The book is Perino’s fifth book and her first work of fiction. In her previous non-fiction books, she has focused on sharing life lessons and advice aimed at young women. “I do a lot of mentoring, giving advice and guidance to young people,” says Perino. Although fiction, “Purple State” also offers life lessons through the experiences of the three main characters. The challenges the trio of women face in the novel are the same ones Perino often hears from the young people she mentors. “They are young women in their mid-twenties who feel like their dreams are not coming true,” says Perino. “I wanted the story of girlhood and friendships to be realistic. I was very intentional.”
Perino, who just turned 54, has built a successful, high-profile career, yet she recalls feeling unsure of her future when she was young. “When I was 25, I worried a lot,” she says. “If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to worry so much.” Perino’s feelings as a young woman starting her career, along with her small-town upbringing, helped her bring her own unique voice to “Purple State.”
Born in Wyoming, Perino grew up in Colorado. As a child, she spent a lot of time on her family’s ranch in Wyoming and credits her appreciation for traditional values to her experiences in rural ranch life. She graduated from Colorado State University Pueblo with a degree in Mass Communications and went on to earn a master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield. She launched a career in politics. After serving as Deputy Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, in 2007, she succeeded White House Press Secretary Tony Snow and held the position until the end of the Bush administration in 2009. Next, she became a political commentator on FOX News. Today, she is co-anchor of the network’s morning news show “America’s Newsroom” and co-host on “The Five.” She also hosts a podcast, “Perino on Politics.”
While authoring a rom-com novel may seem like an odd path for a political commentator, Perino is an avid reader in all genres, including romance. “I love fiction and I am a voracious reader,” she says. “It’s not unusual for me to be reading five books at a time.” Perino also has her own love story of how she met her husband, Peter McMahon. “My mantra is ‘choosing to be loved is not a career-limiting decision,’” she says.
Perino and McMahon met on an airplane in 1997. The chemistry was there, but Perino saw serious roadblocks in the relationship. “He is 18 years older than me and he lived in England. I had a pretty good career trajectory at the time,” says Perino. “There were 100 reasons why I shouldn’t be with my husband.” She shared her concerns with a friend who gave her a piece of advice that changed her life. “She said: ‘Don’t give up on this chance to be loved. It might not ever happen again,’” recalls Perino. She decided to take the chance, and the couple has been together ever since.
The decision to take chances in life is one of the themes of “Purple State.” “Life is a decision-making experience,” says Perino. “In the book, I am so proud of Dot for the difficult decisions she makes.”
While the book has only been out a short time, Perino says she is getting good feedback from readers, young and old. “Mothers and daughters are reading it, and the moms are telling me: ‘I remember what it was like to be young and in love,’” she says.
If the number of people who waited in line for Perino’s Palm Beach book signing event is any indication, “Purple State” may hit the bestseller list. “The event was highly successful, with more than 300 guests,” says Adrienne Raptis, owner of Raptis Rare Books. “It was a pleasure to host Dana, and attendees were enthusiastic about meeting her. The strong turnout and the lively interaction between the author and guests were highlights for us.”
Founded in 2000, Raptis Rare Books specializes in fine first editions, signed and inscribed books, and landmark books in all fields. “Purple State” is not the type of book shoppers would typically find on the bookshelves in the antiquarian bookstore, however Raptis says hosting an author of Perino’s stature was the perfect opportunity. “A personal friend of Dana Perino approached us about hosting a book signing in our gallery, and we were delighted to do it,” says Raptis. “Dana’s distinguished background, including her service as the 26th and second female White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, made her an especially compelling guest.” Earlier this month, Raptis Rare Books hosted a book signing with another FOX News commentator — Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier — who just released his new book “The Case for America.” Raptis is planning similar events in the future.
As for Perino, she is enjoying a whirlwind book tour where local bookstores, just like the fictional store featured in “Purple State,” are getting in on the fun. At a recent event at the Little Point Bookshop in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, guests enjoyed food and drinks inspired by the places and characters in the book, as well as a book discussion with Perino. Asked if she has another book on the horizon, Perino hints that something new is in the works. “You never know what’s next,” she laughs.
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Dana Perino
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