Scott Brown will write a book

After his surprising win as a Republican in a Democratic state, newly minted Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown says he will write a memoir.

It almost seems the next inevitable step after a high-profile political campaign: Newly elected Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown says he will write a book that combines "memoir and inspiration." (Or, as Politico puts it, "The man with the truck will soon be the man with a book.")

Senator Brown's announcement of his book project follows on the heels of the hugely successful reception of "Going Rogue," Sarah Palin's memoir which was published subsequent to her starring role in the 2008 US presidential campaign and which became a bestseller before it was even released.

Brown might, however, also cast a cautious glance at the example of Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Almost two years ago Governor Patrick made headlines when he signed a $1.35-million deal to write his own memoir which was to include "insights into life and leadership." The book was scheduled for publication in 2010.

But last month the Lowell Sun blasted Patrick, pointing out that, "[R]ight now both the Patrick administration and the book have fallen upon hard times. He is way down in the polls, and the book deadline has not been met. Not many insights, and not much leadership."

Governing may be harder than writing (although perhaps some authors would argue to the contrary) but, as the Sun puts it, both a narrative and a political administration "must have a beginning, a middle and an end."

According to Scott's office, part of any proceeds from his book will be donated to charity. No decisions have yet been announced as to the publisher or the timing of any book from Brown.

Marjorie Kehe is the Monitor's book editor.

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