What: The Washington Story is author Adam Langer's sequel to his much-praised debut novel, Crossing California. Don't be fooled by the almost-certainly-intentionally-geographically-misleading titles, though. Despite some threads extending outward (to New York, to Florida, to Berlin), the focus here is on Chicago, and on a very specific Chicago at that.
The Chicago of The Washington Story is the Chicago of the 1980s --- one that has just elected its first African American mayor and watches the sky for Halley's comet.
Opening lines: "Jill Wasserstrom, cub reporter for her high school newspaper, the Lane Leader, was a great believer in fate, so it was not surprising that she would read great meaning into the fact that, in 1982, during the second week of November, three historically significant incidents would occur within one twelve-hour period."
Representative quote: "The few times that Muley tried to dissuade him from his behavior, Hillel always agreed with Muley --- yes, he should seek counseling, yes, cocaine was addictive, yes, calling out 'Hey, Leon Spinks!' to a gap-toothed bouncer at Dingbats' cocktail lounge wasn't smart."
You might not like it if: Too many characters, too much plot.
How to get it: Buy it or borrow it.
Connection to previous Wreckage: Crossing California was Rec. #82.
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