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    Supreme Courtship
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    Supreme Courtship
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    Supreme Courtship
    Audiobook8 hours

    Supreme Courtship

    Written by Christopher Buckley

    Narrated by Anne Heche

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    President of the United States Donald Vanderdamp is having a hell of a time getting his nominees appointed to the Supreme Court. After one nominee is rejected for insufficiently appreciating To Kill A Mockingbird, the president chooses someone so beloved by voters that the Senate won't have the guts to reject her -- Judge Pepper Cartwright, the star of the nation's most popular reality show, Courtroom Six.

    Will Pepper, a straight-talking Texan, survive a confirmation battle in the Senate? Will becoming one of the most powerful women in the world ruin her love life? And even if she can make it to the Supreme Court, how will she get along with her eight highly skeptical colleagues, including a floundering Chief Justice who, after legalizing gay marriage, learns that his wife has left him for another woman?

    Soon, Pepper finds herself in the middle of a constitutional crisis, a presidential reelection campaign that the president is determined to lose, and oral arguments of a romantic nature. Supreme Courtship is another classic Christopher Buckley comedy about the Washington institutions most deserving of ridicule.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHachette Audio
    Release dateSep 3, 2008
    ISBN9781600243752
    Unavailable
    Supreme Courtship
    Author

    Christopher Buckley

    Christopher Buckley is a novelist, essayist, humorist, critic, magazine editor, and memoirist. His books include Thank You for Smoking, The Judge Hunter, Make Russia Great Again, and The Relic Master. He worked as a merchant seaman and White House speechwriter. He was awarded the Thurber Prize for American Humor and the Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence.

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    Reviews for Supreme Courtship

    3.5/5

    269 ratings46 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Funny, political satire that was written 10 years ago, but has a lot of meaning and ties to today's political climate. A homespun President who is a political outsider (Donald Vanderdamp, prescient name selection by Buckley) has the chance to pick a new Supreme Court justice who could change the makeup of the court. He can't get his well qualified selections thru confirmation due to an adversarial climate with the other side of the aisle. So in a move that surprises everyone including his advisers, he chooses a famous TV Judge (think Judy Judy), and wonder of wonders she makes it on the bench. (Side note, there isn't any job qualifications for being on the Supreme Court).It only gets weirder from there. This was a really fun read. I've read several of Buckley's books, and he always provides many laugh out loud moments.9/10S: 7/13/18 - 7/23/18 (11 Days)
    • 3/5
      Funny, witty, political satire. Grinned from page one to the end.
    • 4/5
      Laughed and laughed beginning to middle. Last quarter was not as entertaining. But, I love Christopher Buckley's writing and humor. Fast read, entertaining and of course makes the most of our country's growing obsession with all things reality TV.
    • 2/5
      I just couldn't do it. I don't think I do satirical novels very well bc I find it difficult to waste time with over-the-top characters with little to no redeeming qualities.

      If you like satire and politics, you might like this.
    • 3/5
      A fun political satire that was almost ruined by the narration of Anne Heche. Don't listen to this book on audio because it made me want to stuff a sock in her mouth. Other than that and the fact that the president's contribution to society was that he vetoed every spending bill that crossed his desk (no ability to discriminate?) it was both funny and informative in parts.
    • 2/5
      I didn't really like this book. The story was farfetched and I didn't really warm up to the caracters. Writing was a bit off.
    • 4/5
      What would it be like if Judge Judy was appointed to the Supreme Court? The premise of this book is that the president needs to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court and the Senate Judiciary Committee has destroyed the 2 perfect judges that have nominated so to get their goat he nominates Judge Pepper from the popular TV series Courtroom Six.The public is thrilled with the nomination and she is pushed through. At the same time, the head Senator of the Judicary Committee (who really wanted the job) is recruited by the producer of Courtroom Six to take on the role of the President in his new series POTUS.This was an extremely fun book satirizing our legistlative and judiciary.
    • 3/5
      A TV judge gets nominated to the Supreme Court by a president who has no desire to run for a second term.Supreme Courtship has got a spunky heroine, Washington scandal, and scheming to get both into and out of the Oval Office. The ending is sweet, as most Christopher Buckleys are. However, it would have been nice to have one Supreme Court oral argument turn into a scene from Judge Judy.
    • 4/5
      Really funny. I didn't really read the back of the book, I just borrowed it on a friend's recommendation, so I thought it would be more of a romantic comedy--it's not! It's really intelligent political humor that rings a little too true. I wanted there to be more detail at certain points, but I guess it's a good sign that I wanted more of the book! I highly recommend this one, it's very entertaining...especially in our current political mire.
    • 5/5
      Following up on the success of "Boomsday" with its over-the-top approach to solving the Social Security crisis, novelist Christopher Buckley trains his rapier wit and sense of irony on the heavily politicized process of Supreme Court nominations. Imagining a climate in which an unpopular president cannot convince the Senate to confirm even the most qualified nominee, Buckley gleefully imagines a president nominating a popular TV judge for the bench in "Supreme Courtship."President Donald Vanderdamp, elected on a platform of reform, has alienated virtually everyone in Washington DC with his attempts to actually reform the system. In particular, the current chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee, Dexter Mitchell, despises the sitting president, torpedoing his nominees and even brazenly requesting nomination to the court himself in a private meeting. Flipping channels one evening while at Camp David, Vanderdamp stumbles across the popular primetime hit, "Courtroom Six," presided over by the brash and attractive Pepper Cartwright, whom he decides to name to the highest court.The unorthodox selection creates an uproar throughout the nation's capital, even among Vanderdamp's own staff. It also creates unexpected tension within Pepper's life, as her producer-husband Buddy Bixby dreads losing his star to public service. Pepper's popularity with the American public, along with her folksy Texas-size personality, make it politically difficult to oppose her confirmation.If the situation sounds farcical, it certainly is, but Buckley's skill as an author transforms a moderately funny, if undeveloped, late-night comedy skit idea into a giddy lampoon of political culture and the media's coverage of it. Warmly embracing the irony of the absurd throughout, he crafts a consistently amusing, and frequently downright funny, tale filled with ambition run amok, romantic entanglements, and ridiculous legalese. It is both difficult to put down and difficult to imagine how he could've improved upon it in any way.
    • 5/5
      Christopher Buckley returns to top form in this biting satire. I read the entire book in just a couple sittings. It was hard to put down, and a light, breezy diversion. I previously read Florence of Arabia, which wasn't quite as good. Probably because Buckley doesn't understand the Middle East as well as Washington, DC. By which I mean to say, he knows Washington, and Beltway politics, inside and out. The central situation in this book is beyond absurd, but how the characters respond to it, and the litany of case law he made up for the book, are surreal.
    • 3/5
      An enjoyable read - funny, but not hilarious. I prefer Florence of Arabia, the only other Christopher Buckley book I have read.
    • 5/5
      Anne Heche does a very good job of reading this novel. I do have to warn you that drinking and listening can be hazardous to things and people around you. Why? It is called "spew alert"! We have had to back it up several times as we were laughing to hard to hear what she was saying. Oh, maybe you shouldn't drive and listen to this either. Who would I recommend this audio book to? People who like satire. People who like to laugh. People who need to laugh. Ok, ok, EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THIS BOOK OR LISTEN TO IT! It's really good. This is one of my Audio.com choices.
    • 4/5
      Supreme Courtship is another enjoyable novel by Christopher Buckley. He combines my favorite elements of politics, humor, satire, and biting commentary on American society into a story that entertains and educates. The first half of the book follows the ascension of TV judge Pepper Cartwright to the Supreme Court while the second half reveals the mayhem that is found once she gets there. The first part of the book is more entertaining, as it focuses more on Pepper and her sharp wit. The second half's focus on the mess that is the political machine is interesting, but not quite a smooth of a read as the first half. Overall, the book is well worth reading, especially for someone who enjoys pondering the role the Supreme Court and politics in general in American society and how they interact. Buckley's humor keep the material easy enough to enjoy without bogging the story down. He seems to be like Tom Robbins with more emphasis on politics instead of philosophical questions. Not quite as good, but certainly better than most books published.
    • 4/5
      This is my first Chris Buckley book. I usually read more "serious " fare but because I read 50 books a year, I need less serious diversions such as David Sedaris, Beth Lisack, Christopher Moore, and now Buckley. In that context I enjoyed the book. It was a good read and kept me entertaining and that is why I read it. Anyone out there want to recommend other books by Buckley? Thanks
    • 4/5
      Witty, sharp, adroit. Wonderful tongue-in-cheek poke at the US Supreme Court and a fascinating insight for us non-Americans, that is to say, the world.
    • 3/5
      A funny story that satirizes TV, politics, relationships, and virtually anything else that makes it to its pages. You can read it in a day, and it'll be a laugh filled day for you.
    • 3/5
      Disappointing, I much prefered Boomsday.
    • 4/5
      A delightful romp through the pomposity of Washington Congressional and presidential politics. Christopher Buckley is a master at tongue in cheek. He presents us with a president who is as close to Ozzie Nelson as we can find. He bowls, he watches TV, he vetoes every spending bill Congress sends him because he doesn't think the American people should pay for some of these ridiculous boon-doggles. But most of all, he just wants this term to be over, so he can go home to Ohio and sit on his front porch.Before he does that however, he has to appoint a Supreme Court justice, and Congress is not inclined to approve anyone he sends. In a burst of brilliance (watching late night TV) he decides to appoint Pepper Cartwright, star of a top-rated TV Courtroom Show and America's favorite TV judge. This political satire gets better with each page as we watch this Texas born and bred (but Fordham Law school educated) lady bring her own brand of straight-shooting, pistol packing, rodeo riding spirit to the here-to-fore straight-laced Senate confirmation committee, and then to the court itself.It is frankly, laugh out loud hilarious.
    • 3/5
      This was my first book by this author. Although I didn't find it as funny as most people seemed to, it was enjoyable and I will give thought to reading another book by this author. Some of the antics seemed over the top to me, it was like the author was trying to make something funnier than it really was. That being said, some parts were very funny, especially where Judge Perdita "Pepper" Cartwright, and President Donald Vanderdamp came into play. One other thing that I wasn't thrilled with was the text. It was hard on the eyes after a short time reading, the pages needed to be whiter and/or the text larger.
    • 4/5
      I have had mixed success with Christopher Buckley. I adored No Way to Treat a First Lady and The White House Mess, but I had to put down Thank You for Smoking. I accept all fault for this, maybe I wasn't in the mood for it when I tried to read it.I happily add Supreme Courtship to the "Adored" column.An extraordinarily unpopular President (no, not that one. Or him either), frustrated that the Senate Judiciary Committee refuses to confirm his Supreme Court nominees merely because its members don't like him, goes for broke and nominates the wildly popular reality show judge, Pepper Cartwright, for the vacant seat. This is the story of her selection, nomination, and some of the early activities of her court.Combining reality television and the political process - which is of course the earliest of the reality genre - and the unfortunate assumption that more people vote for the next American Idol than in the latest presidential election, Buckley takes us a wild ride. Does it strain credulity? Oh yes. Is it utterly hysterical? Absolutely!Anne Heche does a magnificent job as the reader of this wonderful story. I found myself circling the block before going home just to hear a little more.
    • 4/5
      Pepper Cartwright is a popular television show judge that has just been nominated for the Supreme Court by a President that doesn't seem to want to be president anymore. In fact, he plans on not running for a second term. Pepper's nomination is in response to the Senate Judiacary Committee turning down two highly qualified nominees just because Senator Mitchell, commitee chair, doesn't like the President. Pepper's nomination sparks a media uproar and some very suprising results in an approval polls.This book is probably one of the most humorous I've read this year. I'm not doing it any justice from my description. Pepper is a fiesty young Texan that brings a new atmosphere to the dignified Supreme Court. She tells it like it is and doesn't care what you think about it. Currently the Supreme Court is divided 4 -4 and Pepper's vote will become critical in the nation's most important case in decades.A leak in the office, an inter-judiciary romance, and a President that is running just to prove a point add up to quite a collection of situations that all show just a little bit of the flaws in our system could be manipulated given the correct alignment of events.4/5 (a little too much legalize...but what can you expect in a book about the Supreme Court)
    • 5/5
      This delightful satire is laugh-out-loud hilarious in many spots. What it might lack in substance it more than makes up for with its zany twists and quirky characters. It also serves up neat commentary on the reality television craze. I didn't expect to like this book nearly as much as I did.
    • 5/5
      What better way to prepare for the upcoming Supreme Court nominee hearings than to indulge in the ironic-humor-on-every-page writing of Christopher Buckley. This book imagines that political polarization has reached a point where it is impossible for anybody nominated by the president to be confirmed by the Senate. Then through a surprising twist of fate only possible in the context of American politics, a popular but enormously unqualified woman (combination of Judge Judy, Sarah Palin, and yellow rose of Texas) is confirmed to the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. It's then Katie bar the door with hilarious fun breaking out in all directions in the midst of Constitutional, international and personal crises. A chapter devoted to the new justice's first case on the court stretches legal Latin beyond the limits of credulity. Since the author's name is Buckley, I'm pretty sure it's all good Latin. However, the cases referenced surely must be fictional. I think the point being made is that the justices are more concerned with one-upping each other with their inflated knowledge of cases and legalese than with justice. " ... it was a clear-cut case of 'interrebus quod aspecto' and that it had absolutely zero bearing 'per res sciatica.' When the new justice interrupts the arguments her mind goes blank, and she can think of only two words to say, "Quasi & modo." She is then asked, "... do you think 'Quasimodo v. Notre Dame Bellringers Guild' has application here?" Buckley shoots one-liners and modern-day-proverbs out with such rapidity one can't help but wonder what sort of mind generated them. Is it a clever wit at work? Or a demented mind? Here are some examples: On the virtues of procrastination: Short of nuclear warheads that have already been launched, there is no situation that cannot be met head-on with inaction. On the political temperature: Nothing raises the national temperature more than a VACANCY sign hanging from the colonnaded front of the supreme Court. Man speaking to woman:"I Googled you, ... Sounds almost indecent, doesn't it?" The nominee telling the Senators what the viewing public is saying about their hearing:".... wake me up if they find public hair on any Coke cans." The response to the preceding comment above:"Nineteen senators stared mutely at the nominee." The following isn't exactly a one liner, but I love the historical associations: How many times had those awful words - "I know what I'm doing" - been uttered throughout history as prelude to disaster? The night before Waterloo in Napoleon's tent? In the Reichschancellery before invading Soviet Russia? Before the "cakewalk" known as Operation Iraqi Freedom? There's even a quotation of William F. Buckley Jr. cited in the text by this disinterested author. I've decided not to repeat the quote here. You can find it yourself. Not only is Buckley lampooning all three branches of the federal government, he takes pot shots at reality television, the writers of The West Wing, and the uninformed populace. Hmmm, that includes you and me! He even has the court deciding the outcome of a presidential election. How far-fetched can a novel be! We know that could never happen in real life.
    • 4/5
      Christopher Buckley did it again! Another strong and funny female character. This story was fast moving and witty. A fun read for anyone who thinks sometimes the media and politics can be equally absurd.
    • 3/5
      Funny satire on Washington and Supreme Court. I laughed out loud at parts. It makes up in fun what what it lacks in bite. Sometimes when I read Buckley I get a sense of Wodehouse, the uppercrustiness? Maybe. but more likely it is the inspired lunacy, that is unfortunately, not present here. Perhaps was written on teh Acela as the author hints as there is a sense of too much speed in the writing.
    • 4/5
      Funny book, set in Washington DC during the first term of President Vanderdamp. All of his Supreme Court nominees have been shot down by the powerful Senate Judicial Committee, so he calls their bluff and nominates a TV judge. Her widespread popularity wins her the nomination. Meanwhile Congress retaliates by passing a Constitutional amendment limiting the President to one-term. Vanderdamp reluctantly runs for a second term, on principle, and to his shock and amazement, wins! Now Pepper must cast the deciding vote that will determine the U.S. President for the next four years.
    • 3/5
      As much as I like Buckley, and as much as I like the concept of this book, I feel like it didn't live up to its full potential. Sure, it had its funny moments, but it didn't really come off as sharply or as well as his previous novels that I've read.The premise here is promising: the President of the United States, mired with low approval ratings and tired of seeing his Supreme Court nominees shot down for spurious reasons, decided to nominate a very popular TV judge to fill the vacancy instead. The confirmation process and what happens afterwards make up the body of the book.Buckley's got some of his usual good sense of the absurdity of the situation, and the satire is well done at points, but I felt that this book lacked both the characterization and the pacing of some of his other work. Even the leads in this didn't feel all that real; and when I say leads, I suppose I only mean Pepper, the TV judge, because no one else is really fleshed out at all. The politicians, the other justices, the reality TV producer husband of Pepper, none of them really felt like anything real to me. The romantic interest for Pepper in particular came off very flat.The pacing, past the confirmation process part, really just spins out of control, and it's hard to tell how much time is passing - it's not always clear, and it's certainly not constant. Thus, while the plot is easy enough to see, since there's a campaign to follow, it's not so easy to figure out what should be happening when.There's some good Buckley moments here, both in the campaign and in the confirmation process, and it's a fast and enjoyable enough read, but it's a marked step down from some of his other work. Only read it if you're really into his novels, I'd say.
    • 4/5
      A droll political comedy, "Supreme Courtship" is a more-than-competent confection. A comely TV judge gets appointed to the Supreme Court, and then things get out of hand. The center cannot hold. And it is not the Constitution, but the Declaration of Independence, that saves the day.This is the first Buckley book I have read. It is not satire on the level of Peter De Vries or even Tom Sharpe, but it is well done, and I recommend it.Still, I did have difficulty with one aspect of the novel. The natural pace, established at the beginning, is mimicked in the second half, not maintained. The fictional world's timeline telescopes, while the comic pace remains the same. The level of attention to the moment-by-moment feel of natural time dissolves as the second half progresses. It has the slight feel of a great comic first half, and a redacted (Reader's Digest) second half.Still, it is fun to read, and perfect reading for this political season.
    • 5/5
      Combine a combative Congressman, a pissed-off president and a TV jurist for a constitutional crisis of ... well, supreme ... proportions. Add a (fictional) dash of the real Court, and you've got another knockout Buckley winner. Thoroughly funny and, in this era of TV judges and a divided Supreme Court, scarily prescient.