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
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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

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