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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
Fascinating look at a complex human being and some behind the scenes revelations regarding US politics.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Really decent biography, and not that detailed so it doesn't get extremely boring. Also, not the kinda 'look what a great man' biography, even if there is a bit of that too. Some respect for the guy because he stood for what I believed in, even if it's framed in quasi-heroic terms while reading. I thought it's life path is interesting, and I have a soft spot for people who see the deficiencies of their democracies aka set term limits for MPs, senators... ASAP!
Surprisingly excellent and captivating for a biography. I don’t read a lot of them but found this one to be quite enjoyable to read. The chapters were set up to end with books and parts were told in an order that kept my interest engaged. I enjoyed it a lot.
Stars are for the writing quality, which is superb. I must admit however that Romney's justifications for opposing the military vaccine bill and supporting KBJ came off as cringey and childish.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I really don't know what to think about this book.
On one hand it's a stunningly open reflection on a major political career.
Almost one of a kind in that handles the failures of its subject with stunning honesty and clarity whilst never straying into polemic.
On the other the biographer's angle (that of Romney as an American Cicero) is so utterly unconvincing in it's delivery.
Despite this credit has to be given for the vigor and depths of exploration of Romeny's career as well as it's effective pacing and prose.
Worth a read and I can imagine it must have been shocking to read upon it's publication (instead of a year later once you're already aware of most of it's bombshell revelations).
On one hand it's a stunningly open reflection on a major political career.
Almost one of a kind in that handles the failures of its subject with stunning honesty and clarity whilst never straying into polemic.
On the other the biographer's angle (that of Romney as an American Cicero) is so utterly unconvincing in it's delivery.
Despite this credit has to be given for the vigor and depths of exploration of Romeny's career as well as it's effective pacing and prose.
Worth a read and I can imagine it must have been shocking to read upon it's publication (instead of a year later once you're already aware of most of it's bombshell revelations).
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. I appreciated how Coppin acknowledged both Romney’s shortcomings, and the moments when he rose to the occasion. I also found it interesting seeing the political world through Romney’s perspective.
3.5 stars. Felt a bit uneven between the first part of his life and career and the latter part.
I’ve never voted for a Republican but I’ve admired Romney’s independent thinking and reaction to Trump. Good insights into the senate and the Republican Party.
This book gave me a better understanding of Mitt Romney. I felt like, during the course of reading, I got to climb inside Mitt’s head for the past 15 years and see major events the way he experienced them. This, in itself was a gift. Mitt did not hold back.
Of course we get his spin. But Romney has done a better job than most public figures examining his work and determining what he did well and where he fell short. Of examining the moment and determining how we the people have fallen short. Without hyperbole or fear-mongering. This was all very refreshing from a politician.
The book promised a “reckoning” on how Mitt and others may have contributed to Trump’s rise. Mitt absconds responsibility here, showing that he didn’t really take the Donald seriously, and then he actively fought against him. But he shows disgust for most in his party— too afraid of their voters to speak up. But, at least in the book, the maga voters are legitimately scary.
The solution is elusive, and seems to revolve around friendship, common goals and bipartisanship. At the end, there is some mention of trying to move away from the two-party system… a nice dream that probably won’t gain any traction.
Overall, I left the book with greater respect for the man. Not feeling so great about the functionality of congress.
Of course we get his spin. But Romney has done a better job than most public figures examining his work and determining what he did well and where he fell short. Of examining the moment and determining how we the people have fallen short. Without hyperbole or fear-mongering. This was all very refreshing from a politician.
The book promised a “reckoning” on how Mitt and others may have contributed to Trump’s rise. Mitt absconds responsibility here, showing that he didn’t really take the Donald seriously, and then he actively fought against him. But he shows disgust for most in his party— too afraid of their voters to speak up. But, at least in the book, the maga voters are legitimately scary.
The solution is elusive, and seems to revolve around friendship, common goals and bipartisanship. At the end, there is some mention of trying to move away from the two-party system… a nice dream that probably won’t gain any traction.
Overall, I left the book with greater respect for the man. Not feeling so great about the functionality of congress.