Book Review: Bag Man by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz
Book Review: Bag Man by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz
I’ve never had to open the Wikipedia page for Watergate more in my entire life. I picked up this book for $3 at a thrift store on a family vacation and I’m so glad I did.
Bag Man is a journalistic nonfiction about Spiro Agnew, Richard Nixon’s vice president. He resigned in the midst of the Watergate scandal due to his own independent crimes but is largely forgotten by the general public. The book is based on Rachel Maddow’s podcast of the same name that chronicles the scandal.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book. It taught me something about American politics in the 1970s and it inspired me to rewatch All the President’s Men.
Maddow and Yarvitz laid out the scandal clearly and concisely, and thoroughly explained its historical context. They bluntly emphasized the importance of every development, and candidly guided the reader through the story.
Unfortunately, I disliked their prose and overall style, because it really felt like I was just listening to the podcast. Slang, unnecessary abbreviations, and extraneous commentary created an unserious tone and spoiled some of the story for me.
I’d have to listen to the podcast to know how much of it was just transcribed straight to the book, but I wish it was more of an adaptation and read less like a script.
Honestly, though, that might just be an issue with my expectations. It is very clearly stated that the book is based on a podcast, so maybe I should have anticipated that it would be written the way it was.
The story itself is fascinating. The level of blatant corruption and conspiracy present in the highest levels of government is shocking, and the book is very clear on how relevant that is in the wake of Trump’s presidency. Agnew’s angry rhetoric and self-entitlement certainly sounded similar to recent politics.
Historical significance aside, this book was perfect for a three hour drive through Utah. If anyone finds themselves stuck without internet while leaving Zion National Park, I highly recommend giving it a read.
