Face-Time: A Novel

by Erik Tarloff

What if your girlfriend is sleeping with your boss? And what if your boss is the President of the United States?

These provocative questions are at the heart of Face-Time , a compulsively readable, devastatingly insightful, and darkly humorous morality tale about how celebrity, sex, power, and ultimately love collide in the corridors of the White House.

Face-Time is the story of Ben and Gretchen, two young political activists who meet and fall in love while working on a presidential campaign. When their candidate wins, both are given jobs in the new administration, his as an increasingly prominent speechwriter and hers in the Office of Social Affairs. But then Ben finds out that Gretchen has been sleeping with his boss,
the president, and he confronts her. Gretchen swears her love for Ben and vows to do anything to ensure their future happiness together...except end the affair. She has gained the ultimate Washington one-on-one "face-time" with the president. And, perhaps not coincidentally, Ben's stock as a speechwriter has never been higher. But is the professional success worth the personal price?

Far more than an echo of recent headlines, this thoughtful, riveting novel by Washington insider Erik Tarloff is an important work of politically inspired fiction that poses a fascinating and culturally resonant In a society that venerates power and celebrity, how far are we willing to go to bring ourselves in proximity to them? With the inside-the-Beltway appeal
of Primary Colors coupled with the literary distinction of All the President's Men, Face-Time is a perceptive entertaining examination of the seductive power, both personal and professional, of position and status at the highest altitudes.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

249 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kristin Fouquet · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jeffrey Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Heather McChesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Darlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Rogue Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Austin Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

gosh why does everyone in this book suck

[Arnetra · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Yukari Watanabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever novel, fun to read.

[Pmcdnld2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and fun book to read.

[Daryle · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bantam-weight fun.