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American Reckoning: Inside Trump's Trial―and My Own
A vivid eyewitness account of the historic first criminal trial of a president and a cri de coeur for democracy from a New York Times bestselling author and presidential historian.
As one of a handful of journalists allowed in the courtroom, for 23 days Jonathan Alter sat just feet away from the most dangerous threat to democracy in American history, watching the spectacle of the century: the felony trial of Donald Trump. Highly publicized but untelevised and thus largely hidden from public view, this landmark trial offered hope of real justice amid a grueling eight-year national ordeal and foreshadowed the drama of the 2024 presidential election.
Alter shares everything he witnessed—from eviscerating takes on the colorful characters to the chilling legal ups and downs—to offer a barbed account of the trial and its aftermath, including fresh reporting about the historic events of the summer of 2024. A Zelig of journalism experiencing a crisis of faith in the good sense of the American people, Alter chronicles the shaping of his political consciousness and his bracing, unpredictable relationships with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, and Joe Biden, whose decision to stand down in favor of former prosecutor Kamala Harris put the criminal trial front and center as Americans render their own verdict at the polls.
Deeply personal and passionate, American Reckoning is an eye-opening book from a journalist with a front row seat on history, offering a troubled yet hopeful look at our national moment of truth.
As one of a handful of journalists allowed in the courtroom, for 23 days Jonathan Alter sat just feet away from the most dangerous threat to democracy in American history, watching the spectacle of the century: the felony trial of Donald Trump. Highly publicized but untelevised and thus largely hidden from public view, this landmark trial offered hope of real justice amid a grueling eight-year national ordeal and foreshadowed the drama of the 2024 presidential election.
Alter shares everything he witnessed—from eviscerating takes on the colorful characters to the chilling legal ups and downs—to offer a barbed account of the trial and its aftermath, including fresh reporting about the historic events of the summer of 2024. A Zelig of journalism experiencing a crisis of faith in the good sense of the American people, Alter chronicles the shaping of his political consciousness and his bracing, unpredictable relationships with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, and Joe Biden, whose decision to stand down in favor of former prosecutor Kamala Harris put the criminal trial front and center as Americans render their own verdict at the polls.
Deeply personal and passionate, American Reckoning is an eye-opening book from a journalist with a front row seat on history, offering a troubled yet hopeful look at our national moment of truth.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 22, 2024
5 people are currently reading
3751 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Alter
18 books167 followersJonathan Alter is an award-winning author, political analyst, documentary filmmaker, columnist, television producer and radio host. His new book, published in 2020, is "His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life." He is the author of three New York Times bestsellers: “The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies”(2013), “The Promise: President Obama, Year One” (2010) and “The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope”(2006), also one of the Times’ “Notable Books” of the year. Since 1996, Alter has been a contributing correspondent and political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. In 2019, he co-produced and co-directed the HBO documentary, “Breslin and Hamill: Deadline Artists.”
After 28 years as a columnist and senior editor at Newsweek, where he wrote more than 50 cover stories, Alter is now a columnist for the Daily Beast and the co-host, with his wife, Emily Lazar, and their three children, Charlotte Alter, Tommy Alter, and Molly Alter, of “Alter Family Politics,” which airs Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. on RadioAndy on SiriusXM, 102. He is the winner of numerous awards, including the National Headliner Award for his coverage of 9/11, the Gerald Loeb Award, and the Book Award from the New Jersey Council of the Humanities. In 2019, he was one of the inaugural inductees into the New Jersey Journalism Hall of Fame.
A Chicago native, Harvard graduate and resident of Montclair, New Jersey, Alter has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Monthly, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The New Republic, Esquire, Bloomberg View and other publications. In the 2013-2014 season, he served as an executive producer of “Alpha House,” a 21-episode half-hour political comedy available on Amazon.
After 28 years as a columnist and senior editor at Newsweek, where he wrote more than 50 cover stories, Alter is now a columnist for the Daily Beast and the co-host, with his wife, Emily Lazar, and their three children, Charlotte Alter, Tommy Alter, and Molly Alter, of “Alter Family Politics,” which airs Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. on RadioAndy on SiriusXM, 102. He is the winner of numerous awards, including the National Headliner Award for his coverage of 9/11, the Gerald Loeb Award, and the Book Award from the New Jersey Council of the Humanities. In 2019, he was one of the inaugural inductees into the New Jersey Journalism Hall of Fame.
A Chicago native, Harvard graduate and resident of Montclair, New Jersey, Alter has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Monthly, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The New Republic, Esquire, Bloomberg View and other publications. In the 2013-2014 season, he served as an executive producer of “Alpha House,” a 21-episode half-hour political comedy available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 21, 2024
This is an odd one. A memoir, a biography, a hot take on one of the most explosive legal events in modern American history, bolstered by an insider's perspective ... the trial diaries and compulsive musings of a journalist with special access and the experience to process it.
Alter narrates his diary pre, during, and post the Trump trial. We go all the way back to his mother's political charting (now that would be an interesting read ... hint, hint) to the latest events (as of recording), including Kamala Harris taking over after Biden stepped down. Alter offers details that the reader may or may not know about what went on in the trial itself, including his own opinions and ponderings and a few trips down memory lane. He doesn’t bother with much objectivity here, which might not be to everyone’s liking, but at least you know where he stands.
I'm just left wondering ... to anyone who supports Trump, after all this, why? How? I would love to read a sober, reasoned position statement that goes beyond emotional appeal and superficial claims ... and is based in reality. I commiserate with Alter on one point in particular: I yearn to go back to a time where facts mattered, where words matters, where reality mattered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook.
Alter narrates his diary pre, during, and post the Trump trial. We go all the way back to his mother's political charting (now that would be an interesting read ... hint, hint) to the latest events (as of recording), including Kamala Harris taking over after Biden stepped down. Alter offers details that the reader may or may not know about what went on in the trial itself, including his own opinions and ponderings and a few trips down memory lane. He doesn’t bother with much objectivity here, which might not be to everyone’s liking, but at least you know where he stands.
I'm just left wondering ... to anyone who supports Trump, after all this, why? How? I would love to read a sober, reasoned position statement that goes beyond emotional appeal and superficial claims ... and is based in reality. I commiserate with Alter on one point in particular: I yearn to go back to a time where facts mattered, where words matters, where reality mattered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook.
October 14, 2024
First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial- And My Own was a first hand account of Trump’s criminal trial written and narrated by Jonathan Alter, one of the few journalists who was allowed in the courtroom.
I thought this book was well written and interesting. The author has obvious opinions but did a good job at reporting the trial, both the actual happenings and the vibes in the courtroom, objectively. I don’t know that I really learned anything that new, but I did enjoy hearing a first hand account of the events.
3.75⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial- And My Own was a first hand account of Trump’s criminal trial written and narrated by Jonathan Alter, one of the few journalists who was allowed in the courtroom.
I thought this book was well written and interesting. The author has obvious opinions but did a good job at reporting the trial, both the actual happenings and the vibes in the courtroom, objectively. I don’t know that I really learned anything that new, but I did enjoy hearing a first hand account of the events.
3.75⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
November 7, 2024
Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of this audiobook.
This was more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I found the book to be a very detailed account of Trump’s trial with call backs to other Trump history. It weaves in the author’s personal experiences during this time as well. Alter’s personal and family history in politics and as a writer and author prove to be an interesting lens in which to view this damning trial.
This is a book that I wish did not have to be written, but is an important account of this unfortunate period of history that we are living through in present time. This book will probably be a valuable historical account in a few generations when the pendulum (hopefully) swings back from maga populism.
I am editing this review to add that I wish more people in the USA read books. That’s all. 11/6/24
This was more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I found the book to be a very detailed account of Trump’s trial with call backs to other Trump history. It weaves in the author’s personal experiences during this time as well. Alter’s personal and family history in politics and as a writer and author prove to be an interesting lens in which to view this damning trial.
This is a book that I wish did not have to be written, but is an important account of this unfortunate period of history that we are living through in present time. This book will probably be a valuable historical account in a few generations when the pendulum (hopefully) swings back from maga populism.
I am editing this review to add that I wish more people in the USA read books. That’s all. 11/6/24
November 17, 2024
I’ll admit, I found this book far more captivating than I expected. “American Reckoning” gives you a front-row seat to the absolute circus that is Donald Trump’s felony trial, with Alter offering his personal take on all the madness that went down. Blending Trump’s chaotic rise with his own sharp political insights, it felt like I was getting an incredibly rare, behind-the-scenes look at a courtroom drama—especially considering cameras were banned like it was some top-secret operation. Alter’s storytelling is vivid and electric, bringing the entire mess to life as he introduces the key players, the wild plot twists, and all the jaw-dropping drama, while also weaving in his own career highs, lows, and those oh-so-human moments that make you realize even insiders like Alter are just trying to make sense of it all. With a perfect blend of snark, passion, and surprisingly hopeful moments, “American Reckoning” is so much more than just another trial recap. It’s essential reading for anyone trying to untangle the chaos that’s shaping the future of American politics. If you’re looking for an insightful (and honestly entertaining) look at this chaotic chapter in history, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. You won’t regret it.
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!!
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!!
October 20, 2024
From start to finish, the author lays bare the facts of Trump’s actions and guilt. The book starts as a narration of his indictment in the Stormy Daniels hush money case (in which he is found guilty). It ends with an analysis of past pivotal presidential elections including Lincoln’s election which changed the course of American democracy. The book is current up to Kamala’s nomination and Trump’s floundering responses. It appeals to our better nature to elect a president who will not hold onto power at any cost. It is published just in time for the election. We know what a Trump presidency will look like and we can’t go back to that. I’m in shock that anyone wants to elect an insurrectionist but here we are. “With fear for our democracy, I dissent.”
February 25, 2025
So glad I read this book. Interesting to learn more details about the disgusting nature of our current felon President through the hush money trial. It is unfortunately important to be reminded of how trump literally loves and idolizes hitler and he’s such a fuckhead sexual abuser and narcissist liar manipulator draft dodger tax fraud criminal which we have to keep reminding everyone about!!!!! But, my favorite parts of this read were Part 1 and Part 3. I loved reading about Alter’s journey as a reporter, the number of presidents he has interviewed, the hundreds of people who have impacted American politics, really cool tidbits of US history, and being reminded of the hope we felt when Kamala announced her candidacy. I know we’ll feel that again someday soon.
July 5, 2025
Quite excellent. Well-written. First-person account of Trump’s trial where he was convicted of 34 felonies. The trial was not televised, so this book is an important history of every moment. Published before the 2024 Presidential Election, Jonathan Alter nevertheless knew - and shared - what we all should have known. That Trump is unfit for office. That Project 2025 was the blueprint for his 2nd term. That he is following it to the letter.
February 5, 2025
Disappointing. After reading and loving Alter’s Jimmy Carter biography “His Very Best”, I was surprised to feel so let down by this. It’s very clear from the beginning that this is as much a memoir it is an account of political history. That being said, I wasn’t a fan of the author making himself the story. Not to say his life isn’t interesting— Alter seems to have a “Forrest Gump”-esque connection to much of the recent political past, including meeting Marting Luther King Jr. in his living room.
Much of this book is like a blog written in the style of an old-school liberal #ResistanceTwitter boomer. And I mean, undoubtedly, that’s kind of what Alter is. His accounts of Trump’s trial is littered with dated references, offhand remarks about how he perceives the jurors, and even a tasteless and creepy remark about how Stormy Daniels is “like a younger, hipper, saucier Claire McCaskill- if McCaskill had chosen strip clubs over the Senate.” Dude, gross.
In terms of content, it’s a fairly reliable retelling of the trial that resulted in 34 guilty verdicts for Trump. But if you’re political junkie like me, there’s really nothing new to be said here, unless Alter’s commentary is your taste, which it clearly isn’t for me. Also, finishing this two weeks into Trump’s second term is depressing. A good bit about this is Alter warning about the consequences that could come from electing this convicted felon and now that it’s happened and it’s as bad (and worse) than expected, I just feel sad. I also had to stop reading a book about Trump’s first term recently because the news about his second term is too distressing. Knowing me, I’ll probably still read whatever books about Trump come out this term but if any are written by Jonathan Alter, I think I’ll pass.
Much of this book is like a blog written in the style of an old-school liberal #ResistanceTwitter boomer. And I mean, undoubtedly, that’s kind of what Alter is. His accounts of Trump’s trial is littered with dated references, offhand remarks about how he perceives the jurors, and even a tasteless and creepy remark about how Stormy Daniels is “like a younger, hipper, saucier Claire McCaskill- if McCaskill had chosen strip clubs over the Senate.” Dude, gross.
In terms of content, it’s a fairly reliable retelling of the trial that resulted in 34 guilty verdicts for Trump. But if you’re political junkie like me, there’s really nothing new to be said here, unless Alter’s commentary is your taste, which it clearly isn’t for me. Also, finishing this two weeks into Trump’s second term is depressing. A good bit about this is Alter warning about the consequences that could come from electing this convicted felon and now that it’s happened and it’s as bad (and worse) than expected, I just feel sad. I also had to stop reading a book about Trump’s first term recently because the news about his second term is too distressing. Knowing me, I’ll probably still read whatever books about Trump come out this term but if any are written by Jonathan Alter, I think I’ll pass.
March 28, 2025
This is a book that Americans should all read. the first part is about the authors deeply personal learning abut politics and his writing about it. The second is the trial of Trump reagarding the hush money laundering in New York where he was convicted with 34 Guilty counts. The third section bring you up to date on the more current events we have all lived thru and will continue living thru with the current president. The first is interesting, the second is mostly entertaining and the third most importan
I could read that third section over and over - and will. It is so insightful and telling about the president who only cares about himself and power. I encourage anyone who read this to read this book. Make up your own mind about this felon.
I could read that third section over and over - and will. It is so insightful and telling about the president who only cares about himself and power. I encourage anyone who read this to read this book. Make up your own mind about this felon.
August 10, 2025
Really excellent book about the Trump trial. The author’s use of very short chapters is refreshing. Lots of detail, but very focused. Author definitely has as strong point-of-view that I enjoyed. It was published before the election, so Trump’s victory was still unknown.
February 9, 2025
4.5 Stars - this was not an easy read to get through due to current events, good journalism though. It restated facts from last year (and prior) that I needed restated. But wow oh wow did this predict the future to a tee 💔
December 21, 2024
If you enjoyed Liz Cheney's "fly on the wall" memoir, Of Oath And Honor, you will probably like this. It's "A vivid eyewitness account of the historic first criminal trial of an American president". Alter is a best selling author and a presidential historian and writes the book as part memoir of his own political family background and part journal from his eye witness seat at the hush money trial.
Because their were no cameras permitted in the courtroom, it allows the reader to get a detailed view of the events and testimonies, including Stormy Daniels' candid testimony, to Michael Cohen's admission of lies he felt compelled to state to protect his boss, to the mistakes and victories made by attorneys of both sides.
It is not, however totally impartial. Alter makes it clear which side he is on:
"It is often said that Barack Obama made Donald Trump possible: the backlash against him sent things spinning in the wrong direction. Maybe so, but Obama also made genuine, unbridled idealism possible. For a whole generation, he did what JFK had done in 1960 and Kamala Harris would do in 2024. In that sense, the success of Obama's presidency made the dread and disillusionment of the Trump era feel even worse."
"Do I want to bring my life to a standstill for weeks or even months to cover this trial? In a funny way, it's not really up to me. I'm gonna cover it because I have to - I'm compelled to.
I have to, after Trump didn't lift a finger to save lives of Capitol police officers, the House Speaker, and his own vice president;
I have to, after the "find me 11,789 votes" tape from Georgia and Trump ruining the lives of election workers with his lies;
I have to, after Trump refused to return the nuclear secrets he had stolen, then sold out Ukrain and promised to bring "retribution" and "suspend the Constitution".
I know he's on trial in New York for different crimes, but he is a career criminal and must be stopped. His crimes against decency and democracy are now so numerous that they blur together and numb us into complacency. Which is one more reason I have to slap myself in the face and report for duty."
There is some of legalese that was over my head, and as court cases go, some slow parts, but overall a good view inside an important part of our history.
Because their were no cameras permitted in the courtroom, it allows the reader to get a detailed view of the events and testimonies, including Stormy Daniels' candid testimony, to Michael Cohen's admission of lies he felt compelled to state to protect his boss, to the mistakes and victories made by attorneys of both sides.
It is not, however totally impartial. Alter makes it clear which side he is on:
"It is often said that Barack Obama made Donald Trump possible: the backlash against him sent things spinning in the wrong direction. Maybe so, but Obama also made genuine, unbridled idealism possible. For a whole generation, he did what JFK had done in 1960 and Kamala Harris would do in 2024. In that sense, the success of Obama's presidency made the dread and disillusionment of the Trump era feel even worse."
"Do I want to bring my life to a standstill for weeks or even months to cover this trial? In a funny way, it's not really up to me. I'm gonna cover it because I have to - I'm compelled to.
I have to, after Trump didn't lift a finger to save lives of Capitol police officers, the House Speaker, and his own vice president;
I have to, after the "find me 11,789 votes" tape from Georgia and Trump ruining the lives of election workers with his lies;
I have to, after Trump refused to return the nuclear secrets he had stolen, then sold out Ukrain and promised to bring "retribution" and "suspend the Constitution".
I know he's on trial in New York for different crimes, but he is a career criminal and must be stopped. His crimes against decency and democracy are now so numerous that they blur together and numb us into complacency. Which is one more reason I have to slap myself in the face and report for duty."
There is some of legalese that was over my head, and as court cases go, some slow parts, but overall a good view inside an important part of our history.
October 21, 2024
By "felony trial of Donald Trump" you mean "fake trial of Donald Trump"?
The kangaroo court show trial put on by democrat prosecutor, democrat judge and democrat jury -- all of whom admitted or acted, prior to trial, in a way to prove their own incapability of rendering justice fairly?
The one that's going to be tossed on appeal, just like all the rest?
Man. I hope neither you nor anybody else is ever subject to such a rigged and coordinated act of lawfare ever again.
But you know what always happens. Time after time. The Democrats run a new nuclear option then they're surprised when it bites them in the ass just a few years later.
I wonder if the statutes of limitations for all of Hillary's crimes have run yet. Never mind what a Trump appointed special prosecutor (legally appointed, unlike crazy Smith) is going to do with Slow Joe on all the state secrets he stole and stashed behind the 'Vette for use in the family "cash for influence" business. Of which, obviously, he knew nothing. Until they proved he was sitting right there when Hunter was on the phone shakin em down for cash.
Despicable and sad people. We need them out to restore actual justice! ⚖️🇺🇸
The kangaroo court show trial put on by democrat prosecutor, democrat judge and democrat jury -- all of whom admitted or acted, prior to trial, in a way to prove their own incapability of rendering justice fairly?
The one that's going to be tossed on appeal, just like all the rest?
Man. I hope neither you nor anybody else is ever subject to such a rigged and coordinated act of lawfare ever again.
But you know what always happens. Time after time. The Democrats run a new nuclear option then they're surprised when it bites them in the ass just a few years later.
I wonder if the statutes of limitations for all of Hillary's crimes have run yet. Never mind what a Trump appointed special prosecutor (legally appointed, unlike crazy Smith) is going to do with Slow Joe on all the state secrets he stole and stashed behind the 'Vette for use in the family "cash for influence" business. Of which, obviously, he knew nothing. Until they proved he was sitting right there when Hunter was on the phone shakin em down for cash.
Despicable and sad people. We need them out to restore actual justice! ⚖️🇺🇸
December 13, 2024
Interesting read. The book is in three parts, no chapters but segments within in each part about the subject he is discussing. His personal history in part 1 was kind of interesting but I was more interested in what he observed during the election interference trial.
Part 2, the trial, was presented by diary excerpts -- which were not at all dry reading, but takes the reader into the courtroom with him. Some good artist renderings, I think from the court artists, are included.
Part 3 is where we were prior to the election -- just before. Alter clearly saw the danger that was coming if Harris did not win. I'd love to see a follow up of the post election issues as Alter sees them.
Part 2, the trial, was presented by diary excerpts -- which were not at all dry reading, but takes the reader into the courtroom with him. Some good artist renderings, I think from the court artists, are included.
Part 3 is where we were prior to the election -- just before. Alter clearly saw the danger that was coming if Harris did not win. I'd love to see a follow up of the post election issues as Alter sees them.
October 11, 2024
The only Trump criminal trial to take place before the 2024 election and Alter was there and has been able to report on not just the facts of the case but also the vibe, jury reactions, Trump's demeanor. Read the by author, this was easy to listen to and covered the facts without getting too much in the weeds of all the testimony.
It also covered some personal history and some political history - all very helpful to orient the listener.
I recommend this for anyone interested in Trump's legal morass.
I was given this audiobook by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
It also covered some personal history and some political history - all very helpful to orient the listener.
I recommend this for anyone interested in Trump's legal morass.
I was given this audiobook by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2024
You can also see this review, along with others I have written, at my blog, Mr. Book's Book Reviews.
Thank you, BenBella Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial—and My Own, by Jonathan Alter.
This book will be released on October 22, 2024.
There are three parts to this book. The first part was a memoir of Alter’s life and career. Most of the focus was about him growing up in a very politically active family. That part was interesting, but will not be the reason why anyone will be reading this book.
The second part was, fortunately, the longest part of the book, as well as being the best. It was a look at Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York. The part was written in the form of a diary, with entries for all of the important pretrial activity, as well as very good coverage of the trial. Alter did a great job making the reader feel as though they were at the trial, including plenty of behind the scenes nuggets, such as binoculars and snacks, that one would have to have been there to know about.
The final part was the aftermath, which also including some inside info about Biden dropping out of the 2024 race.
I give this book an A. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
After finishing this book, I ordered the audiobook version, so I will also be able to listen to it.
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
Mr. Book finished reading this on October 17, 2024.
Thank you, BenBella Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial—and My Own, by Jonathan Alter.
This book will be released on October 22, 2024.
There are three parts to this book. The first part was a memoir of Alter’s life and career. Most of the focus was about him growing up in a very politically active family. That part was interesting, but will not be the reason why anyone will be reading this book.
The second part was, fortunately, the longest part of the book, as well as being the best. It was a look at Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York. The part was written in the form of a diary, with entries for all of the important pretrial activity, as well as very good coverage of the trial. Alter did a great job making the reader feel as though they were at the trial, including plenty of behind the scenes nuggets, such as binoculars and snacks, that one would have to have been there to know about.
The final part was the aftermath, which also including some inside info about Biden dropping out of the 2024 race.
I give this book an A. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
After finishing this book, I ordered the audiobook version, so I will also be able to listen to it.
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
Mr. Book finished reading this on October 17, 2024.
November 15, 2024
An in depth observation and reporting of the first criminal trial of an American president, which resulted in 34 felony counts, a rare situation in which former President Trump was held accountable. He was then elected President in the November 2024 election so he may never be sentenced. Author Alter adds humor to the situation, adds his opinions and gives us a rare picture of the entire trial.
May 21, 2025
Dreadful book. The author keeps insisting that he's a witness to history, caught up in great events. But his tone is so frivolous. Nothing is at stake for him, and he knows it. The analysis doesn't rise much beyond hate, and not just for Trump the man, but for his supporters, and the world they come from. And by the way, John McCain was not a saint. In his own way, he could be just as brutal and just as callous as Trump.
January 19, 2025
Part Two - authors journal excerpt: O.J. And Trump: Paragraph three…..”But the O.J. trial sure was fun”
I certainly doubt that the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman agree.
Done ✅
Lost me there.
What an incredibly insensitive and ignorant statement from an educated, seasoned journalist.
I certainly doubt that the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman agree.
Done ✅
Lost me there.
What an incredibly insensitive and ignorant statement from an educated, seasoned journalist.
October 23, 2024
Jonathan Alter, who was at the Stormy Daniels trial, writes a mostly engaging and opinionated take on the proceedings. He also touches on his own health and mortality, which is interesting, but feels a little out place here. This is strictly for fans of the author/journalist.
October 18, 2024
not all that good either
maybe a 4
superficial yet weird
January 2, 2025
Unreadable
January 12, 2025
Interesting view of the inside of the criminal trial of Donald Trump for business and election fraud.
April 1, 2025
It was a bit boring in my opinion.
Read
May 8, 2025no pulitzer here,
November 21, 2025
This was opinion based on facts; not journalism. Still, an enjoyable play-by-play of our felon president
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews