for you! I was repulsed, addicted, irritated, understanding, etc throughout the whole read! Pick up a copy.

[Darlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not age well, and the story would not pass today’s social standards especially in light of the Me Too movement and sexual harassment in the workplace. A page turner nevertheless that kept me occupied while traveling these past two weeks.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugly narrative of political power and the power of sex. Wish I hadn't read it.

[Austin Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

gosh why does everyone in this book suck

[Arnetra · Rating 4 out of 5]

what would you do if something so unexpected like this happened to you? DO you believe in once in a life time opportunities?

Well, this book proved to me that every once in a life time event isn't always worth taking because what happens as a result of this " once in a life time" moment can ruin everything else. Its about a girl who loves this guy but not enough to pass up a much better guy.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in first person, the guy's girlfriend/best friend/soulmate is found to be having sex with his boss, who happens to be the president of the United States. Do you live with it? How? A really good read, best I've had in quite a while. Highly recommend it to anyone into politics or sticky situations with no really good answer.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a man dealing with the fact that his girlfriend is sleeping with the President. This problem is compiounded by the fact that he is working fairly close with the President. Lots of laughs from a very decent writer.

[Yukari Watanabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just remembered reading this book. It's not a masterpiece kind of book, but easy and fun read. I still remember having a "what would you do, if she was you?" kind of discussion with my husband. Thought provoking, too.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever novel, fun to read.

[Pmcdnld2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about life in DC. A presidential speechwriter finds out his girlfriedn is sleeping with the President. Interesting view of the allure of "power."

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and fun book to read.

[Daryle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this one in a day. It was a fun read. I would recommend it to anyone interested in politics and scandal!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bantam-weight fun.