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The GQ Candidate: A Novel
The West Wing meets Entourage when “one of the most provocative political bloggers in the country” ( The Philadelphia Tribune ) exposes the stunning implications a historical bid for the presidency has on the candidate’s inner circle.
Michigan governor Luke Cooper, one of the few black and—by virtue of adoption—Jewish elected officials, stuns his tight-knit friends with his decision to run for president. But could their efforts to help ultimately be his political downfall? Scandal and gossip surrounding his supporters rock his campaign, and even Luke’s wife grows wary of the spotlight when a surprise from their past inconveniently resurfaces. . . .
Selected for the Los Angeles Times ’s summer reading list and as one of More magazine’s “Beach Reads You’ll Love,” Keli Goff ’s clever and entertaining debut novel is a spot-on golden ticket into the secret heart of the political circus.
Michigan governor Luke Cooper, one of the few black and—by virtue of adoption—Jewish elected officials, stuns his tight-knit friends with his decision to run for president. But could their efforts to help ultimately be his political downfall? Scandal and gossip surrounding his supporters rock his campaign, and even Luke’s wife grows wary of the spotlight when a surprise from their past inconveniently resurfaces. . . .
Selected for the Los Angeles Times ’s summer reading list and as one of More magazine’s “Beach Reads You’ll Love,” Keli Goff ’s clever and entertaining debut novel is a spot-on golden ticket into the secret heart of the political circus.
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2011
6 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 26, 2016
I really hate to give this book a two star rating. In the beginning,it immediately piled me in with the rich characterization and the politics element. However as soon as it introduced new characters that was poorly developed,I lost interest.
Why start off strong,only to lose the hype that you had in the beginning. The jargon language of politics was surprisingly good, but the consistency was poor.
Oh well,it had a lot of potential,but poor execution.
Why start off strong,only to lose the hype that you had in the beginning. The jargon language of politics was surprisingly good, but the consistency was poor.
Oh well,it had a lot of potential,but poor execution.
December 15, 2012
Okay even though this was a political election year and I do live in Washington DC I just couldnt get enough politics and decided to read this book too LOL..Though the real reason I picked this up is because I have read some opinion editorials by the author and liked her so took the chance and thought this book would be a good one--an easy read based loosely on the Obama presidency without the politics..Okay so enter Luke Cooper a handsome governor thrust into the spotlight and into the political race along with his diverse white Jewish family, his black wife and children and a host of college friends..The campaign brings out the best and worst in everyone and relationships are strained and tested with all the pressure and scrutiny of your life and everyone it it under a microscope--kinda scary if you think about all your questionable friends and past relationships LOL. The novel veers intelligently away from political stances, issues, current events and the like so a reader of any persuasion can enjoy and relate to Luke and his campaign, without mentioning whether he is right or left he comes off as likeable and flirtatious and the novel talks alot about how money is raised to fund a campaign--all the networking and schmoozing and parties and events that comprise the funding to elect a president, for that this book was entertaining and educational..I also liked the relationships between the men and their wives, I felt this group had a dynamic and though I felt there were too many characters introduced to really focus on the principal ones I thought if fleshed out this could have been an equally as interesting novel on sustaining relationships marital or friends after college, during tough times as an adult, through children and weddings and just life-that was nice and should really be explored more by the author, thought some of the anecdotes were alittle cheesy but endearing nonetheless..Overall it was a good read I feel ended abruptly and there should have been a longer epilogue on the results the election after you get through three hundred odd pages of prepping for a big event that ends in five pages or less..
June 19, 2011
The GQ Candidate is a novel about the presidential campaign of an African-American politician with a mixed cultural background from the Midwest. You will expect to read this book and constantly be reminded of another African-American presidential politician, but trust me, you seldom will.
Luke Cooper, who was adopted and raised by a Jewish family is the current Governor of Michigan and his recent favorable national press convinces those around him that he's ready to make a run for the White House. While the book is about the adjustments that Cooper and his family must make under the constant scrutiny that is a Presidential campaign, the real story to me was how it affects long-term friendships and the motives of extended family.
It was fun to read about the backroom machinations of a campaign, and all of the personal and profession decisions made, without having to read a boring history book.
Luke Cooper, who was adopted and raised by a Jewish family is the current Governor of Michigan and his recent favorable national press convinces those around him that he's ready to make a run for the White House. While the book is about the adjustments that Cooper and his family must make under the constant scrutiny that is a Presidential campaign, the real story to me was how it affects long-term friendships and the motives of extended family.
It was fun to read about the backroom machinations of a campaign, and all of the personal and profession decisions made, without having to read a boring history book.
July 19, 2012
This is one of those books that will get a mix of reviews, some glowing and some less than enchanted. I understand both persepctives, but I'm going to stand closer to the body that is throwing light, not shade, on this story.
The GQ Candidate is a fun, breeze look at the behind-the-scenes workings of a presidential campaign. Obviously based on the 2008 campaign of President Barack Obama, it at times feels a bit like a roman a clef, from the similarities to President and First Lady Obama to barely disguised celebrity mashups.
But Goff has a style that makes the story both interesting and easy to read. You might learn more about campaign financing than you ever wanted to know, but if you have an interest in politics, you might also learn just what you've been missing.
A clever, witty read.
The GQ Candidate is a fun, breeze look at the behind-the-scenes workings of a presidential campaign. Obviously based on the 2008 campaign of President Barack Obama, it at times feels a bit like a roman a clef, from the similarities to President and First Lady Obama to barely disguised celebrity mashups.
But Goff has a style that makes the story both interesting and easy to read. You might learn more about campaign financing than you ever wanted to know, but if you have an interest in politics, you might also learn just what you've been missing.
A clever, witty read.
November 23, 2023
The GQ Candidate is a fascinating account of a political campaign. Luke Cooper, Governor of Michigan, a black man raised by a Jewish family, married with two children is urged to run for the presidency of the U.S. The story follows several people, including his wife Laura, family, and his old friends and those managing the campaign. The author does a credible job portraying the machinations of running a campaign for high office, the money that is required, the donors you must cope with some of whom you would not be in their circle if not for the fact that someone else connected you with them. Goff show us the various people who are hired to make Cooper’s campaign run smoothly, and to make sure he, his wife and family present the right image, including the decisions he must make, and the moral dilemma he faces all of which will determine whether he is successful or unsuccessful.
I really enjoyed this novel. It calls to mind President Obama’s campaign and makes me wonder if some of what’s in the novel is what he and his family endured.
I really enjoyed this novel. It calls to mind President Obama’s campaign and makes me wonder if some of what’s in the novel is what he and his family endured.
June 17, 2021
This was a pretty good look at a year in the life of a man trying to win his party’s nomination for president. Old friends help or are a liability, his marriage and ethics are tested. It just wasn’t what I was in the mood for - So much endless politics in the real world these days, and the main character’s male friends were not great people. His wife and her friends were terrific, though, and I probably would have enjoyed a book exclusively from their pov. Still, refreshing with a Black Jewish family at the center and nice in-law relationships.
August 19, 2013
IQ "Well, there's not much left to say except that I'm really glad I wore my Manolos today, because if I'm going to insert my foot this far in my mouth I at least want to be wearing nice shoes", Mimi pg. 349
It felt like the author was sick of upper class/upper middle class Black people not being portrayed in fiction so she peppered her novel with them. I understand and appreciate her intention but the delivery left a lot to be desired. Luke's family was cheesy in its perfection, even its quarrels felt forced and ridiculous. Everyone had these great personal backgrounds from the oldest characters being Freedom Riders to the youngest being successful and powerful in their respective careers. Not all characters were perfect but it was hard to focus on their flaws when I could barely keep them straight. The narration plodded on and I think the author should have instead focused on Luke and his immediate family instead of Luke's family, friends and his friends of friends. The book was very long in order to accomadate all these characters and the gazillion plot lines (or so it seemed) which was frustrating when the book reached the end and a rather dramatic moment was rushed through. Furthermore the book ends with Luke making a crucial decision and although I can guess what he chooses, I think that since this book was all about politics (in a way) it should have ended with him actually making a political decision.
This book is about a presidential campaign but politics do not enter the equation which keeps it from being a polarizing read due to controversial issues. While Luke is a Democratic, a variety of political affiliations are mentioned but since the issues are not delved into its inconsequential. Instead the book focuses on how political campaigns are run, the people behind the scenes of the candidate, the media's relationship to a campaign and networking and fundraising. It was nice to read a book with such a dream cast, I just wish the author had either taken the presidential campaign storyline out of it (and instead focused on a group of highly educated Black friends post-college living life) or narrowed down the cast of characters. The book was a slow read but Luke and his friends are a highly entertaining bunch, try to ignore the lack of plot and while you will most likely get frustrated at the ending The GQ Candidate is still a good read.
PS Fact: I bought this book at my Borders as it was closing. So this book will always be associated with that, I even still have the receipt that says 'final sale'. Sadness
PPS: I know everyone else read this as Barack Obama-like but I actually related Luke Cooper more so to Cory Booker. Anyway just a thought
It felt like the author was sick of upper class/upper middle class Black people not being portrayed in fiction so she peppered her novel with them. I understand and appreciate her intention but the delivery left a lot to be desired. Luke's family was cheesy in its perfection, even its quarrels felt forced and ridiculous. Everyone had these great personal backgrounds from the oldest characters being Freedom Riders to the youngest being successful and powerful in their respective careers. Not all characters were perfect but it was hard to focus on their flaws when I could barely keep them straight. The narration plodded on and I think the author should have instead focused on Luke and his immediate family instead of Luke's family, friends and his friends of friends. The book was very long in order to accomadate all these characters and the gazillion plot lines (or so it seemed) which was frustrating when the book reached the end and a rather dramatic moment was rushed through. Furthermore the book ends with Luke making a crucial decision and although I can guess what he chooses, I think that since this book was all about politics (in a way) it should have ended with him actually making a political decision.
This book is about a presidential campaign but politics do not enter the equation which keeps it from being a polarizing read due to controversial issues. While Luke is a Democratic, a variety of political affiliations are mentioned but since the issues are not delved into its inconsequential. Instead the book focuses on how political campaigns are run, the people behind the scenes of the candidate, the media's relationship to a campaign and networking and fundraising. It was nice to read a book with such a dream cast, I just wish the author had either taken the presidential campaign storyline out of it (and instead focused on a group of highly educated Black friends post-college living life) or narrowed down the cast of characters. The book was a slow read but Luke and his friends are a highly entertaining bunch, try to ignore the lack of plot and while you will most likely get frustrated at the ending The GQ Candidate is still a good read.
PS Fact: I bought this book at my Borders as it was closing. So this book will always be associated with that, I even still have the receipt that says 'final sale'. Sadness
PPS: I know everyone else read this as Barack Obama-like but I actually related Luke Cooper more so to Cory Booker. Anyway just a thought
August 20, 2012
As the 2012 Presidential gets under way, reading about a political race just seemed natural for me. This book sounded interested in that it seemed to sorta kinda be based on Obama but not really. A few similarities but enough differences to matter.
Luke Cooper is a star in the democratic party. A Black and Jewish male he represents a unique con durum in American identity. Raised by his adopted white family and married to Black woman he is a busy husband and father. When he decides to entire the contested primary against a well known female democratic challenger, his family and friends are thrust into the spotlight.
This book is almost apolitical. While Luke is a democrat, no talking points or political stances are ever mentioned making this book that a Dem, Repub and Librartarian could potentially enjoy. Filled with juicy tidbits about campaign life and campaign fiances it its an interesting look into to what goes on on behind the scenes.
My chief issue with this book was the almost excessive narration. At times it felt like non-fiction that way everything was set-up. Also there were lots of character's and hard to keep some of them straight ( brook and Brooke). I think it would have been easier on the reader if it only focused on a few key main character's and not such an extended crew. I also would have liked to read more from Laura's point of view, but I guess books about political wives are not that hard to come by.
Overall, the narration bogged me down a little toward the later half of the book and I was just interested to know the final outcome. The scandals seemed to keep coming and the end was a nice surprise ending.
Luke Cooper is a star in the democratic party. A Black and Jewish male he represents a unique con durum in American identity. Raised by his adopted white family and married to Black woman he is a busy husband and father. When he decides to entire the contested primary against a well known female democratic challenger, his family and friends are thrust into the spotlight.
This book is almost apolitical. While Luke is a democrat, no talking points or political stances are ever mentioned making this book that a Dem, Repub and Librartarian could potentially enjoy. Filled with juicy tidbits about campaign life and campaign fiances it its an interesting look into to what goes on on behind the scenes.
My chief issue with this book was the almost excessive narration. At times it felt like non-fiction that way everything was set-up. Also there were lots of character's and hard to keep some of them straight ( brook and Brooke). I think it would have been easier on the reader if it only focused on a few key main character's and not such an extended crew. I also would have liked to read more from Laura's point of view, but I guess books about political wives are not that hard to come by.
Overall, the narration bogged me down a little toward the later half of the book and I was just interested to know the final outcome. The scandals seemed to keep coming and the end was a nice surprise ending.
August 15, 2011
2.5 stars
In "The GQ Candidate," author Keli Goff comes up with a great premise: the ups and downs of the black, Jewish governor of Michigan's presidential campaign. At first well-regarded but little-known, Gov. Luke Cooper is thrust into the national spotlight following an incident involving a white supremacist. Good will sparks for the inexperienced governor, eventually leading him to declare candidacy for an upcoming presidential election.
Unfortunately, while Goff's ideas are strong, her execution is not quite up to par. Far too much telling instead of showing takes place, and often dialogue or other aspects of the narrative come off as cliched or ham-handed. Some characters are interesting, especially Luke's wife, Laura, but others come off as crude stereotypes.
The real strength of the novel comes in its behind-the-scenes action, shifting focus to how friends and family are affected by the campaign's developments, not just Gov. Cooper. It became hard to put down once reaching the fever pitch and crucial moments of the campaign, but it takes a bit too long to get to that point, and the backstory building is a bit tedious at times.
Overall, it was a decent enough read, but had the potential to be more.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher
In "The GQ Candidate," author Keli Goff comes up with a great premise: the ups and downs of the black, Jewish governor of Michigan's presidential campaign. At first well-regarded but little-known, Gov. Luke Cooper is thrust into the national spotlight following an incident involving a white supremacist. Good will sparks for the inexperienced governor, eventually leading him to declare candidacy for an upcoming presidential election.
Unfortunately, while Goff's ideas are strong, her execution is not quite up to par. Far too much telling instead of showing takes place, and often dialogue or other aspects of the narrative come off as cliched or ham-handed. Some characters are interesting, especially Luke's wife, Laura, but others come off as crude stereotypes.
The real strength of the novel comes in its behind-the-scenes action, shifting focus to how friends and family are affected by the campaign's developments, not just Gov. Cooper. It became hard to put down once reaching the fever pitch and crucial moments of the campaign, but it takes a bit too long to get to that point, and the backstory building is a bit tedious at times.
Overall, it was a decent enough read, but had the potential to be more.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher
September 24, 2011
[Book: The GQ Candidate] was an interesting, yet long-winded tale of a candidacy-run for the next President of the United States. This book introduced the public to the ups and downs of the campaign trail including family, friendships, and scandels that will rock the boat. I feel like I learned a little too much about the financial campaigning, but enjoyed the connections and relationships shared. I especially liked the immediate family dynamic between Luke and Laura as they dealt with making family time amid the campaign schedule.
August 3, 2011
I checked this out at my library and it is a three week period. Normally I'm done in two days but this book was so boring I tried to keep reading to see if it got better. It did not and I stopped at chapter 13. Maybe Keli could be good at political biographies but fiction isn't her strong suit. You got to capture your audience's attention in the 1st chapter and she barely did that in this book.
April 20, 2013
I expected more from this novel because it was penned by Keli Goff, one of the premiere political reporters. It's not the best book I've read in 2013, but it's interesting. I enjoyed comparing protagonist Luke Cooper to real-life president Barack Obama. I also imagined how transformative the presidential run had to be on President Obama and the First Family.
May 10, 2014
Story plot is interesting but it did not catch my attention I skipped to the last two chapters and found out what happened overall. It went too slow and I didn't care to read about the other characters the main character seemed like he would've been most interesting. Hoped it was a good read but nah
April 30, 2014
Had the potential to be a good book but somehow it became ratchet and about about ex-girlfriends and how ghetto people act instead of about African-American politicians. Also didn't like the non-ending ending.
Want to read
September 11, 2011Thanks to the Borders Closing sale, I got this book for $2.50!!
December 11, 2011
Very funny in some parts, though the back half of the book dragged a bit. Overall, enjoyed the insiders perspective on the campaign trail.
July 17, 2012
It was a fun read.
June 27, 2013
obama lite. didn't really like it but i don't like politics.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews