Palimpsest

Why people recommend it

Palimpsest by Gore Vidal is a candid and acerbic memoir chronicling the author's early life, literary career, and political engagements. When appearing on The Ezra Klein Show in February 2026, Michael Scherer recommended this autobiographical work during the podcast's closing book segment. Scherer remarked that although the memoir had been published some time ago, he had only recently read it, expressing astonishment that he had spent so much time in Washington, D.C., without picking it up sooner. The speaker praised the book as being exceptionally hilarious, drawing attention to Vidal's sharp wit and unsparing observations about the political establishment. Through this recommendation, Scherer highlighted the enduring appeal of Vidal's storytelling and his uniquely cynical perspective on American power structures.