Editorial Content for Off the Record

One of the joys of reading is starting a book and being hooked from the first page. With OFF THE RECORD, Sara Goodman Confino accomplishes that and more. This enchanting story features Judy Greenberg, who in 1962 has graduated from college with a degree in journalism. Unlike her peers, Judy is not interested in an MRS. Instead, she is determined to have a career as a journalist --- and not one who writes about “women's issues,” like getting stains out of tablecloths or child rearing.

But there are few female journalists at this time, so getting a job at a newspaper is not easy. While her mother wants her to work in her uncle's law firm so she can find a nice Jewish husband, Judy sneaks into a newspaper that had posted a notice that they were hiring. The only job available for Judy is in the typing pool. But she can type and figures that might be her way in to the position she really wants.

"One of the joys of reading is starting a book and being hooked from the first page. With OFF THE RECORD, Sara Goodman Confino accomplishes that and more.... This combination of spy thriller, historical fiction, rom-com and family drama is extremely fun to read."

As she is typing the reporters' articles, Judy realizes that she is a much better writer than many of them. One reporter, Jack Fields, really needs help with his writing, so Judy decides to edit one of his pieces. That's the job of the (male) editors upstairs, but Jack talks to her about her journalism degree, and she makes one of his pieces perfect on her first day. After that, he wants her to perform her “magic” on all his writing.

But as Judy's very strict supervisor, Ann Kelly, points out, why should she let Jack get the credit for her excellent writing skills? When Judy is given the chance to work as a temporary secretary for one of the editors, she happens to answer his private phone after he's left for the day, and she takes a mysterious message. The setting is right after the failed Bay of Pigs attack, and the caller, with his heavy Russian accent, references Havana. Judy writes it down and thinks it must be important. But when she gives the message to the editor the next day, he is furious that she answered his private phone. So he rips it into shreds, but instead of disposing of the scraps of paper, he puts them in his pocket. He then tells Ann that he doesn't want Judy to be his secretary.

Judy is positive that this message is worth investigating. Something fishy is going on. But she's not sure how to go about it. When the other typists go out for drinks at Off the Record, a DC bar that is popular with all kinds of politicians, including senators and those who work for the president and vice-president, she thinks that it might be the place to do some investigating. Realizing that she needs assistance, she tells Jack about her plans, and he agrees to help.

But Judy lives at home, and her very protective Jewish parents are not likely to approve of her going out drinking, especially with a young man who is not Jewish. So comedy ensues as she figures out how to escape the scrutiny of her parents. Her mother, especially, just wants her to get married like her older sister. Judy has to pretend that she is dating a nice Jewish guy, and Jack must pretend to be that person.

This combination of spy thriller, historical fiction, rom-com and family drama is extremely fun to read. Confino's ability to write realistic dialogue imbued with humor and characters we adore will make this book a clear summer favorite. Judy's struggles and her commentary leave no doubts about how she views the restrictions placed on women during that time. Her sister's pregnancy is harder than the first two, and the doctor doesn't listen when she complains. That's something that hasn't changed --- too many male doctors today still don't listen to women. Judy has plenty of other observations about the restrictions placed on women then, including the very real expectation that they marry, keep house and bear children. End of story.

There are twists (the cute kind that make you smile) and fascinating insights into DC happenings and places of interest, like Duke Zeibert's restaurant. Duke's was a DC institution, and every president since Harry Truman ate there. The settings were chosen because they are real places where movers and shakers met. There are references to the availability of women for married politicians, from the president to senators and congressmen. If you are looking for a clever, humorous and engaging summer read, look no further than OFF THE RECORD.