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Why We Lie

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Rising star politician and lawyer, Jude Birch, is clearly keeping secrets about his past from his wife, Aby Boyle. And Aby worries that Jude’s relationship with his campaign manager, Laila Rogers, is more complicated that he has let on. Jude has been the bystander victim of a seemingly gang-related shooting, but as the secrets Jude and Laila have kept since law school begin to unravel - with the help of a zealous news reporter and the Capitol Police - Aby is forced to consider that Jude might not have been an unintended victim of the shooting after all.

Meanwhile, Aby’s own secrets are revealed, despite her best efforts to clamp a lid down on a past marked by abuse and lies, and even a false accusation that still haunts her.

Unpredictable and unexpected, WHY WE LIE is a contemporary political thriller that examines the real life consequences of those who tell the truth about abuse and those who don't, and asks the question: is the truth always worth the cost?

282 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2019

24 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Amy Impellizzeri

10 books267 followers
After 13 years in the cutthroat world of corporate law, including a decade at the top Manhattan law firm, Skadden Arps, Amy left in 2009 to advocate for working women, eventually landing at a VC-backed start-up company, Hybrid Her (named by Forbes Woman as a top website for women in 2010 and 2011), while writing her first novel, Lemongrass Hope (Wyatt-MacKenzie, 10/8/14), and her first non-fiction book, Lawyer Interrupted, published by the American Bar Association in 2015.

Today Amy is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, a podcast host, and a frequently invited speaker in writing and transitioning lawyer circles. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, ABA’s Law Practice today, Writer's Digest, Scary Mommy, Grown & Flown, & Drunk Monkeys among more. She is a Tall Poppy Writer, a faculty member in Drexel University's MFA Program, and a past President of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.

For events and news, subscribe to www.amyimpellizzeri.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
789 reviews272 followers
February 24, 2019
A first rate journey into Washington politics, greed and power that will have you questioning the secrets you keep.

SUMMARY
Aby is from a small town in Pennsylvania where she had some trouble with a high school boyfriend. The problem was nobody believed her. Her mother told her to just move on. She was hopeful that in the future there will be a time when she will no longer be afraid to tell the truth. But not yet. She moves to Washington DC and falls in love at first site with Jude Birch. That was not her plan, what she really wanted was for Jude to help her launch her career. But the heart wants what the heart wants. And nothing is quite what it seems

Jude is a rising star in DC, and decides to run for election to the House as the DC representative. Aby is concerned that there is much more to Jude‘s relationship with his campaign manager, Laila Rogers, than she thought. Shortly after the election Jude is the victim of a supposedly gang-related shooting. His survives but his brain is affected. As secrets begin to unravel, Abby is forced to realize that Jude was not an unintended victim of the shooting.

REVIEW
WHY WE LIE is a first rate journey into Washington politics, greed and power. It has an intricate plot, complete with a rich billionaire who can get away with just about anything. Aby and Jude’s characters are well-developed and interesting, as are the secrets they keep from each other and the lies they tell. I loved the use of The Washington Truth newspaper to tell a part of the complex story. It’s an compelling read.

Author AMY IMPELLIZZERI’s timely writing is immensely satisfying, and she keeps the story moving quickly. She may even have you questioning the secrets you keep. IMPELLIZZERI is a reformed corporate litigator and an award winning author. She has written one nonfiction book and three novels, including The Truth About Thea (2017). She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids and an energetic Weimaraner named Cocoa. Thanks to AMY IMPELLIZZERI for an reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing
Published March 5, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com




Profile Image for Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews).
431 reviews251 followers
December 17, 2018
Aby Birch recently married a rising politician. They live together in Washington, DC where she works for a nonprofit organization. Jude Birch began his career as a lawyer where his dynamic personality made him a quick riser in the political circuit. When he gets injured in an accident, the resulting investigation makes Aby question how perfect their lives really were.

While the police and the press probe into the case, Aby is forced to begin her own inquiry. She questions the validity of their ideal lifestyle along with Jude’s close relationship with his campaign manager. She suspects that there is a secret beyond politics that keeps them bonded together. Aby’s biggest fears begin to materialize as events move closer to unveiling her own hidden past.

Why We Lie is a timely novel covering current issues surrounding honesty, social media, politics, and workplace culture. Amy Impellizzeri’s background as a corporate litigator provides the framework for her novel while her creativity ignites the suspense.
Profile Image for Jamie Rosenblit.
1,066 reviews684 followers
February 26, 2019
Why We Lie, the fourth novel from Amy Impellizzeri, brings us to the heart of Washington, D.C. and what would a D.C. based novel be without politics, corruption and of course, lies? With a cast of characters who are all hiding secrets, Aby Birch is at the center, trying to cover her own lies while discovering the truths about others, but when Abby’s congressman Husband is shot in the head and loses the ability to lie, a new wrench in thrown into her carefully concocted facade.

Impellizzeri creates characters that spring to life from the pages and situations that could be ripped from the headlines in her latest novel. It is clear that her former life in corporate law leads her work to be well researched and thought out! I can’t wait to read whatever comes next from her!

I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
2,629 reviews2,019 followers
February 28, 2019
I don’t read many books that fall under the umbrella of political thrillers, no real reason, just not something that usually piques my interest, but after having loved The Truth About Thea I knew I had to give this one a try. I was surprisingly captivated but the world of politics and totally sucked into the drama surrounding Aby and Jude’s lives.

This was a shorter read that packed a solid punch, it was pacey and moved along at a steady clip. After Jude is shot he literally can’t lie anymore, is that a blessing or a curse?! I’m not sure what I really think, but it definitely gives you something to ponder. Besides Jude’s secretive history Aby has her own skeletons in her closet and getting to the truth about them both individually and together was one hell of a wild ride.

The political angle ended up being so intriguing, many of the scenarios portrayed could’ve been ripped straight from the headlines, and while I was highly entertained, it was also scary to think stuff like this happens in DC all of the time! If you like books full of secrets, betrayals and a whole heap of lies check this one out.

Why We Lie in three words: Deceptive, Fast and Entertaining.
Profile Image for Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews .
1,566 reviews211 followers
February 22, 2019
Politics and lies go hand in hand or so the saying goes. Why We Lie will having you nodding along with the old saying in pretty much every way.

Will this DC husband and wife, Jude and Aby, make it out alive? So many secrets and hidden truths and agendas will make this relationship so emotionally unsteady. It will rock them both as they try to stay afloat in the Washington game of political upheaval.

Mystery, intense intrigue, and the underlying thread of mistrust had me doing a one-sit read. For fans of political fiction, who like a dose of realness and spattering of current headlines for your type of escapism, well then… Why We Lie will be the perfect read for you!

Excellent read!
~Tanja





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Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,687 reviews207 followers
February 20, 2019
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Why We Lie” by Amy Impellizzeri, Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, March 5, 2019

Amy Impellizzeri, Author of “Why We Lie” has written an intense, intriguing, suspenseful and captivating novel. The Genres of this novel are Political Thriller, Fiction, Suspense and Mystery. The time-line for the story is in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.

In this novel, there is a feel of the Political Machine, and Political Conflict that we hear about in Washington all the time. There is the news or “fake” news, and there is an anxious flow of activity going on. Aby Boyle Birch is the wife of rising Political star Jude Birch. Aby believes that Jude is honest and bright and that she is very lucky. Running his campaign is Laila Rogers. Something about Laila bothers Aby, or is she too close to her husband? Most of the characters seems to have secrets which could harm others if they are exposed. To keep those secrets, it seems to be easier to lie.

After Jude has an unfortunate accident, Aby seems to be concerned that there is something being held back from her. There are threats, blackmail, and danger. Who can one trust? Who is telling the truth? Why are there secrets and lies? I would recommend this novel for those readers who enjoy, a Political thriller, suspense, and a thought -provoking story.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,783 reviews21 followers
February 23, 2019
Politics and lies go hand in hand in this political thriller. Being the cynic that I am I never believe anything politicians say or the promises that they make. There is always an ulterior motive. As in this story the lies kept piling up and the intensity increased so much that I was having heart palpitations! One thing that I noticed is that I had to pay close attention to detail so as to not miss any important revelations. This is a good current story, a protagonist that I grew to like even with all her faults, and a few unexpected twists. And that’s the truth! Thank you Amy Impellizzeti for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
3,010 reviews165 followers
April 1, 2019
Newly elected Congressman Jude Birch and his wife, Aby, both have secrets in their past the other doesn't know about. After surviving a stray bullet to the head, Jude has recovered nicely except that he cannot tell a lie. How will this affect his career ... and their marriage? Who shot him and why? And, what happens when their secrets are exposed?

"All relationships start with lies. Especially the lies we tell ourselves."

The author's experience as a litigator was evident throughout the story, which focused on timely issues such as politics, bullying, social media, and even the #MeToo movement. I would recommend it for fans of political thrillers who enjoy lots of twists and turns.

Location: Pennsylvania and Washington DC

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deborah Blanchard.
379 reviews109 followers
March 4, 2019
This is a compelling and provocative tale of Washington D.C. politics, full of greed and lies. This book is like a page ripped out of the headlines of today's so called "fake news." The main character Aby has spent her life lying. She is now married to a Congressman who has his own secrets. The characters in this book are so realistic that I almost felt like I was reading a memoir. The beginning was a little slow for me but once the story got going, I couldn't put it down. Very well written, it will keep you wondering what is the truth. My favorite quote is: "Maybe it's not the truth that sets us free at all. But the realization that everyone is lying."
Profile Image for Reeca Elliott.
2,007 reviews25 followers
March 5, 2019
Jude has been shot. This has lost his ability to lie. However, lying is the only thing that will save him. Can he do it? His wife, Aby, has her doubts.

Aby is a little bit of everything. It’s the only way I know how to describe her. She is insecure, manipulative, neurotic and a host of other disorders. But, deep down, I think she wants to do what’s right. She just has a twisted way of getting there.

After Jude is shot. Aby begins to question everything, especially Jude’s campaign manager. Something is not right…those two are hiding a secret. But, Aby’s secret is about to unravel as well. Boy, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!

This story reminds me of The Girl on the Train. It is slow moving and you think you want to stop….but you just can’t. It is so compelling. Something is going to happen…you just know it! The author really twisted this story and wove it into a tale of lies, deceit and intrigue.

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
Profile Image for Susan Peterson.
1,993 reviews380 followers
January 28, 2019
Lies and lying are an integral part of Aby’s life in this complex story that is a twisty political thriller at the same time that is an introspective look into a young woman’s life. Set in Washington, D.C., where lies and claims of fake news are an everyday occurrence, this book is timely and provocative. Aby is a fascinating character despite of, and maybe because of her dishonesty...but it’s the reasons behind the lying that are at her core, that give impetus to all of her choices and actions. Taut with tension, this book packs a punch in less than 300 pages. Why We Lie is an excellent choice for book clubs who will find so much to discuss!
Profile Image for Jane.
1,098 reviews62 followers
February 21, 2019
Thanks to the author and Tall Poppy Writers for this ARC.

Quite a political read. I've been living in the Washington, DC area for close to 40 years and always enjoy this type of book though don't read enough of them. The cover was appealing of course, being the Cherry Blossom season here.

Aby and Jude were quite the couple; their lives being in the political scene of him running for DC Congressional seat. Along comes a life changing moment and then it all goes to hell in a hand basket. It had me guessing throughout the book the outcome between not only them but a few major issues in the campaign and the other characters.

Aby lied throughout her life also and she kept it hidden well.
Profile Image for Christine Moore.
921 reviews31 followers
February 22, 2019
Aby and Jude Birch live in Washington Dc. Aby works for a non profit and Jude is an up and comer politician. When Jude is shot, both of Aby and Jude's lies are in jeopardy of being exposed. This was a political thriller with lots of secrets, lies, and finally truth. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly as I couldn't put it down. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nita.
534 reviews58 followers
March 9, 2019
This book brings out all the emotions for me! Suspenseful, full of unexpected twists and a heart wrenching #metoo story. Why We Lie by Amy Impellizzeri is a must read especially for book clubs that want to discuss the deeper issues!
Profile Image for Michelle.
282 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2019
Why We Lie was a pretty fast-paced book that takes place in Washington D.C. It's got a little political intrigue, a little #MeToo, and a obviously bit of deceit (hence the title)! Aby and Judy are in love but each have secrets. She is trying to reinvent herself in D.C., he is trying to become a player in the political world. One night Jude is shot (accidentally?) in the head and the result of his brain trauma is the he has lost the ability to lie. Can you have a life in politics if you cannot lie? Can you maintain your current relationship if you cannot lie? This book had me thinking all along 'What if we couldn't lie" and it is an interesting question to ponder!
Profile Image for Marisa.
1,341 reviews111 followers
November 1, 2018
I want to start this off by saying that i am a HUGE fan of this author. Impellizzeri's short chapters, highly developed characters, multi layered storylines, and raw and relatable language 100 percent resonate with me as a reader. WHY WE LIE met and exceeded every expectation i have for an enjoyable Amy Impellizzeri novel. (If you havent read her others please do!)

In being a fan of this author I know im going to love what i read and expect to come away feeling hopeful, thinking about the novel long after i close the pages and wanting to talk about what i just read. With her last novel, The truth about thea, Amy jumped into the psychological thriller ring and this book solidifies her place on the shelves.

WHY WE LIE resonated with me on many levels. In the character of Aby- we see a young woman who is searching for herself and her life. Death, abuse, intelligence and wanting to fit have landed in her in "the land of lies" (washington dc) and here with calculated moves Aby finds her spot.

I loved the way that every characters story was intertwined. Loved how the premise of honesry and full disclosure played out in multiple aspects. I really appreciated the fact that the author took on current events: sexual harassment, women in power, the media, social media and its influence with grace and poise.

I loved how i couldnt stop reading because each chapter was left with a cliffhanger forcing me to WANT to read because i wanted to find out.

A good read all around and very timely.

I cant wait to share in March 2019!
Profile Image for Kelly Hager.
3,108 reviews153 followers
December 29, 2018
There is a lot packed into this slim novel (under 250 pages). It's a political thriller mixed with a regular thriller and a thought-provoking concept. It's perfect for book clubs, because there's a lot to discuss.

Aby is a complicated and unreliable narrator. Even so, I liked her and rooted for her throughout the book. She's done a lot of things and most of them were forgivable and understandable. One was understandable but not really forgivable. To say more is a spoiler.

You need to read this book. It's timely but it's also suited for every time. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Joyce Stewart Reviews.
566 reviews44 followers
March 8, 2019
Why We Lie takes place in D.C.and is a political suspense novel. I found
the beginning of this story a little slow and boreing. I almost gave up, but something kelpt telling me to keep reading. And I'm sure glad i did. Once I got a ways into it I couldn't put it down.The characters in this book seem so real.It was almost as if i was reading a memoir. Amy Impellizzeri does such an amazing job intertwining the lies and the truth and really makes you wonder. Why do we lie? And check out the cover ! It is totally beautiful !
Profile Image for Jessica Claypoole.
118 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2019
This book was definitely different for me, not my usual. I really wanted to like it but it fell flat for me. The writing was good but to me there were too many lies to keep up with. It was a shorter book which was good but to me there was no real resolution. The lies were so blurred that they ended up looking like the truth.
Profile Image for Riley.
177 reviews
August 8, 2019
A painfully average read. I didn’t really care about any of the characters, and most of the politically mumbo-jumbo was confusing. Quick to get through, but boring at times.
Profile Image for Sue .
2,032 reviews124 followers
February 17, 2019
This is the perfect book to read in our tumultuous political times. It has politicians, political deals, money from PACs and lots of lies that often time makes it difficult to learn the real truth.

Jude Birch is a political newcomer when he decides to run for Congress in the DC district. His wife, Aby, is excited about his political potential but worried that the truth about her background may come out before she has a chance to admit to him that much of her story has been based on lies. Before she can tell him, he is shot in the head and almost dies. As Jude heals, Aby begins to question the real reason for his shooting - was it a random act of violence or something more sinister. What lies was Jude keeping from her about his past and his relationship with his campaign manager. The tension is at a high level throughout this book and will keep the reader turning pages to see how it all ends. The ultimate question is whether the truth is always the best way to handle life and is worth the cost?

I loved the character of Aby. Her story slowly comes to light and even though she lied when it was convenient, she was a good person --- or was she? I also like the DC setting and reading about some of what goes on behind the closed doors of a political campaign.

This is a fantastic book full of relevant political commentary. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for BookTrib.com .
1,984 reviews167 followers
March 18, 2019
Nietzsche once wrote “Truths are illusions which we have forgotten are illusions,” explaining without a trace of judgment how humans became animals who thrive on lies. Amy Impellizzeri has accomplished a similar feat, using fiction this time. In her latest novel, Why We Lie (Wyatt-MacKenzie) Impellizzeri demonstrates just how much lies become us, in every sense of the phrase.

At the beginning of the novel, the hero, Aby Boyle, receives terrible news. It has been three months since her husband, Jude Birch, a United States congressman, was shot in the head and survived. Three months since the surgery that saved his life. And now, she and Jude have learned that his brain has healed in such a way that he has lost the ability to lie.

Such a premise could be humorous—indeed it has been, in Hollywood—if this were a story about Jude’s future as a politician. But it isn’t. It’s a story about Aby’s past, a story that is far more interesting.

The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/03/the-last...
Profile Image for Cortney Sparks.
157 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2019
Why We Lie is a political suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Aby is the wife of Jude, a rising man in the political world, when he is shot in the head. While recovering, Aby learns that he has developed a weird case. Jude can't lie anymore! While Aby is searching for the truth about the shooting, all the lies start unraveling. Including the lies Aby have told about her past.
Amy Impellizzeri does such an amazing job intertwining the lies and the truth and really makes you wonder. Why do we lie? Is our spouse lying? Are we afraid of the truth? Do we lie to protect ourselves or to protect others? Does the truth make us less appealing? Are the consequences worth the lies?
Such a strong and incredible story that brings so many elements together. The political side of this story you could tell how much research and Amy's history in political world was put into Why We Lie! Such an incredible story and well put together! Loved it!
152 reviews15 followers
September 17, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway and while I liked it I didn't love it. The concept was really interesting and I enjoyed reading about politics in DC and the media and it caught your interest right away with the shooting and then trying to unravel what happened, but there was a lot going on, almost too much at times, it got confusing and I found myself having to stop and re-read some parts trying to figure out what was going on and then towards the end as you think things are becoming clear and getting wrapped up there was twist after twist that felt unnecessary like they were being thrown in just to have another twist and not because it made sense to the story, I tend to like the more more simple twists that you don't see coming or you do see coming but it feels satisfactory to the storyline. I think this book would have been more enjoyable to me if it wasn't trying to do so much. I still enjoyed the basis of the story though, so I would give it a solid B-.
Profile Image for Jessica.
234 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2019
Jude Birch is a newly elected Congressman with all the best intentions. So why does it appear that he’s hiding something from his new wife? When Jude is shot in the head as an innocent bystander in what is being called a “gang-related shooting” the doctor informs Jude’s wife, Aby, that Jude no longer has the ability to lie. Will Aby finally discover what Jude has been hiding from her? Was the shooting really an accident? Will the secrets of Aby’s past be exposed? This novel examines all of the reasons that we tell lies and makes you question whether honesty is always the best policy.

Thank you to Amy Impellizzeri and Tall Poppy Writers for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tina.
615 reviews
February 23, 2019
Aby lies...a lot like a lot a lot...sometimes about things that don’t even need to be lied about. But then again, all the characters have lied about one thing or another; why they lie is more important than the lies themselves. Aby also does good...like what she does for 11-year old Isaiah Morris or for Corelle when Abi suspected she was being bullied by a high school classmate.

I found this book to be timely with various issues addressed including politics, bullying and social media. The author’s background as a litigator lends an air of authenticity to the story.

Thank you the author and The Tall Poppy Writers for an advanced copy; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kate Rock.
487 reviews76 followers
April 1, 2019
"Amy Impellizzeri's WHY WE LIE exposes the core of the #metoo movement in the legal/political realm--where powerful men have long been given a pass on criminal behavior, and victims have been discounted even within their closest circles."

I am loving political thrillers and books that include the #metoo movement. It's a very important part of our world and as I female reader I think Impellizzeri did a fantastic job respecting that while writing a fantastic thriller of lies and deceit and it kept my attention throughout.

A fast, intriguing read that will leave you wondering what you would do in many of the well-crafted characters dilemmas. Great book. A recommended read!!
Profile Image for Joyce Stewart Reviews.
566 reviews44 followers
March 8, 2019
Why We Lie takes place in D.C.and is a political suspense novel. I found
the beginning of this story a little slow and boreing. I almost gave up, but something kelpt telling me to keep reading. And I'm sure glad i did. Once I got a ways into it I couldn't put it down.The characters in this book seem so real.It was almost as if i was reading a memoir. Amy Impellizzeri does such an amazing job intertwining the lies and the truth and really makes you wonder. Why do we lie? And check out the cover ! It is totally beautiful !
Profile Image for Sharen.
262 reviews22 followers
May 14, 2019
I devored this book and didn't want to put it down. It was an unpredictable story about love, life, politics, egos, money, greed and lots of lies. Lies by omission, little white lies and several big 'can't take it back' lies...all of these lies lead to a twisted story and problems just like they would in real life. Then there is this: "Maybe it's not the truth that sets us free at all. But the realization that everyone is lying". Wow. Exactly why do we lie??? For a thrilling page-turner, pick this one up.
Profile Image for Chelsie.
1,460 reviews
February 24, 2019
Aby and Jude are new to the politician scene until a horrific “accident” happens. Jude gets shot in the head, and he now has been diagnosed with not being able to lie. How is that going to work for a politician? Meanwhile Aby is re-evaluating everything that has gotten them to this point. Was it really a stray bullet from gang bangers? Isn’t it all lies that have gotten them here, and doesn’t everyone lie to get what they want? Is a lie so bad if it’s for a benefit?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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