"It's the 1970s, and local-news anchors are nothing less than celebrities. Ellen Peters is a reporter for a Texas affiliate, where years of on-the-ground reporting have made her cynical and impervious to the sexist ways of the newsroom. Not even Debbie Hanson, who still sees the news as the noble profession of delivering the truth to the masses, can soften Ellen-though Ellen does take a shine to Debbie, who suffers from depression, or "the blues," as it's dismissively called. Walker's experience as a former TV-news reporter in the southwest clearly informs this intimate foray into the world of a working newsroom, where editors bark commands at reporters and cameramen, and anchors-the male ones at least-wield their power. Including multiple points of view and keeping the pace fast with short, snappy dialogue, Walker creates an atmosphere that's filled with optimism and energy but also sexism and racism. Debbie and Ellen are the most memorable among the many characters in this entertaining read that touches on some serious issues."
