LAW & CRIME

The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President

by Jill Wine-Banks
Holt. Feb. 2020. 272p. ISBN 9781250244321. $27.99. LAW
COPY ISBN
This memoir by Wine-Banks, MSNBC legal analyst and former special prosecutor during the obstruction of justice trial against Richard Nixon and his top aides, delves deep into the inner workings of the Watergate scandal. Wine-Banks offers several anecdotes about her own experiences during the 1973 trial, including questioning Nixon’s personal secretary about the missing minutes of White House tapes. There is also insight into the author’s personal life, and occasional commentary on the sexism she experienced as a young lawyer. Details are generally presented in a straightforward manner; likely, readers with a casual interest in U.S. history will learn something new about how the scandal unfolded. The epilog is an excellent addition, touching on the parallels between the Watergate investigation and the actions of Donald Trump during his time in office.
VERDICT Though the storytelling is not always engaging, the author’s earnest desire to tell a story that matters is evident throughout. This insider’s perspective on the Watergate investigation will be most relevant to those who study politics, law, gender, and U.S. history.
Reviewed by Sarah Schroeder, Univ. of Washington Bothell , Feb 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Criminal Justice in America: The Encyclopedia of Crime, Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections
NONFICTION

Tangled Up in Blue: Policing the American City
by Brooks, Rosa
NONFICTION

The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing
by Faleiro, Sonia
NONFICTION

The Uncommon Case of Daniel Brown: How a White Police Officer Was Convicted of Killing a Black Citizen, Baltimore, 1875
by Shufelt, Gordon H
NONFICTION

Two Truths and a Lie: Murder, Obsession, and Justice in the Sunshine State
by McGarrahan, Ellen
NONFICTION

Murder in Canaryville: The True Story Behind a Cold Case and a Chicago Cover-Up
by Coen, Jeff
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?