5 comments about Truman.

1. The book itself was a winner - a gift for my husband. He "devoured" it. The only disappointment was how cheaply and poorly-bound the paperback was. Even with extreme care, it fell apart within the first 70 pages. The replacement nearly made it to the end, but not quite. Buy and read this book, but go for a better-bound version unless you like handling it in pieces.



2. I have read most of McCullough's books, and so I knew that after reading this I would understand Harry S. Truman more deeply than I ever had. What I didn't know what was that I would learn so much about 20th century American history. McCullough is a great story-teller. His use of historical details to recreate the man and the times is magnificent. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.



3. Author David McCullough gives us an in-depth look into the life of President Truman. He shows how he evolved from a simple farmer to become the President of the United States. McCullough pulls no punches in his biography, and yet, Mr. Truman comes through as a simple man who rose to the challenge of becoming a true statesman and world leader. A Very compelling read.



4. This is one of those rare biographies which pulls you in from the beginning and never lets go. It is an excellent look at one of the truly under-appreciated presidents. Truman was an amazing man and an incredible public servant. The sense of history that this biography brings makes it a must-read for anyone interested in American history and/or American politics.



5. An absolutely fantastic biography. McCullough not only gives us an incredibly in-depth account of Truman's role in such momentous events as the decision to drop the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Potsdam Conference (Truman's only face-to-face meeting with Stalin or Uncle Joe as he called him), the Truman Doctrine, The Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, the firing of General MacArthur and so on, but he also succeeds wonderfully in injecting joviality into this rather thick tome through his unsurpassed ability to recount the human side of Truman, the quirkiness, the common trials and errors of a human being and the like.
   
   I am not an American, but I always tell my friends that if I were Truman would be my favorite president. This book only serves to reinforce my view. Overall, one of the best biographies I've read. If I ever became famous one day, I'd really love someone of McCullough's caliber to write my biography. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Faith of My Fathers.

1. It is one of the finest, most honest & noble books I have ever read. There is heroism & love of country from start to finish. McCain does not consider himself a hero, although, the descriptions of his tortures as well as that of other patriots certainly would make him so. I am proud to be a citizen of my beloved USA after reading of the sacrifices made by our wonderful military men who were POW's in N.Korea. This is a book meant to be read over and over again.



2. Interesting account of how John McCain got to where he is morally and ethically. While his ideals may be viewed as old fashioned, they are especially important in these days of situational ethics.



3. This is not a political book but should be read by all who will vote in the upcoming election, like John McCain or not it does present an excellent picture of who he is. Interestingly it has me reseaching deeper in to my family history to see if there are correlations with who I am. The story was very intriguing and I read the book in just a few short days.



4. I recently decided to read four books; one written by each candidate, and another written about each candidate. This I feel will better prepare me for the November 2008 election.
   
   I read Faith of Our Fathers and enjoyed it. There are some sections that I found boring though, including a lengthy discussion of the McCain linneage, and lots of stories about John McCain's parents and their lives in the various places they lived.
   
   For someone who wants to learn more about life in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp, the book will provide a lot of good (yet scary) information.
   
   I feel that the book gives an excellent perspective on John McCain the man. It is not a political book, so someone wanting to get a feel for McCain can peek into his psychology without the pretense associated with a book written as propaganda.
   
   I definately did come away with understanding about John McCain's philosophies, values, and personality. I won't tell you what I think of McCain. That is the purpose of this review; to let you know that the book provides information that will allow you to understand the man. I think this book might allow you to do so better than perhaps any other source.
   
   I give it five stars in the "now I have a real handle on John McCain" category, and 2.5-3 stars in the "gee this is a great book" category.



5. I bought the audio cd version of this book. To listen to John McCanin tell the story of his life, in his own words, gave me insight into this man. The inflection of words the words most important to him, was worth the price of the book.
   Whether or not you agree with his politics, this tells what makes him tick.

3 comments about Icon of Evil: Hitler's Mufti and the Rise of Radical Islam.

1. This book helped me understand how the hatred and violence of today's fundamentalist Muslims really got started and has gained momentum over the last 100 years. Just like skinheads and Arian fanatics continue to propogate Hitler's form of "terrorism", the Mufti of Jerusalem wrote the playbook now followed by the fanatics who rule Hamas, al Qaeda, et. al.
   
   An important book that uncovers and exposes where it all began.



2. This is an important and timely book. In order to understand the roots of modern Middle Eastern anti-semitism and the rise of radical Islamic violence it is essential to know this almost forgotten part of history. It should come as no surprise to find that it has its roots in the connection between the early 20th Century mufti of Jerusalem and Hitler himself.
   
   This book is a must-read for a better grasp on this history and also to appreciate the surprising political naivete by members of the British civil administration of Palestine. By choosing a a thoroughly unsuitable and unqualified leader for Jerusalem's Muslims, the British set the scene for much of today's Middle-Eastern turmoil.



3. On Tuesday, June 24th, we met Rabbi David Dalin at the Temple Judea in Coral Gables, Florida, where he was introducing his new book: Icon of Evil: Hitler's Mufti and the Rise of Radical Islam.
   
   His presentation was excellent, detailing how in 1921, Haj Amin al-Husseini became the mufti of Jerusalem. After some research we learned that the word "mufti" means: (a) a Muslim jurist expert in the religious law, or (b) in the Ottoman Empire, a deputy of the chief Muslim legal adviser to the Sultan.
   
   Mr. Husseini, a most eminent and influential Islamic leader in the Middle East helped foment enmity against Jews in the region and in 1937 joined Nazi Germany because they shared a common enemy, the Jews. Mr. Husseini was seen by Hitler as an honorary Aryan.
   
   While Hitler had written racial inferiority remarks about the Muslims in his book "Mein Kampf," Hitler liked Mr. Husseini's looks, his "blond hair, red beard, and blue eyes, appeared to have been an exception." The cover of the book surfaces a photo that the author explained was hard to obtain, it is of a photograph taken of the mufti with the fuehrer himself, Adolf Hitler.
   
   The book details how Al-Husseini recruits thousands of Muslims in Europe to fight for the Waffen-SS, his protests about allowing Jews to move into Palestine, prevent the escape of Jewish children from Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, who accompanied by 400 adults were to enter Palestine in exchange for the release of twenty thousand German prisoners of war.
   
   At some point, Al-Husseini "organized the dispatch of five parachuters to Palestine with ten containers of a toxin to poison Tel Aviv's water system. Fortunately, they were caught near Jericho before they could carry out their mission."
   
   One of the most horrific details provided by the author is that al-Husseini was instrumental in the implementation of the "Final-Solution" used by Germans to eliminate millions of Jewish lives. "In a radio broadcast from Berlin on September 21, 1944, al-Husseini spoke of the 11 million Jews" of the world, a fact that he could have only known because of his participation in their elimination. As far as the world knew, the figure was closer to 17 million.
   
   At the end of World War II, he left to live in France and later moved to Egypt, where he received a hero's welcome, developing relationships with the likes of Saddam Hussein's uncle, General Khairallah Talfah, Yasser Arafat, and his writings served to inspire terrorist groups, such as the Hamas, Hezbollah and others, hard at work to destroy the United States and Israel.
   
   A statement that has immense value to us is that we must learn from history if we are to prevent it from repeating in the future. At the end of the session, the audience asked many questions, but in particular I was rather interested on the mention of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion because I had heard of these before, but was not sure of what they meant, so we asked:
   
   1. What are "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion?" His answer:
   
   a. A czarist forgery, a fraudulent anti-Semitic write up, widely distributed throughout Palestine that alleges without proof that the Jewish people conspired on a plot to take hold of power, of a desire of world domination.
   
   Well, I got home and read the book, simply excellent. It was a pleasure to meet the author, to have the opportunity to get my book autographed and to learn more about how the seeds planted by Hitler have produced so much evil, for he is also responsible for inspiring the likes of Castro... and many other dictators.
   
   Don't miss this book!

5 comments about War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism.

1. I saw at Powerline that Doug Feith testified before the house judiciary committee subcommittee, and that prompted me to share my enthusiasm for this book, in which Mr. Feith discusses how and why we went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. He documents the process, beginning with 911, staff discussions that occurred immediately followed 911, and on through the lengthy public process (in the case of Iraq) that led to the decision to go to war. Along the way, Mr. Feith provides excellent insight into the style, character, and to the degree that one can know, motive in subsequent actions of all the major players.
   
   Regarding motive, it is telling that the most thoroughly written arguments for or against a particular policy came from Donald Rumsfeld. Amid all the wild accusations about an illegal war, secrecy, impeach Bush, and that sort of nonsense, it is refreshing to have such an honorable and courageous public servant as Mr. Feith around to painstakingly document just how open, how much public debate, and how much scrutiny of the evidence went into the very difficult decision to go to war.
   
   This book has been ignored to an incredible degree by the mainstream press, not only by the enemies of the administration, but was even dismissed by Bill O'Reilly, who is the king of the all knowing, king-making media gods. No big deal, except that it represents such a terrible injustice to the fine work done by Mr. Feith. If you care about how we ended up going to war in two countries following 911, read this book. The facts are all there.



2. `War & Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism` by Douglas Feith
   
   Mr. Feith does a remarkable job of recounting his - all firsthand - experiences from his tumultuous time serving the country at the Pentagon as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. In this thoroughly researched, meticulously footnoted and highly readable memoir of 5 historic years, many of the myths propagated (those that the author was party to and had refuting documentation) in the media regarding Pentagon decision making, war strategies and policy are completely debunked. The book also remains critical of the key players - including Feith himself, as well as Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Powell, Armitage, Franks, Bremer, Rice, Cheney, of course President Bush, and others. The character of Donald Rumsfeld is also extremely well covered in this book with enough new information for anyone interested in current affairs and the players shaping the events of our time.
   
   It may very well be decided that, after finishing this book, you simply disagree with the strategies and policies adopted by the Pentagon, and subsequently, the Bush administrations prosecution of the invasion of Afghanistan, Iraq and the "global war on terror". I think this would be just fine with the author. The narrative may serve to reinforce beliefs you've held to date, and conversely, reverse your thinking. Mr. Feith works hard to lay out the foundation of the decision making processes and attempt to put to rest some of the erroneous Pentagon reporting which took place during his tenure. Additionally, credit is certainly provided where credit is deserved to those reporters who maintained accuracy, even in highly critical situations.
   
   I did not close `War & Decision' with the impression that I had just digested a tract penned merely to win a convert to a particular philosophy or policy. I was left, rather, with a clearer picture of this story (which is documented in its entirety) and an opportunity to make up my mind as to whether my countries policies and actions were properly conceived, examined, and executed. I don't think the author is worried whether the reader will agree or disagree, only that he or she is now privy to the first, first-person Pentagon perspective, which was painstakingly documented. Douglas Feith provides the facts coupled with his opinions (which he does not mask) which you use to assess one of the most important subjects of our time.
   
   I'm sure there are folks who will scoff at even the mention of reading anything by Douglas Feith - I think that's a shame. It is my firm belief that anyone serious about gaining additional perspective into the Pentagon during this ever important period would be well served by picking up 'War & Decision' and taking the time to glean these important insights. In addition, all of the author's proceeds are being donated to charities which support our troops - anyone with a heart should feel good about the unparalleled return on that investment!
   
   - Johnny



3. I love how 60 minutes ripped this man apart on national television. He was a completely incompotent decision-maker of an invasion that has not only destroyed America's international credibility, but has destroyed the Iraqi people. The fact that this man agreed to disbanding the Iraqi army, effectively creating 400 thousand unemployed and armed civilians in an unstable, leaderless, and poverty-stricken nation proves that this man and the Bush administration never had Iraqi peace on the agenda. They have been doing nothing but feed the fire of ethnic hatred. This book is filled with indoctrinating propaganda. They went to war under the flag of pre-emptive self-defence, a concept that Hitler used to justify the invasion of Poland back at the start of WWII. It is becomming painfully obvious now that the collateral damage this idiodic war has caused will only augment America's national "defence" budget, further damaging its already exhausted economy and monstrous national debt.



4. A very deep, well-researched and informed book. An important work which should be read by anyone for or against the Iraq war



5. I found this book to be an interesting inside view of what was going on. I first saw the book on the daily show with John Stewart, and thought i'd pick it up. Wether or not you agree with Douglas Feith on the issue of deception, this book is filled with information you should probably know.
   Factual, mostly unbiased accounts of what was going on, and also what is in the official records too, is what this book is filled with. I personally liked that it has a map of that region of the world in the front, a good idea what with only 1 in 7 people in the U.S. able to find Iraq according to the latest statistics spread by news media. 4 stars.

5 comments about Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress.

1. For anyone who wants insight into the inner workings of Congress, but is put to sleep by C-SPAN, this book is a must-read.
   It's witty, funny, and loaded with excitement and dramatic true stories. I devoured it on one 4-hour flight, and when I reached the end I was sad because I wanted more.
   The title is an exaggeration -- Wexler isn't nearly as liberal as the extreme right-wing nut jobs accuse him of being. Nor does he breathe fire, or even make unfair or untrue statements. Actually, he makes more level-headed sense than 90% of the politicians in office today.



2. Thank goodness for Robert Wexler! He is a brave, fearless leader who gives a voice in Congress for those of us who have been left behind for so long.
   It is refreshing to read about things from the view of a representative who is truly representing the people in America.
   This book should be required reading in our schools today!!



3. Great book. Congressman Wexler gives the reader an in-depth view into the workings of congress. He is able to demonstrate how the ugly partisan tricks used by both sides undermine the branch of government and how this in turn corrodes the confidence of the citizenry. This is an easy reading book that was not only enjoyable but also very educational. I highly recommended the book to anyone on both sides of the political divide.
   
   Jean-Marie Vaneskahian



4. By the time I reached Wexler's account of the 2000 election (the 'butterfly-and-chad' troubles occurred right in Wexler's South Florida district) and to the Supreme Court's subsequent installation of George W. Bush as President (a crime carried out by political appointees of W's father, who cautioned -- if you can believe this! -- that their ruling should not be used as a precedent!), I was literally feverish with rage. This section brought back to me all the dismay and gut-wrenching anger we citizens suffered through while we stood by and watched a coup take place -- on our cowardly watch! How we can look ourselves in our mirrors eight years later...? It's enough to make one sick!
   
   Up until that point (the section on the 2000 election thievery comes near the end), this book was an entertaining and, for me, educational look at the workings of Congress, and how a rookie representative might experience DC. By the end of the book I felt renewed admiration for Wexler -- if Congress was filled by people as outspoken as he is, I might even proudly call myself a Democrat.
   
   My one complaint about the book is that Wexler goes easy on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; he repeatedly goes after Bush and Cheney for violating the Constitution and their sworn oaths to defend it, but Wexler never points out that Nancy Pelosi also took such an oath and violated it by taking impeachment "off the table." I am dying to have someone ask Pelosi in public, "Under exactly what authority did you do that?" -- but Wexler lets her off the hook here. Still, now that my fever is subsiding, I am very glad to have read this book. And I'd love to see Wexler become Obama's vice-presidential pick.



5. Congressman Wexler has alerted all who read his book as to the shenanigans that go on in congress and how to participate and survive in this hot mess.

5 comments about The Autobiography of Malcolm X : As Told to Alex Haley.

1. I read this book along time ago and still retain alot of what I learned from it. There is no beating around the bush in this from the beginning he tells of his life as it happened. He tells of an early career in crime to his time in prison and he does not attempt to sugarcoat anything. He does explain his reasoning for having done what he had done in his youth, but he does not claim to be innocent.
   He did manage to find a better way to fight his enemies during his incarceration, and anyone who has ever seen any footage of Malcolm X will understand what I mean. The man was a very acticulate and confrontational speaker. He was the spark that ignited the engine of the civil rights movement in many respects. The civil rights movement began as far back as pre-civil war and was slow to develop with minor progress for each generation. Malcolm was the man brave enough to say enough and to make his voice heard over the many voices of the nation that tried to rise over him.
   Here is a man that took it upon himself to correct a society that had become accepting of the crimes of their ancestors and simply ignored them. It is only a stonesthrow back in time if you think about it and yet it is painful to imagine people could be so cruel.
   I recommend this to anyone who hasn't read it as it is an excellent book and is a document of the life of a man who managed to play a pivotal role in changing the way America viewed itself.



2. Despite the dispiriting revelation that this book was almost totally written by Alex Haley, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" remains one of my favorite books. Which is a little strange, since his well-known struggles with civil rights, the police, Black identity, and Islam have little or no relevance to my life. Sorry.
   
   The part of this book that affects me most deeply is where Malcolm is in prison educating himself, studying on the floor of his cell in the dim night light. I can't think of another tale about the birth of an autodidact and the rewards of reading that is as uplifting and memorable as Malcolm's. I first read this book about twenty years ago, and that's the part that always sticks with me: the power of books to change your life, regardless of who you are or what you've done. And much of the rest sticks with me too, for example the poignant case of "West Indian Archie."
   
   I would like to advise, however, that you buy this edition: Autobiography of Malcolm X (Penguin Modern Classics), rather than the Ballantine edition, as the binding on the latter has proven unreliable, to say the least. I have gone through three different copies of the Ballantine edition of Malcolm X and the binding has fallen apart on all three of them -- to the point where the covers have come completely off, even though I don't really mistreat books. It can't just be bad luck.
   
   Malcolm X was said to have been a formidable debater, yet it's curious to me that none of his opponents ever made the obvious, unanswerable point: that whatever crimes and horrors the West can be charged with vis-à-vis the African slave trade, those of Islam have been even more extensive and blood-soaked. They go back a lot further, and continued a lot later. In fact, it was only two years previous to Malcolm's making his Hajj to Mecca (1964) that slavery was made illegal in Saudi Arabia!
   
   Hence jettisoning Christianity and Western culture for the supposed moral high ground of Islam was, when you think about it, a dingy move on Malcolm's part. Yet it is, unfortunately, the entirety of his position.
   
   But you'll find this book a cracking good read nonetheless.



3. An excellent unflinching book about Malcolm X read for my "Understanding Religious Traditions in Multicultural America" last spring. While at times unnerving to read due to its stark honesty, it was very illuminating. As a non-American, it really helped give me further insight into how powerful and tense race is of an issue in American culture. As someone born into a Muslim family, but is a closet agnostic, the perversions I felt Elijah Muhammad perpetuated made me severely uncomfortable anyway. Several parts of this book made me cry, or be wistful I could somehow have found peace in Islam as Malcolm X did.
   
   A very good book.



4. Every American should read this literature. It discusses America's most obvious flaw. More importantly it demonstrates the power of transformation, tolerance of self and of others, cooperation and the importance of hope.



5. Even though i didnt enjoy being referred to as a white blue eyed devil every other paragraph. This book made me think and challenged me to treat my fellow man better. After reading about malcolms childhood and how he grew up i can now understand his bitterness and why he fought so hard for equality. I now see why time magazine voted it one of the best books of the century.

5 comments about Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.

1. In "Benjamin Franklin," Walter Isaacson manages to chronicle the life of Franklin in a thorough, well-analyzed fashion, while simultaneously allowing the reader to draw many of his own conclusions from the research presented in the book.
   
   I was intrigued to read this book after reading David McCullough's "John Adams." It's certainly no secret that Adams and Franklin did not get along terribly well during the bulk of their interactions in Europe, and reading that book left me guessing that, in all likelihood, there was another side to the story.
   
   While at times it seemed that McCullough could be somewhat heavy-handed in his judgment toward Franklin, I felt that Isaacson did a good job presenting the most likely facts of the case and allowing the reader to determine the most likely manner in which the pieces fit together. He did certainly tend to err on the more sympathetic side of controversies surrounding Franklin, and was probably to generous in his judgment of Franklin's thoroughly practical and emotionless approach toward religion.
   
   One thing I appreciated about this book relative to most other colonial era biographies was the focus on the years prior to the revolution, which obviously encompassed the bulk of Franklin's life. Franklin's life leading up to the revolution seems to serve as a microcosm of the views of the colonies in the years between the French and Indian War and the Revolution.
   
   All in all, I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in colonial America and the founding fathers.



2. It is enlightening how the spectrum at which Benjamin Franklin's contributions to America can hardly be contained in one book. A glimpse into his common sense, wisdom, and morality are organized with precision and passion through Walter Isaacson's masterpiece. I now better understand Franklin's connection with other fathers of our country and have a deeper desire to learn about them as well.
   
   Futhermore, I am impressed at the background of the author. His experience and education give me more respect for his work.



3. I read his Einstien book, and I enjoyed the way Mr. Issacason wrote.
   I have not started this bood yet, but if he could make Einstein so interesting, I am sure he will do so for Benjamin Franklin.



4. 'Benjamin Franklin: An American Life'
   
   This is a truly superb biography of our nations most interesting Founding Father...okay, most interesting in my opinion. The reader will explore the razor sharp wit & ingenuity and walking contradiction that was Benjamin Franklin. This uniquely American character is brought vividly into life by Walter Isaacson, beginning with young Ben's struggles working for his brother in Boston, subsequently running away to Philadelphia with nothing but a few coins and some puffy bread and in the end, arguably, revolutionizing modern science and culture. The shrewd politician is also illustrated: his contribution to the founding of America and his surprisingly numerous mid and later years spent away from home in France among other European countries.
   
   Mr. Isaacson does not shy away from pointing out the character flaws and odd family life that Benjamin Franklin created. The troubled relationship with his son is explored and the reader feels the strain caused by being away from his wife and daughter for years on end.
   
   This is a fascinating and extremely well balanced account of one of America's most interesting personalities. To boot, the book is thoroughly researched, clearly well written and truly enjoyable to read. Walter Isaacson has mastered the art of biography and `Benjamin Franklin' is proof thereof. Enjoy your reading.



5. Walter Isaacson writes history so that it reads like an excellent, exciting novel. This biography is a page-turner.
   
   Moreover, the author writes with subtle humor.
   
   Isaacson's research is accurate and extensive, which makes it even more amazing that the book does not have the format of a history textbook.
   
   This history of Benjamin Franklin is filled with stories of family feuds, Franklin's methods of advancing his career, his flirtations, an illegitimate son, a common-law marriage, his travels, agreements and disagreements with other people of his day, in contrast to his ever-changing views of morality and religion. We feel as if we know Benjamin Franklin personally as we read Isaacson's words. Moreover, we learn so much along the way, painlessly and joyfully.
   
   Every word is carefully selected; nothing needs to be cut.
   
   Isaacson's grammar is perfect, which is extremely refreshing. Many modern authors cause me to believe that I should have a red pen to correct grammatical errors while reading their works.
   
   Walter Isaacson's book on Einstein is also absolutely wonderful, with similar qualities. (Hence my review of that book is similar to this review.)
   
   If Benjamin Franklin is the "founding father who winks at us"; Walter Isaacson is the author, journalist, and historian who winks at us.

5 comments about Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth.

1. This is easily the most powerful book I have ever read. Gandhi does a great job of telling the story in his life in such a way that not only tells a story, but teaches lessons that go along with it. The title explains a lot, considering that Gandhi considered his entire life to be an expirement with the truth.
   
   He is very open about the mistakes that were made (such as his marraige and bigotry at an incredibly young age) and details how he took those mistakes to make his life as consistently honest as possible. The way he organized people to non-violence in two terrible situations in Africa and India are legendary, but the way he brings it home to the individual is under-rated, to say the least.
   
   Gandhi teaches that it doesn't take an army to learn the truth, nor does it take an army to become a part of that truth. His story explains that an individual dedicated to the empowerment of honesty and love can overcome any violence or hatred that can exist. It is within this context that one can use this book to change themselves.
   
   These ideas used in an individual's every day life will lead to the understanding that love is more powerful than hatred, and honesty more powerful than lies. His examples of these ideas and proof that they are true is the most inspiring part of this book.
   
   Even for those of us not religious (like myself) his use of religion is also motivating. He teaches lessons from religions and explains how to use this understanding as a way to love people of opposite religions rather than fighting them.
   
   I will leave the indivudal stories to Gandhi himself, but his life is something everyone in the world would benefit from knowing.



2. Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of my Experiments with Truth, is a culmination of the life of one of the most famous peaceful revolutionaries and supporters of non-violence. The book is basically an entire list of the life experiences of Gandhi, all of which prove to contribute to his spiritual growth, and in turn, each go to influence his way of thinking. Gandhi's autobiography reveals a vast array of experiments he performed throughout his life, leading to his praise of truth as the ultimate underlying principal, contributing to his adaptation of celibacy (brahmacharya), adherence to fasting, and development of Satyagraha: his concept of non-violent firmness.
   Gandhi's autobiography stretches back to his youth in exploring all of his life experiences. Gandhi's inclusion of all aspects of his life in his autobiography illustrates the idea that each and every experience becomes an influence; which, in Gandhi's case, means influences leading to the development of a concept of non-violence to spear-head the Indian journey for Independence.
   The strength in Gandhi's autobiography lies in his adherence to truth even as he tells his life story. Gandhi hides nothing, allowing this display of raw truth to help readers examine Gandhi's uncensored ideas and thoughts, making it possible to understand what Gandhi was thinking in even some of the most significant moments in his life.
   The main weakness in Gandhi's autobiography, however, is his obvious omission of information where the information is most definitely needed. In order to fully understand a large number of chapters, an understanding of India and its culture is necessary, but not provided. Gandhi also seems to assume that readers have knowledge of the political situation in India, so if you lack any historical knowledge, you will find yourself somewhat confused. Because Gandhi's autobiography radiates the idea that every experience is an influence for the person he eventual becomes, it obviously is a challenge to include every experience and spend an adequate amount of time discussing them. But his choice to omit quite a few particularly significant experiences will not go unnoticed. He does not, for example, spend any time describing his experiments in South Africa, and instead instructs readers to consult other works. Lack of background information regarding people who Gandhi introduces and lack of historical information on the movements he involves himself in, may lead to an incomplete illustration of Gandhi's life.
   At the conclusion of Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of my Experiments with Truth, you are left with the desire to take a trip to the library, because you have surely reached the conclusion that there is much more to know about the teacher and leader who made the world aware of India's struggle for independence. The autobiography gives you an in-depth look into the mind of one of the most influential non-violent role models that the world has seen, with a detailed understanding of the steps necessary to try to follow in Gandhi's footsteps if you so desire. Gandhi's autobiography leaves a lot out, but it also leaves you with a strong desire to find out more.



3. After hearing Mahatma Gandhi's grandson speak at University of Florida, this book was especially meaningful. If only all our world leaders would employ his wisdom!



4. This book, the autobiography of Mohandas k. Gandhi, the father of modern India, is a must read. if you have any interest in Gandhi, non violence or just want a glimpse into the life of a spiritually guided person, then this book if a must read.



5. I enjoyed this book. I wish this book was written sometime after India's independence as more important events unfolded later. I also think that the reader needs background on India and its culture to understand some chapters. Overall, a good one!

5 comments about A Time it Was: Bobby Kennedy in the Sixties.

1. Bought this for my dad for father's day. Great pictures of a memorable time in history with a visonary who lost his light too soon!



2. This book and its images were all the more gripping having been an observer at the time. The photos and the words provide an image of a nation trying to be the sum of its promise, only to be plunged into a tragic self assessment after the assassination.
   It is paramount, 40 years later, that we take the opportunity to remember how far we have come. This book reminds us that we can do better, that we must do better, that we are better.



3. it's photgraphs of the campain are stunning the brief narrative gives a true sense of sumer 1968



4. This book of pictures was a wonderful walk down memory lane for me. At 16 I was to join the Kennedy campaign as a volunteer after the California primary. On the morning I was to depart, my parents woke me with the news of his shooting. This book, however, reminded me of the promise unfulfilled Robert Kennedy represented--how much better we would have been as a people, as a country, as a government had he been president in 1969 instead of Richard Nixon.



5. I got plenty of information about this order. When it was slightly delayed, I was informed, as well as when it shipped. I was very impressed with the service.

5 comments about Don't Start the Revolution Without Me!.

1. To sum up this book, the best thing Jesse did for the country was move to Mexico. The best thing he can do for the country right now is stay in Mexico.
   
   This book is written by a person who just wants to pat himself on the back and talk all the great things he did and all the things he knows better than everyone else. By the way Jesse, independent means that you don't support either party or at least don't gush over one of them. It seems that Jesse cannot stop trashing the Republicans both in their agenda and in their individual personalities, while admiring the Democrats (Bush bad Clinton great). Guess what Jesse, that makes you a left of center democrat or essentialy a main stream Democrat.
   
   By the way, I wonder how many books Jesse would have sold if the front cover of this book would of had the picture of his Fu-Manchu beard and not the clean cut version that is used. I would hazzard to guess not many. Its funny for a guy that keeps talking about being true to ones belief and being yourself, he cleaned up his image to sell himself and his book pretty quickly. It just goes to show that Jesse knows how to play the game just as well as those he likes to put down.



2. There are several things that you can take away from Jesse Ventura and find honorable, not just from this book, but from his life. He was active duty in the navy during Vietnam, he became governor of a state as third party, (something that is near impossible) and he has always been a true independent which is truly rare at this current point in history. He brings up some great points in this book on where the country is, and where it is headed. Civil liberties are being erased, we are in a massive debt, and the expansion of the federal government is getting out of control. However he loses credibility when he writes of his meeting with Castro, and how he admires Castro and Che. If you don't like where America is headed, you only need to look at Cuba to see a country with no civil liberties, no economic freedom, and a nation who has tortured critics of the government, and forced thousands to flee. Even if you are in the dark, and don't believe Castro is a tyrant, there is no way, you can argue he is for less government, something that Ventura claims to support himself. This government is full of liars, as we have definitely seen, but when you put all this trust in a lying murderer as Ventura does with Castro, it waters down and hurts the good points, and real criticism of our country that should be addressed.



3. First, let me be upfront with you- I am a wrestling fan. But not in the traditional sense, but rather, I love to watch what wrestling presents to its fans on TV, and then distill what is really happening behind the scenes. Fast forward to late May/early June, when Governor Ventura was making the talk show rounds, promoting this book. He landed on Hannity and Colmes on Fox, and had both of those two stammering for a response. He said some very controversial things; not just for the sensation factor, but because he believed these things to be true. Controversial topics like the Kennedy assassination, the Twin Towers disaster on 9/11. These comments intrigued me.
   Add to that, his startling rise to the top of Minnesota politics in the early 2000's-- well, to me that cinched it. I wanted to know more, and this book purported to give me the low down.
   
   About the book- if it were mine to publish, I would make sure that my editor cleaned up all of the typographical errors. There were many in the first third of the book, and it was kind of distracting. Aside from that, this book was a terrific read, told mostly as a first person recollection, with the narrative weaving between Gov. Ventura's personal history and his travel in his motor home to Baja. Along the story, his wife Terry adds some interesting observations from her perspective, and to me, that rounded out the narrative and indicated what a tight, great relationship the two share. This is a fun read, with interesting trivia and tidbits about third party politics that should make most Americans in the center realize that there is more going on in government that is reported in the news. Contrasted with Scott McClellan's book, this says many of the same things about the current political climate, but is a much more pleasurable read. (Sorry, I find Scott boring).
   
   Pick this one up- you won't regret it. You will learn a lot about third party politics, and a man who wouldn't fall in line with the political climate of today.
   
   The title says "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me!," but I think Gov. Ventura is the one who has started the revolution already.



4. I used to watch Jesse on Monday Night WWF Wrestling. He was co-announcer with Gorilla Monsoon. Jesse was the 'Bad Guy' advocate. He wore a beret, feathers and shades and I thought he was pretty cool. I've semi-followed him since. I thought it was great when he was elected governor. In all fairness i'll say that this book was very readable and well written and the guy has a lot of good ideas. HOWEVER........
   He brags about his part in Trade with China which has done nothing but hurt this country AS A WHOLE. Our industrial base is shipped to china,,,they become rich selling us their products, they buy steel, food, and fuel and all the prices skyrocket for Americans. Of course if you are a Pro Wrestler, Talk Show Host, or a Politician you don't have to worry about your job being shipped off to China.
   His part on Mohammed Ali was 'touching' but how can a Vietnam Vet respect the guy. He was a DRAFT DODGER. That is an insult to Vietnam Vets,,black and white. Lots of guys didn't want to go for lots of reasons.....BUT THEY WENT. If you respect Ali, why not respect all the guys that bailed out to Canada, and all the other ways to beat the draft. How about Jane Fonda??? I was expecting some big recitation on her,,,after all,,she believed in what she did...
   He has a picture of Che Guevara in his house,,,and he sounded like a kid that just saw Santa Clause when he met with Castro. Hey,,,those guys were the same Communists we were fighting all those years,,,along with China. They murdered millions and millions of people. They were bad guys then and they are bad guys now. You can tell alot about a person by the people that he respects. And it dosen't take a rocket scientist, Sherlock Holmes, or Fidel Castro to figure out that there was something funky about the JFK assasination. I think it hurt his feelings because RFK jr got to spend 4 hours with Castro and Jesse only got an hour.
   I thought Jesse was going to be like a BREATH OF FRESH AIR,,,but from the book there is just another self-serving politician wearing a tie-dyed t-shirt, a dew rag and feathers.
   Jesse is probably a good guy,,He'd be fun to party with,,,and if I ever had the chance to vote for him,,,I would,,,just because he's not ANOTHER PENCIL-NECK POLITICIAN,,, but after reading the book, I can't figure out why Jesse would want to have a Revolution,,, he has it made in the shade as it is...



5. I love Jesse's non conventional views on politics. First book of his i read and was really impressed. Very Satisfied, i reccomend it to anyone!