I absolutely love The West Wing and am now on my 4th, 5th or 6th complete watch-through (I lost count some time ago). So naturally I was intrigued when this book came out and I decided to buy it. When it arrived, it was loosely packed with some other items, crushing the bottom binding and jacket. I was going to return it for that alone. But when I started skimming through it, I realized that it was basically insider gush and fluff, mainly for people who just can't get enough West Wing. Stuff like how Josh Malina liked to play some pretty extreme practical jokes on the set, how Aaron Sorkin hears music when he writes (a theme that was endlessly repeated), and so on. I.e. basically fan club fluff. So it's going back and I doubt that I'll order a new copy. And if I do, it'll be the Kindle edition. Cheaper and I have some digital credits I need to use.

If you are a long time "Wingnut" as I am you will love this book. Every presidential year just before Labor Day I get out my DVD set of "The West Wing: The Complete Series" and begin my binge watching of the series. This year, a week or so ago, I was watching "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" and he had Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack on as guests. The three of them talked about this book and the TV show itself. , I watched the interview and when it ended I got on-the computer, went to Amazon and bought the book. This book is highly entertaining and a very satisfying must read if you are a super fan of "The West Wing". as I am.

Since it's first announcement on AMAZON, many have been waiting more or less patiently for this book. SPOILER ALERT! It was worth the wait! Like a couple of other reviewers here, I am only in the beginning of reading this book, but, while many books of this size can take 60 to 90 pages to get the motors running, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormadk have the wheels rolling within the first few page with a wonderful writing style that is altogether breezy, engaging, and informative all at once. If you are a chronic fan of THE WEST WING as I am (I'm on the 6th viewing of the first 4 Aaron Sorkin episodes) and are hesitant about buying the book, hesitate no longer: Buy It! The book engages from the Preface and Introduction forward. The writers thoroughly engage the reader with their natural, conversational style. They drape their arms over the reader's shoulders and guide her or him immediately behind the scenes as Martin Sheen, on the first day of shooting, goes around to introduce himself and exchange a few words with every extra and walk-on in that week's episode. In addition, tradition on other shows usually dictated that extras and walk-ons would eat different food at a different time in a different location that the rest of the cast. Sheen demanded that ALL participants would eat together with no segregation. Spoiler over! Enjoy the book!

A bright dose of hope, great memories, lessons in civics, civility and service and plenty of wonderful, funny and poignant stories. If you LOVE the series, you'll love the book - especially in this election season!

Five stars for a fantastic look at The West Wing, but the authors snarky asides take away from the reading experience, at least for me, which is why I gave it four stars. The concept of service being the central tenet of the series and illustrated by the casts and crews real-life service is fantastic. Great incites into the show’s creation and casting, too, along with more in depth looks at some of the series classic episodes.

It's unfortunate that it took 18 years for us to get a book like this, but wow, this one delivers everything we've been wishing for - the behind-the-scenes stories, the interviews, all the nerd fan stuff. And it reads amazingly well, better than books written by actors ever read. It's funny, informative, nostalgic, entertaining - and it renews our connection to this show we've loved so deeply for so long.

It was wonderful reliving memories of my favorite show. This book makes you laugh and makes you cry. It’s a perfect book for any West Wing fans. And now I’m binge-watching it again because so many of the show’s topics are still relevant today.

What’s Next is a treasure trove for fans of "The West Wing" and anyone interested in the intersection of television, politics, and public service. This book is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved series; it’s a deep dive into the heart and soul of what made "The West Wing" a cultural phenomenon in the late 90s and early 2000s. Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack take readers on an intimate journey back to President Bartlet’s Oval Office, offering untold stories and fresh commentary that even the most devoted fans will find surprising and delightful. The book beautifully captures the camaraderie among the cast and crew, the dedication to creating a show that stood for decency and honor, and the lasting impact it has had on American culture and civic life. The insights into the show's creation and the relationships formed on set are both poignant and entertaining, providing a new perspective on TWW episodes. Moreover, the book’s exploration of the show’s legacy, especially its commitment to service and competent leadership, resonates deeply in today’s world. What’s Next is not just a book for "West Wing" aficionados—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire real change. Fitzgerald and McCormack have crafted a moving tribute to a show that continues to inspire hope and optimism, encouraging a service-oriented mindset. This book is a fitting celebration of the show's enduring legacy.