Author Talk: Fox News Anchor and Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino on Debut Novel 'Purple State'

Event Details

Step into the heart of America’s political and cultural crossroads with Dana Perino as she discusses her debut novel Purple State. In conversation with Westporter Danielle Dobin, Perino brings her insider perspective to a story that blends high-stakes politics with humor, heart, and an unexpected love story set in a swing-state town.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

About Purple State

Dorothy “Dot” Clark, a 25-year-old New York City PR professional, feels stuck in her career and life. When a chance arises to work on a high-stakes political campaign in Cedar Falls, Wisconsin, a swing district in a pivotal state, Dot jumps at the opportunity. Accompanied by her best friends, Mary and Harper, she trades city chaos for the charm of small-town life, complete with cozy cafes, family farms, and a welcoming community. As Dot navigates the challenges of small-town politics to help flip Wisconsin blue, her personal life takes an unexpected turn. She finds herself drawn to Danny Dawson, a truck-driving, hockey-loving local who’s nothing like the men she’s known in New York. Their growing connection forces Dot to confront a question she never anticipated: Can love bridge political divides?

Set against the backdrop of a tight-knit community and a heated election, Purple State is a heartwarming story of love, friendship, and finding common ground in politics, relationships, and life. With humor, charm, and relatable characters, it’s a celebration of taking leaps of faith and discovering where you truly belong.

Fans of Dana’s nonfiction books, And the Good News Is... and Everything Will Be Okay, will recognize her practical insight woven throughout. Just as Dana has inspired readers to take chances in their careers and personal lives, Dot’s journey is a reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and life-changing rewards.

About the Speakers

Dana Perino is a Fox News anchor, co-host of The Five and co-anchor of America's Newsroom, and one of the channel’s key election analysts. She’s the #1 New York Times bestselling author of And the Good News Is...; Let Me Tell You About Jasper; Everything Will Be Okay, and I Wish Someone Had Told Me. She also hosts her own podcast, Perino on Politics. Dana is the former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush—the first Republican woman to hold the job. She grew up in the Rocky Mountain West and now lives in New York City with her husband, Peter McMahon, and their dog, Percy.

Danielle Dobin began her career as a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Bob Graham (D-Florida), which is where her story with Dana Perino begins. In 1995, she and Dana were strangers who became roommates in a group house on Capitol Hill - two young women working for members of Congress from opposite political parties - living directly across the street from the Library of Congress. This was perfect as they quickly bonded over their shared love of reading and regularly share book recommendations thirty years later.  Danielle has enjoyed a multi-decade career as a real estate investor and entrepreneur. She earned her JD  a Master's in Real Estate Finance, and a BA in Political Communication. Today she serves as Chair of Westport's Board of Finance, previously chaired the Planning and Zoning Commission, and has been deeply involved in her community through Staples High School boards and leading ArtSmart for the PTA Council. She is an active member of Westport’s DTC and serves as a volunteer team leader for the DNC Voter Protection efforts in Pennsylvania and Georgia. She lives near the beach with her husband Chris, their two teenage sons, and her beloved dog