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Rachel to the Rescue
Rachel Klein is sacked from her job at the White House after she sends an email criticising Donald Trump. As she is escorted off the premises she is hit by a speeding car, driven by what the press will discreetly call 'a personal friend of the president'.
Does that explain the flowers, the well wishes at a press briefing, the hush money offered by a lawyer at her hospital bedside?
Rachel’s recovery is soothed by comically doting parents, matchmaking roommates, a new job as aide to a journalist whose books aim to defame the President, and unexpected love at the local wine store.
But secrets leak, and Rachel’s new-found happiness has to make room for more than a little chaos. Will she bring down the President? Or will he manage to do that all by himself?
Does that explain the flowers, the well wishes at a press briefing, the hush money offered by a lawyer at her hospital bedside?
Rachel’s recovery is soothed by comically doting parents, matchmaking roommates, a new job as aide to a journalist whose books aim to defame the President, and unexpected love at the local wine store.
But secrets leak, and Rachel’s new-found happiness has to make room for more than a little chaos. Will she bring down the President? Or will he manage to do that all by himself?
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2020
189 people are currently reading
2396 people want to read
About the author
Elinor Lipman
27 books1,346 followersI love talking with readers - for 1:1s and Book Club visits, find me on Skolay: www.skolay.com/writers/elinor-lipman
Elinor Lipman is the author of 14 humorous novels about contemporary American society; essay and short story collections. Born and raised in Lowell, MA, she divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley of New York. She received the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Her first novel, "Then She Found Me," was adapted for the screen, starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Her fourth novel, "The Inn at Lake Devine" was adapted for the off-off Broadway stage by Tongue in Cheek Theater. In 2011-2012, she held the Elizabeth Drew chair in creative writing at Smith College. Her novel, “Ms. Demeanor," was a finalist for the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. In 2021, her hometown Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, established The Elinor Lipman Prize, awarded annually to Lowell residents and students at Lowell universities.
Elinor Lipman is the author of 14 humorous novels about contemporary American society; essay and short story collections. Born and raised in Lowell, MA, she divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley of New York. She received the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Her first novel, "Then She Found Me," was adapted for the screen, starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Her fourth novel, "The Inn at Lake Devine" was adapted for the off-off Broadway stage by Tongue in Cheek Theater. In 2011-2012, she held the Elizabeth Drew chair in creative writing at Smith College. Her novel, “Ms. Demeanor," was a finalist for the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. In 2021, her hometown Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, established The Elinor Lipman Prize, awarded annually to Lowell residents and students at Lowell universities.
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December 20, 2020
3.5 stars.
Well, you knew the novels about working in the Trump White House were imminent. And with Elinor Lipman's Rachel to the Rescue , the game is underway!
Rachel Klein has a job at the Trump White House, where she essentially has to scotch tape all of the letters and documents the president tears up. She's not too fond of her job. One night she sends an email to a colleague in which she complains and insults the president. But of course, instead of simply replying to his email, she hits “reply to all” instead. Oops.
It's not long before Rachel is escorted off the premises. As she is leaving, she is hit by a car. The car, it turns out, was driven by an optometrist who happens to be a “special friend” of Trump’s. While Rachel is recovering, she is approached by an attorney for the driver, who quickly wants to settle the case off the books. And although Rachel isn't really interested in causing a fuss, she knows she's worth more than what they're offering. Which, of course, makes everyone nervous.
After a brief stint recovering at home with her meddlesome but well-meaning parents, Rachel is ready to get back to the job market. She lands a job with a journalist known for his torrid exposés—and he has a particular venom for the current president. It's not long before she's dipping her toe in the muckraking department herself, but is this what she's cut out for?
In this wacky yet outrageously believable book, Rachel has to put herself out there, and isn't sure what she'll get in return. Along the way she has to deal with matchmaking roommates and a new love interest, and wait to see what happens when all the dust settles.
I tend not to love so-called "funny" books because my sense of humor leans more toward the sarcastic than the silly. And while I don't know how ready I was to start reading about Trump when he's still the president, Rachel to the Rescue was definitely a zany story that made me laugh more than a few times.
I was fortunate to be on the blog tour for this book. Wunderkind PR provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks to them, along with Storygram Tours, Eye & Lightning Books, and Elinor Lipman for making it available!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Well, you knew the novels about working in the Trump White House were imminent. And with Elinor Lipman's Rachel to the Rescue , the game is underway!
Rachel Klein has a job at the Trump White House, where she essentially has to scotch tape all of the letters and documents the president tears up. She's not too fond of her job. One night she sends an email to a colleague in which she complains and insults the president. But of course, instead of simply replying to his email, she hits “reply to all” instead. Oops.
It's not long before Rachel is escorted off the premises. As she is leaving, she is hit by a car. The car, it turns out, was driven by an optometrist who happens to be a “special friend” of Trump’s. While Rachel is recovering, she is approached by an attorney for the driver, who quickly wants to settle the case off the books. And although Rachel isn't really interested in causing a fuss, she knows she's worth more than what they're offering. Which, of course, makes everyone nervous.
After a brief stint recovering at home with her meddlesome but well-meaning parents, Rachel is ready to get back to the job market. She lands a job with a journalist known for his torrid exposés—and he has a particular venom for the current president. It's not long before she's dipping her toe in the muckraking department herself, but is this what she's cut out for?
In this wacky yet outrageously believable book, Rachel has to put herself out there, and isn't sure what she'll get in return. Along the way she has to deal with matchmaking roommates and a new love interest, and wait to see what happens when all the dust settles.
I tend not to love so-called "funny" books because my sense of humor leans more toward the sarcastic than the silly. And while I don't know how ready I was to start reading about Trump when he's still the president, Rachel to the Rescue was definitely a zany story that made me laugh more than a few times.
I was fortunate to be on the blog tour for this book. Wunderkind PR provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks to them, along with Storygram Tours, Eye & Lightning Books, and Elinor Lipman for making it available!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
August 29, 2021
3.5*** (rounded up)
Rachel Klein works for the White House Office of Records Management (WHORM), taping together the pieces of official documents that # 45 has torn up (despite being repeatedly told that all official documents must be kept for the National Archives). When she sends a drunken tweet voicing her frustrations but accidently hits “reply all” she is unceremoniously fired. As she exits the Executive Office Building, she’s struck by a speeding SUV … which, she learns later, is being driven by a “close personal friend of the President.”
This was a fun, fast, joy of a rom-com to read. First, Yes, there really is a WHORM and someone (or a team of someones) really did have to tape back together the pieces of documents torn up by # 45. But the rest is pure fiction, and delightful fiction at that.
In addition to the very likeable Rachel the cast of characters includes her new boss, a muckraking journalist given to writing nasty books about # 45, Rachel’s parents, who own a paint & wallpaper store in NYC, her roommates, a lesbian couple who are both attorneys working for DOJ and unapologetic matchmakers, and the met-cute boyfriend Alex. And, of course, COVID eventually arrives to further complicate matters.
I’ve had numerous books by Lipman on my tbr over the years, but I’ve never gotten around to reading any of them. I’m gonna fix that!
Rachel Klein works for the White House Office of Records Management (WHORM), taping together the pieces of official documents that # 45 has torn up (despite being repeatedly told that all official documents must be kept for the National Archives). When she sends a drunken tweet voicing her frustrations but accidently hits “reply all” she is unceremoniously fired. As she exits the Executive Office Building, she’s struck by a speeding SUV … which, she learns later, is being driven by a “close personal friend of the President.”
This was a fun, fast, joy of a rom-com to read. First, Yes, there really is a WHORM and someone (or a team of someones) really did have to tape back together the pieces of documents torn up by # 45. But the rest is pure fiction, and delightful fiction at that.
In addition to the very likeable Rachel the cast of characters includes her new boss, a muckraking journalist given to writing nasty books about # 45, Rachel’s parents, who own a paint & wallpaper store in NYC, her roommates, a lesbian couple who are both attorneys working for DOJ and unapologetic matchmakers, and the met-cute boyfriend Alex. And, of course, COVID eventually arrives to further complicate matters.
I’ve had numerous books by Lipman on my tbr over the years, but I’ve never gotten around to reading any of them. I’m gonna fix that!
January 30, 2021
#1: If you love Donald Trump, don't read this.
#2: If you loathe Donald Trump, you will enjoy this hugely.
#3: I loathe Donald Trump.
Another breezy, sparkling Elinor Lipman confection. In recent years she seems to have moved towards lighter novels that have little greater ambition than to give enjoyment. Perhaps this one more so than its recent predecessors because she couldn't resist the opportunity to exploit the absurdity that was Donald Trump before he was driven out of town. (She doesn't get into the evil of what he did; political horror is not her metier.)
Our heroine, Rachel Klein, is a young (early- to mid-twenties) college graduate who is fired from her very brief employment at the White House due to a drunken email she mistakenly sends to "Reply All," insulting 45 in rather mild terms. On her way out, she's almost run down by a car that was on its way to the White House to ... well, no spoilers. Let's just say that the book offers an alternate history of 2019–2020 as far as DT's personal life goes.
A quick read and a lot of fun for tRump-haters.
#2: If you loathe Donald Trump, you will enjoy this hugely.
#3: I loathe Donald Trump.
Another breezy, sparkling Elinor Lipman confection. In recent years she seems to have moved towards lighter novels that have little greater ambition than to give enjoyment. Perhaps this one more so than its recent predecessors because she couldn't resist the opportunity to exploit the absurdity that was Donald Trump before he was driven out of town. (She doesn't get into the evil of what he did; political horror is not her metier.)
Our heroine, Rachel Klein, is a young (early- to mid-twenties) college graduate who is fired from her very brief employment at the White House due to a drunken email she mistakenly sends to "Reply All," insulting 45 in rather mild terms. On her way out, she's almost run down by a car that was on its way to the White House to ... well, no spoilers. Let's just say that the book offers an alternate history of 2019–2020 as far as DT's personal life goes.
A quick read and a lot of fun for tRump-haters.
November 1, 2020
Okay! Elinor Lipman has a new novel out! “Rachel to the Rescue” was released with little fanfare and is the first Covid and anti-Trump novel I’ve seen so far.
Elinor Lipman is my favorite contemporary novelist. She’s written 12 or so novels over the past 30 or so years, and most have been very good. (Her latest one before this - “Good Riddance” - was terrible, for an Elinor Lipman book, but she’s bounced back with “Rachel to the Rescue”.) Lipman has the unique ability to make all her characters interesting to the reader. I don’t how she does it, but it may be because her books are basically written in dialogue. Usually the plots are secondary to the character development, which is fine as long as the reader know that going in.
“Rachel to the Rescue” is set in Manhattan and Washington DC. Rachel Klein, the plucky heroine gets a job at the Trump White House, doing mundane jobs, like taping together papers that Donald Trump has ripped apart in the Oval Office. (All presidential papers were to be saved for posterity). She was fired and escorted out of the building when she tweeted an anti-Trump message. On the street, Rachel is hit by a woman driving a large Volkswagen and she winds up at George Washington Hospital. She has a few broken ribs and some head knocks. She returns to her parents’ home in Manhattan to plot her life going forward. And that’s when the fun of an Elinor Lipman book begins.
Lipman has been known for her liberal political bent. In 2012 she published two books on politics and she’s written articles about the Trump administration. But I don’t remember her novels as being particularly political. With “Rachel to the Rescue” her anti-Trump animus is on full display. But, somehow, there’s humor to what Lipman writes. Her usual array of colorful and eccentric secondary characters - with fun backstories - are there, too.
Is “Rachel to the Rescue” one of Elinor Lipman’s very best novels? No, but it’s good enough, particularly after “Good Riddance”. I also wonder if the book was rushed to print to take advantage of the current political climate and medical pandemic. Only the e-version has been issued; the print version will be released in a few weeks. Plus the e-version is priced at the reasonable rate of $7.99. But no matter which form you read, I think you’ll enjoy it.
Elinor Lipman is my favorite contemporary novelist. She’s written 12 or so novels over the past 30 or so years, and most have been very good. (Her latest one before this - “Good Riddance” - was terrible, for an Elinor Lipman book, but she’s bounced back with “Rachel to the Rescue”.) Lipman has the unique ability to make all her characters interesting to the reader. I don’t how she does it, but it may be because her books are basically written in dialogue. Usually the plots are secondary to the character development, which is fine as long as the reader know that going in.
“Rachel to the Rescue” is set in Manhattan and Washington DC. Rachel Klein, the plucky heroine gets a job at the Trump White House, doing mundane jobs, like taping together papers that Donald Trump has ripped apart in the Oval Office. (All presidential papers were to be saved for posterity). She was fired and escorted out of the building when she tweeted an anti-Trump message. On the street, Rachel is hit by a woman driving a large Volkswagen and she winds up at George Washington Hospital. She has a few broken ribs and some head knocks. She returns to her parents’ home in Manhattan to plot her life going forward. And that’s when the fun of an Elinor Lipman book begins.
Lipman has been known for her liberal political bent. In 2012 she published two books on politics and she’s written articles about the Trump administration. But I don’t remember her novels as being particularly political. With “Rachel to the Rescue” her anti-Trump animus is on full display. But, somehow, there’s humor to what Lipman writes. Her usual array of colorful and eccentric secondary characters - with fun backstories - are there, too.
Is “Rachel to the Rescue” one of Elinor Lipman’s very best novels? No, but it’s good enough, particularly after “Good Riddance”. I also wonder if the book was rushed to print to take advantage of the current political climate and medical pandemic. Only the e-version has been issued; the print version will be released in a few weeks. Plus the e-version is priced at the reasonable rate of $7.99. But no matter which form you read, I think you’ll enjoy it.
December 28, 2020
(thank you to the publisher for my copy of this book!)
I'll read anything Elinor Lipman writes, so I was very happy to receive a copy of her newest book, Rachel to the Rescue. I feel like the book hasn't gotten as much publicity as Lipman's previous books, which is a shame! It was actually published in the UK because it’s a satire on US Politics and the Trump administration and publishers in America assumed we all have Trump fatigue and wouldn’t want to read it. And while they’re kind of right and I'm sure there are plenty of people not interested in reading anything that has anything to do with our soon-to-be-previous president, I also love the idea of infusing some humor into our current situation (though I recognize how much privilege I have to be able to even say that) and adding in some delightful characters. Rachel to the Rescue ended up being a perfectly light, hilarious read.
But you know it’s bad that when I read my husband the synopsis, he said, “wait, is this fiction?” Because at this point, you wouldn’t even be surprised if any of this happened in real life. Basically, Rachel works in a low-level position at the White House... Her job is to tape together all the documents Trump as ripped up (and yes, it's a full-time job!). After she accidentally sends a disparaging email about Trump to the entire White House staff, she gets fired. As she’s being escorted out, she’s hit by a car... that happens to be driven by the president’s optometrist who’s also his mistress. Sounds like it could be real, right? From there, she begins to get all kinds of publicity in some kind of strange ways. In the meantime, as she's navigating what career move to make next, she gets a job working for a Trump-hating political memoir writing author.
I totally get lots of people may not be ready to read this book or be able to laugh about anything to do with American politics.. But I do appreciate Lipman for imagining what it’s like to work with the current administration and I imagine writing this book was like therapy for her. In some ways reading it is, too... But only because I know he's on his way out very soon!
I'll read anything Elinor Lipman writes, so I was very happy to receive a copy of her newest book, Rachel to the Rescue. I feel like the book hasn't gotten as much publicity as Lipman's previous books, which is a shame! It was actually published in the UK because it’s a satire on US Politics and the Trump administration and publishers in America assumed we all have Trump fatigue and wouldn’t want to read it. And while they’re kind of right and I'm sure there are plenty of people not interested in reading anything that has anything to do with our soon-to-be-previous president, I also love the idea of infusing some humor into our current situation (though I recognize how much privilege I have to be able to even say that) and adding in some delightful characters. Rachel to the Rescue ended up being a perfectly light, hilarious read.
But you know it’s bad that when I read my husband the synopsis, he said, “wait, is this fiction?” Because at this point, you wouldn’t even be surprised if any of this happened in real life. Basically, Rachel works in a low-level position at the White House... Her job is to tape together all the documents Trump as ripped up (and yes, it's a full-time job!). After she accidentally sends a disparaging email about Trump to the entire White House staff, she gets fired. As she’s being escorted out, she’s hit by a car... that happens to be driven by the president’s optometrist who’s also his mistress. Sounds like it could be real, right? From there, she begins to get all kinds of publicity in some kind of strange ways. In the meantime, as she's navigating what career move to make next, she gets a job working for a Trump-hating political memoir writing author.
I totally get lots of people may not be ready to read this book or be able to laugh about anything to do with American politics.. But I do appreciate Lipman for imagining what it’s like to work with the current administration and I imagine writing this book was like therapy for her. In some ways reading it is, too... But only because I know he's on his way out very soon!
April 23, 2021
Had to stop reading. Not worth my time. Stupid.
December 26, 2022
I've become such a fan of the entertaining, outspoken Elinor Lipman that when I saw this available on Hoopla I borrowed it without even reading the synopsis. Not surprisingly, it was quite an indictment, fictional, of The Former Guy (TFG) and she really used her imagination here to make him look like the 9 year old little boy he is. Lipman is gutsy, gotta give her that, but very funny and always a hoot to read and get to know her characters.
August 25, 2021
I have always loved this author. She takes a nice (usually Jewish girl), with a warm and zany family and odd assorted characters, and puts them in an outrageous and comical situation. It's always hilarious and heartwarming all at once, and her books are often ones of my absolute favorites. This one follows the same formula, but I admit it wasn't my favorite. Love the rom-commy part of it, the absolute warm and outrageous and rediculousness of the characters. The roommates, the boss, the families. There was a lot of quirky to it, which is Elinor Lipman's specialty. Like the completely outrageous impromptu shabbat dinners. With Ivanka's Hebrew coach, another with the unrequited loving step sister of Rachel's quirky boss, who has been trying unsuccessfully for years to win the heart of her stepbrother. Even side characters are just hilarious.
But this one's premise, completely non-sensical as usual, had a Donald Trump Theme. Our Rachel is hit by car, and this thrusts her unwillingly into the public eye for a hot minute. I have to tell you, I feel a little sick of Donald Trump and his antics. Maybe don't we all. The sad part of this, is that so much of what is meant to have been over the top hilarity, could so easily have been true, that it was bothersome to remember the old and current adages, "Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction," and Stranger things have happened." Its' hard to be thrust back into a time where the book was written, where the latest story of outrage over stupidity is spun, and everyone is looking for the "big break" that either finally would get DT off the scene, out of office, or would serve their own interests, most of the time sad seeming ones. I have felt that the best thing we can do to spiritually move forward is to pay no more attention to the inanity of that time, to hatred and divisiveness, and certainly to DT, and to move forward with our new consciousness. I rarely to no longer care about the antics of DT. Although did find it funny that he actually recently had the gall to get out somewhere and to say that "Biden's presidency was a bold display of gross incompetence." How completely out of touch one has to be to think that the rest of the world wouldn't find that statement absolutely hilarious! More political and cultural fodder! That could have been in Elinor's book! Hard even to tell what might have been true, from the true, to on the mark, to fiction. From any of the characters. In any case, I use my reading to escape. To go from funny and light, to deeply moving and transformative. This one as usual, allowed me to laugh, and even be a little moved by our characters plight - always trying to do right when centered in a maelstrom of insanity and strong supporting characters. Loved the love story and its dialogue - something Elinor is masterful with. Enjoyed it, love Elinor Lipman. It is only because of Donald Trump who has ruined so many things in life an in this world, that I am going with a three. Because you are top star in a crazy world. I look forward to the next totally turned around situation and wacky quirky characters to brighten my day and make me fall in love.
But this one's premise, completely non-sensical as usual, had a Donald Trump Theme. Our Rachel is hit by car, and this thrusts her unwillingly into the public eye for a hot minute. I have to tell you, I feel a little sick of Donald Trump and his antics. Maybe don't we all. The sad part of this, is that so much of what is meant to have been over the top hilarity, could so easily have been true, that it was bothersome to remember the old and current adages, "Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction," and Stranger things have happened." Its' hard to be thrust back into a time where the book was written, where the latest story of outrage over stupidity is spun, and everyone is looking for the "big break" that either finally would get DT off the scene, out of office, or would serve their own interests, most of the time sad seeming ones. I have felt that the best thing we can do to spiritually move forward is to pay no more attention to the inanity of that time, to hatred and divisiveness, and certainly to DT, and to move forward with our new consciousness. I rarely to no longer care about the antics of DT. Although did find it funny that he actually recently had the gall to get out somewhere and to say that "Biden's presidency was a bold display of gross incompetence." How completely out of touch one has to be to think that the rest of the world wouldn't find that statement absolutely hilarious! More political and cultural fodder! That could have been in Elinor's book! Hard even to tell what might have been true, from the true, to on the mark, to fiction. From any of the characters. In any case, I use my reading to escape. To go from funny and light, to deeply moving and transformative. This one as usual, allowed me to laugh, and even be a little moved by our characters plight - always trying to do right when centered in a maelstrom of insanity and strong supporting characters. Loved the love story and its dialogue - something Elinor is masterful with. Enjoyed it, love Elinor Lipman. It is only because of Donald Trump who has ruined so many things in life an in this world, that I am going with a three. Because you are top star in a crazy world. I look forward to the next totally turned around situation and wacky quirky characters to brighten my day and make me fall in love.
May 20, 2021
3.5 stars my friends!
Listen, if you dislike Trump and you do like a little lovely romance (but without the throbbing common to erotica) this book is for you.
I loved the Judaism. I loved the lesbians. I loved the parents (jeez I miss my parents). I loved the portrayal of the despicable ass wipes otherwise known as the Trumps. I loved the portrayal of the lunatics surrounding Trump. I loved the way that Rachel can’t get out of her own way and seems to have a weird relationship with boundaries but in this version of life, her quirky awkwardness ends with a thriving friend group and a lovely partner.
To be honest, I cried at the end when the story turned to COVID and Zoom weddings and lockdown life. And I shuddered when the author portrayed Trump on Hannity defending his usual bullshit. In that sense, maybe it’s a touch too soon... but overall it’s a funny, cute story. A beach read if I’ve ever read one.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC (of the American edition- it was published in the UK a year ago, apparently) in exchange for an honest review.
Listen, if you dislike Trump and you do like a little lovely romance (but without the throbbing common to erotica) this book is for you.
I loved the Judaism. I loved the lesbians. I loved the parents (jeez I miss my parents). I loved the portrayal of the despicable ass wipes otherwise known as the Trumps. I loved the portrayal of the lunatics surrounding Trump. I loved the way that Rachel can’t get out of her own way and seems to have a weird relationship with boundaries but in this version of life, her quirky awkwardness ends with a thriving friend group and a lovely partner.
To be honest, I cried at the end when the story turned to COVID and Zoom weddings and lockdown life. And I shuddered when the author portrayed Trump on Hannity defending his usual bullshit. In that sense, maybe it’s a touch too soon... but overall it’s a funny, cute story. A beach read if I’ve ever read one.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC (of the American edition- it was published in the UK a year ago, apparently) in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2021
Rachel works for D.T. at the White House, though it was not because she supported his politics, but simply because she needed a job. When she strikes out with a drunken text and mistakenly hits "Send to All," she is fired. On the way home, she is hit by a car driven by "a friend" of D.T., and the story takes off. Satire, folks. And we all know the power of redemption that can hide behind the odd truth of a snarky story.
December 1, 2020
I am very disappointed.
I was a big fan of the author until I read this one. I thought MS. Lipman was above cheap shots. Her formula is getting stale.
Not up to the author's usual standards.
Boring.
I was a big fan of the author until I read this one. I thought MS. Lipman was above cheap shots. Her formula is getting stale.
Not up to the author's usual standards.
Boring.
January 1, 2021
3.5 / 5 stars
A quick, fun read! Leave it to Elinor Lipman to write the first Covid, anti-Trump novel. Many more will surely follow.
A quick, fun read! Leave it to Elinor Lipman to write the first Covid, anti-Trump novel. Many more will surely follow.
June 13, 2021
I thought this book was pretty funny. It’s a shame that U.S. publishers passed on it.
August 6, 2021
Folks who love Donald Trump aren't apt to feel the same way about Elinor Lipman's "Rachel to the Rescue," a not-so-far-fetched story that uses Trump's many character flaws as grist for what turns out to be a girl-meets-boy love story.
Rachel has a job in Trump's White House, taping together official documents that the idiot-in-chief rips to shreds despite repeated warnings not to. A blunt email she sends to all of her coworkers leads to her no longer having a job in Trump's White House. Getting hit by a car driven by a woman on her way for a Trump tryst just makes Rachel's bad day worse.
There's got to be fodder there for a good tell-all book, right? Rachel's new boss thinks so. That part of the story never quite happens. Instead, Rachel meets a guy. Gee. I wonder what happens next.
This was a fun little romp, although it got a little fuzzy between the bizarre stuff that really happened in Trump's White House and Lipman's imaginings of what might have happened. What does it say when I had to think twice before deciding what was real and what was just a wacky story?
Trump fans probably ought to skip this one. The rest of us are laughing at him enough for everyone.
Rachel has a job in Trump's White House, taping together official documents that the idiot-in-chief rips to shreds despite repeated warnings not to. A blunt email she sends to all of her coworkers leads to her no longer having a job in Trump's White House. Getting hit by a car driven by a woman on her way for a Trump tryst just makes Rachel's bad day worse.
There's got to be fodder there for a good tell-all book, right? Rachel's new boss thinks so. That part of the story never quite happens. Instead, Rachel meets a guy. Gee. I wonder what happens next.
This was a fun little romp, although it got a little fuzzy between the bizarre stuff that really happened in Trump's White House and Lipman's imaginings of what might have happened. What does it say when I had to think twice before deciding what was real and what was just a wacky story?
Trump fans probably ought to skip this one. The rest of us are laughing at him enough for everyone.
February 19, 2021
This book was so much fun! I don't really understand why Elinor Lipman couldn't get a U.S.-based publisher for this book because of "Trump fatigue". Trump and his minions play only a very peripheral role in this book; it's really about the heroine, Rachel, and her family, roommates, employer, new boyfriend, and the intrigue surrounding an accident that Rachel suffers early in the novel.
Fortunately for me, my library purchased the UK-published ebook and I was able to download a copy—thanks, KCLS! Those readers wanting to purchase or borrow a physical copy of this book will get their chance later this year when it's published in the U.S.
I have only one bone to pick, and it's not with Elinor Lipman, who is one of my favorite authors. How could her UK publisher not catch the reference to the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, where "Wallis" is spelled "Wallace"? I am guessing that no proofreading happened after the publisher ran spell-check on the ebook, which most likely changed the correctly-spelled name to this glaringly incorrect spelling. For shame, Eye & Lightning Books!
Fortunately for me, my library purchased the UK-published ebook and I was able to download a copy—thanks, KCLS! Those readers wanting to purchase or borrow a physical copy of this book will get their chance later this year when it's published in the U.S.
I have only one bone to pick, and it's not with Elinor Lipman, who is one of my favorite authors. How could her UK publisher not catch the reference to the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, where "Wallis" is spelled "Wallace"? I am guessing that no proofreading happened after the publisher ran spell-check on the ebook, which most likely changed the correctly-spelled name to this glaringly incorrect spelling. For shame, Eye & Lightning Books!
October 13, 2021
Let me say that I'm a big fan of Lipman's, but this book just doesn't do it. One of her typically hapless heroines is fired from her very low level job at the Trump White House, and after a lot of dithering around helps to expose his affair with his optometrist. Part of the problem is that while it's sent pre- and during the pandemic, it includes things that we all know didn't happen--like Melania suing for divorce.
July 16, 2021
Really ridiculously silly story of Rachel who worked briefly for the White House, taping together papers as Trump has a habit of tearing anything up after he is finished with it. She drunkenly posts something critical on social media him, gets fired and on her way out is hit by a car which is driven by his mistress. Yes, really. I am not a Trump fan, but this was just stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2021
It's extremely rare that I don't finish a book--but DNF. Won in a Goodreads giveaway [thank you]. I LOVE Elinor Lipman but this was too glib/whatever. Didnt care enough after 1/3+ to continue. Just not for me. Mood? Maybe.
December 3, 2020
I love Elinor Lipman. Rachel was a fun, witty character. Thanks Ms Lipman for all of your works. They keep me smiling and hopeful. This one was especially fun for its spin on current events.
December 31, 2020
Anything by Elinor Lipman is worth your time. This Trump-era satire is just what is needed in a time of Washington chaos.
January 4, 2021
Not at all what I thought it would be. Don’t waste your time.
August 10, 2021
Pure enjoyment. Very funny, and the characters, beginning with Rachel herself, are well-written and interesting. I still don't really understand the title, though.
September 1, 2021
3.5, rounding up for the perfect cover art.
December 16, 2022
this was as dnf... i thought this was a silly book that makes a hard time somewhat comical, but didn't really care how the book ended.
October 2, 2021
Thank you to Goodreads for this book.
I don't read political books either fiction or non-fiction but had to read this one since I love Elinor Lipman's books.
It's a tongue in cheek, satirical book about "#45" and what if. Don't want to give too much away but it involves an affair and Melania and Ivanka in the book too in crazy ways may would happen in real life and other things going on with other characters associated with #45.
Rachel worked as a scotch-taper of destroyed documents in the White House, and she was hit by a car when she was let go. She gets another job with with a famous author who writes about politics.
Then there's Kirby, her sort of gruff boss but to me, sort of a teddy bear. He always wanted her to be the best and always treated her kindly and fairly.
A lot of great characters from Alex who she meets in his family owned wine store, her two roommates - lesbians, who encouraged her to go out with him. Then there's your typical Jewish parents who own a wallpaper store in New York who are "yentas" at their best.
Again, I'm going to mention epilogues this one did not disappoint.
I don't read political books either fiction or non-fiction but had to read this one since I love Elinor Lipman's books.
It's a tongue in cheek, satirical book about "#45" and what if. Don't want to give too much away but it involves an affair and Melania and Ivanka in the book too in crazy ways may would happen in real life and other things going on with other characters associated with #45.
Rachel worked as a scotch-taper of destroyed documents in the White House, and she was hit by a car when she was let go. She gets another job with with a famous author who writes about politics.
Then there's Kirby, her sort of gruff boss but to me, sort of a teddy bear. He always wanted her to be the best and always treated her kindly and fairly.
A lot of great characters from Alex who she meets in his family owned wine store, her two roommates - lesbians, who encouraged her to go out with him. Then there's your typical Jewish parents who own a wallpaper store in New York who are "yentas" at their best.
Again, I'm going to mention epilogues this one did not disappoint.
September 1, 2023
Perfect airplane read!
December 12, 2020
This is a read that I will likely need to pick up again in the future as I may not have been completely ready for this one, emotionally speaking. While this is technically fiction, so many of the events that took place had me taking the occasional Google break to double-check the fictionality of it all. After witnessing so much absurdity over the past 4 years many of the events in this plot would not have surprised me in the least.
Rachel to the Rescue is a funny read overall, but not quite an escape, yet. I have faith that someday we'll all be able to look back and fully laugh, but I'm not quite there.
Rachel to the Rescue is a funny read overall, but not quite an escape, yet. I have faith that someday we'll all be able to look back and fully laugh, but I'm not quite there.
March 18, 2025
4th Emergency Service Rachel is not. There’s a reason this took me four years to read. Granted I’m not the target demographic…but yikes this was terrible. Less humour than an episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys.
October 6, 2021
Entertaining novel about a woman fired from the White House for calling Donald Trump an idiot... then she gets hit by a car and there's a White House connection. It's funny in smart, low-key way.
May 30, 2023
Very enjoyable.
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