5 comments about Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer.

1. As a public library director with a special interest in the Progressive era, I found Fighting Bob LaFollette by Unger exactly what I seek in history writing. It has the strengths of all solid history in its sources but the author draws on other fields, in particular medicine, to broaden our understanding.

   More than a century ago, LaFollette said "We are one people" and recognized the importance of minority groups shaping their own future. Before the mass media and big money took over political campaigns, Progressive reformers focused on the needs of average people. In three-hour speeches, LaFollette fought for what was needed and was the right thing for the nation to do. The author's direct and clear prose brings the reformer and the times to life. We can learn much from the book for our time.




2. This is an excellent biography of a most worthy subject. Nancy Unger provides readers with a vivid and often entertaining account of one of the most important American political figures of the early twentieth century. Crucial to Unger's effectiveness is her dedication to balanced histocial writing. Her portrayal of La Follette is multifacted. It is political and personal. La Follette comes to life for the reader, not only enroute to his many political successes but also amid his failures and personal shortcomings. Unger's lauditory praise of her subject is deserving and her sharp criticisms are valid and substantiated. La Follette was an influential and flawed champion of democacy and social equity, and interested readers will thoroughly enjoy this insightful retelling of his life story.



3. Nancy Unger has written an outstanding and insightful biography of one of turn-of-the-century America's most influential political figures. Indeed, it is the first full-scale biography of Robert M. La Follette of Wisconsin. For anyone seeking to understand the Progressive Era this book is a must read, for Unger's subject was at the center of the defining reform struggles of the age - from women's rights and corporate regulation, to labor and political reform. Drawing upon a vast collection of private papers and primary sources, Unger brings to life not only the public persona of "Fighting Bob" but also the private La Follette that few people know about. We learn, for example, how his early life struggles shaped his personality (for good and for ill), as well as how much he relied upon his wife, suffragist and reformer Belle Case La Follette, for advice and strength. Written in a lively yet balanced style, this book greatly adds to our knowledge of a complex and fascinating man and era.



4. I found Dr. Unger's book on Bob LaFollette to be insightful and thorough. In a provocative way, the author challenges some of the common beliefs about LaFollette, and creates a new awareness of his contributions to political history.



5. Nancy C. Unger's "Fighting Bob La Follette - The Righteous Reformer" makes a timely and valuable contribution to the biographical record of one of America's greatest Senators and Statesmen. Unger's work easily stands on its own among other great biographies of Senator La Follette, including Belle Case and Fola La Follette's two-volume "Robert M. La Follette" and David Thelen's "The Early Life of Robert M. La Follette 1855 - 1884," among others. A refreshing reminder of what is possible when a politician becomes a Statesman and fights for what is right for all Americans. The book also provides a valid and insightful analysis of the strong influence La Follette's mother, extended family, and wife had on the development of his character, and on the values and motivation which compelled La Follette to an extraordinarily effective and selfless career in public service. America is long overdue for another such beneficent "shaper of democracy," and this book will provide effective food for thought for any true patriot willing to lay down his life for the good of his country. An important book, inspiring, and enjoyable.

3 comments about Mostly on the Edge: An Autobiography.

1. Karl Hess's journey through the 20th Century takes the reader through the intellectual development of a self-taught genius. His optimistic brand of community life is a model for the 21st century.



2. In 1976 I had the opportunity to write a review for Karl Hess' "Dear America," and this new autobiography contains much of the same material covered in that first autobiography. I had hoped for a more personal glimpse into his family life but strangely only about two sentences are devoted to his first marriage which produced two sons. It was odd that Mr. Hess could not even mention his first wife's name. His relationship with his sons is also largely ignored. These omissions, together with little or no discussion of such historical figures such as Nixon, Reagan, Ford, and Carter and their respective policies, made the book less than it could have been. HOWEVER, "Dear America" is out of print! Also, one must keep in mind that this book was put together while Mr. Hess was suffering from his terminal heart disease and was basically unfinished at the date of his death. His son, Karl Hess, Jr. has performed a labor of love by getting this book out on the market. It is a treat to read about Mr. Hess' early days and I believe that portion of the book was completed while his health was fairly good. I also enjoyed his discussions about his conversion from the right to the left and how the right and left have much in common. I consider Karl Hess to be one of unsung heroes of this century's political scene - a thinking political and moral man - all at the same time! I had hoped for his observations and his comments on the Nixon regime, Watergate, Reaganomics, etc. but I am still content with this autobiography and recommend it to anyone interested in Karl Hess, a 20th century Thoreau.



3. I have two main gripes about this book:

   1) It wasn't particularly well written -- there were reflections, within reflections, and all sorts of lengthy non-essential asides -- especially in the earlier chapters. Ironically, several of these annoying interludes occurred when the author was talking about what it takes to be a good writer!

   2) The author stuck me as somewhat hypocritical. How can you be a libertarian as well as a major proponent of the bill of rights and yet be an unapologetic collaborator with the HUAC & Joe McCarthy? It seems to me pretty hypocritical to be a rabid anti-communist and participating in the ruin of people who were utilizing their 1st Amendment Rights, but expressing a view that the author just happened to disagree with.

   There were hints at real humanity and a number of interesting ideas, but I had hoped for more stuff about his time in WV, his refusal to pay taxes, his interest in self-sufficiency, etc. I'll try to find "Dear America" and see if it has more of what I was looking for.

2 comments about Charles I.

1. Peerless historian Hilaire Belloc here describes with his wonderful and virile prose the saga of Charles I of England. In a way, the regicide of Charles at the hands of Protestant revolutionaries prefigured the later acts of the Jacobins in murdering Louis XVI and the Bolsheviks in murdering Czar Saint Nicholas II. The three revolutionary activities had in common their culminating scene, that being the killing of the King. Of course, there are differences. The Bolsheviks killed not just the saintly Romanov, but his entire family, and left behind their occult sigil on the blood stained walls of the cellar in which their ghastly deed was performed. In any case, Belloc begins the saga here with the life and death of Charles Stuart, his regicide being one of the culminating acts of the Protestant Revolution and one of the initiating acts of the international conspiracy against authority that is still, sadly, ongoing. For the serious student of history, this is a must read.



2. Hilaire Belloc's 1933 biography of Charles I is one in a series of historical biographies written by the controversial author. Belloc's historical works have often been discounted as careless or blatantly inaccurate. Indeed, there are no footnotes, no endnotes, nor even an index to his biography of Charles I. The forward and the introduction do an admirable job trying to convince the reader that Belloc's work is indeed serious historical study, and I have to admit that after reading the forward and the introduction I was looking forward to a more literary, if not wholly accurate, narrative of the life of Charles I.
   
   Sadly, the narrative is not compelling. Belloc takes a fascinating subject and makes him, in many places, quite boring by focusing on his overriding political theme: that the landed aristocracy was essentially greedy, and that the monarch stood in the way of the aristocracy's attempt to gain more wealth. In furthering this theme, the biography is filled with an open disdain for Parliament, and a desperate attempt to discount any other causes of the civil war. For example, Belloc attempts to significantly downplay the impact of Puritanism (and religion in general) as a cause of the civil war.
   
   Belloc's focus on politics also ignores other highly interesting personal aspects of the life of Charles Stuart. Take, for example, the episode of Charles' youth where Charles and Buckingham travel, incognito, to the continent to court the Spanish infanta. Belloc dwells on the political failure of this endeavor, and misses completely the highly compelling personal drama. Likewise, Belloc does not explore the King's personal relationships with his sister or wife. This book is solely an exploration of the political climate of the reign of Charles I; it is not a full exploration of the life (especially personal life) of Charles. While the causes of the civil war and the political climate of the time are obviously important and interesting, Belloc fails to shed any light on Charles Stuart as a flesh and blood person. This failure, in my opinion, produces an incomplete picture as to how and why the monarchy was overthrown.
   
   Belloc's other prejudices, in addition to his disdain for Parliament, creep into the book. Throughout the last third of the book Belloc makes disparaging comments about Puritans (Belloc was a staunch Catholic). As another example, Belloc is openly hostile in his few comments on the reign of Elizabeth I. If you were to believe Belloc, Elizabeth was an old fool who, rightly says Belloc, left the important business of governing the country to men (the Cecils). This is not surprising, as Belloc once said "I am opposed to women's voting . . . I call it immoral, because I think the bringing of one's women, one's mothers and sisters into the political arena, disturbs the relations between the sexes."
   
   If you are truly interested in Charles I, do not waste your time with this highly biased biography. Instead, read Pauline Gregg's fascinating work on the life of Charles Stuart.

No comments about Not for Bread Alone: A Memoir.

3 comments about Ariel Sharon: An Intimate Portrait.

1. This book is the story of a friendship, between a journalist and a major military and political figure. The focus however is on the life, and most importantly public actions of one of the great leaders of modern Israel, Ariel Sharon. The book traces the career of Sharon from the Israeli War of Independence in 1948 to his final actions as Prime Minister of Israel when on January 2, 2006 Sharon suffered a massive disabling stroke. A short while later Uri Dan himself came down with terminal cancer and passed away before his revered friend.
   Dan was for many years accused in Israel of being only a 'yes-man' for Sharon. But that is hardly the case. The book is filled with instances of disagreement in which Dan openly as good friend gave Sharon his critical advice.The greatest difference was in Sharon's decision to make a unilaterial disengagement from Gaza in the summer of 2005. It is interesting that in an earlier section of the book Sharon explains why two of the settlements which were removed were of vital security significance.
   The overall story however is not focused on differences of opinion, but rather on cooperative action in service of a cause and ideal - end both Dan and Sharon believed in with all their hearts, the founding and defending of the state of Israel. It is their total committment to this cause which was at the heart of their friendship.
   Sharon's deeds are so numerous and legendary that it is difficult to know where to begin to chronicle them. He is of all the great Israeli modern soldiers Dayan, Rabin, Meir Har- Tsion, Avigdor Kahalani the one who is great at at every level of operation. He is the founder of the 101 Unit which combatted Arab terror in the fifties. He was the one who formulated the Israeli battle- orders by which an officer ideally goes forward first always saying 'After me" He illustrated more than one time the principle of not leaving wounded soldiers behind . He was of all the Israeli military leaders the one who truly understood the futility of static defense, the Bar- Lev line, and the one whose turnaround action in crossing the Suez Canal in October 1973 turned an Israeli military defeat into a victory.
   Dan was not an armchair journalist but trained specially so as to be able to accompany Sharon on the field of battle. His descriptions of Sharon's control and command , his low sure voice at the most critical moments of battle help explain why Sharon's soldiers so loved and trusted him.
   Dan gives a lot of space here to Sharon's controversial part in the First Lebanon War. He makes a strong case that the Kahane commission and Chief Justice Barak did a great injustice in blaming Sharon for what the soldiers of the Phalangists did to the Palestinians. Dan also describes the famous libel suit in which Sharon unprecedentedly won a retraction from the American magazine 'Time'.
   Sharon has been not only a major military but a major political figure in Israel. He was instrumental in helping found the Likud which in 1977 became the basis of the first non- Labor party led government in Israel. Dan also tells the story of Sharon's massive election victory over Ehud Barak and his struggle to restore badly damaged Israeli security which had come in the wake of the Oslo process.
   Without going into the family story at great length Dan touches upon major events such as the loss of Sharon's first wife , the death in a shooting accident of his eleven year old oldest son. Dan also indicates what was a well- known public fact in Israel Sharon's very successful marriage to Lily who was his principal help and source of support. Though Dan does not speculate upon this many believe that her death from cancer had a deleterious effect on Sharon's political policies.
   Insiders , and close- followers of Israeli politics will note certain emphases and omissions in the book. Dan gives great credit to one Sharon adviser Aryeh Genger while saying next to nothing about the person thought to be Sharon's right- hand man in his last few years, Dov Weisglas. Dan does not say much about the role of Omri Sharon and his influence on his father's politics. He mentions without comment Omri's conviction for election- fraud.
   The book contains narrative sections interspersed with interviews with Ariel Sharon. In these we again see his fighting spirit, his optimism, his dedication to and concern for the security of Israel, his committment to the Jewish people.
   Sharon was by some affectionately and by some pejoratively called in Israel, 'The Bulldozer' He was time and again whether it was in founding the whole settlement movement , or removing Yamit from Sinai the one who could do what no one else would do. Instructively in an early conversation with Ben- Gurion cited in the book, Sharon is asked about Moshe Dayan's appointment as Minister. Sharon says then that he thinks that Dayan is suitable for every position, save one, Prime Minister. And this because Sharon says Dayan tends to avoid taking responsibility. Sharon of course was the opposite of this. He took responsibility and more than responsibility for countless actions taken in the defense of Israel. At times he was ( During the Lebanese War) the most vilified person in Israel.In his last years he was the greatly esteemed leader who would have won reelection in 2006 had he not been incapacitated.
   Uri Dan's last words in this book tell about his reaction to the news of Sharon's second and finally disabling stroke. He said that he began to cry and has been crying ever since.



2. Great insider's view, and basically an awesome history of the entire state of Israel. Well worth the read.



3. I enjoyed this biography of Ariel Sharon. The author, Uri Dan, had been a close friend of Sharon's and had insight into Sharon's thoughts. Much of the book is based on interviews Dan had with Sharon. Uri Dan did not mince words with Sharon about the Gaza pullout and other decisions that were controversial.
   The book was written recently and is fairly current. I found the book to be an easy read and recommend it for those that want to learn about Ariel Sharon.

No comments about The Bonnot Gang: The Story Of The French Illegalists.

5 comments about Andrew Johnson: A Biography.

1. I found this book was fair to Johnson, despite the author's reputation as friendly to the Radical Republicans. I found myself believing that the failure of the Senate to impeach Johnson was a good thing, since he obviously was not guilty of an impeachable offense--even as our current president was not. Johnson was actually an able politician and a good President, but his bias against blacks caused him to err grievously in regard to them.



2. While the "personal" Johnson is given adequate attention, this book works so well because it concentrates on the political realm, a rarity in these days of social history and psychoanalytical treatises. Of course, the impeachment trial is of primary interest, but the focus on Johnson's overwhelming ambition was appreciated as well. Despite his stubborn attitude, inflexibility, and undeniable racism, Johnson was a committed Jacksonian and sought throughout his political life to promote policies friendly to his agrarian philosophy. Because his presidency represented a key transition in American history (a definite weakening of the Executive until TR as well as a regrettable loss of Reconstruction opportunities), Johnson is, with Polk, Lincoln, and Jackson, one of the key figures of the 19th century. Overall, a solid book worthy of a wide readership.



3. Treffousse's look at the 17th President of the United States is a fair and well-balanced look at this driven politician. The reader will be left with little doubt that Johnson's racism was his biggest flaw in both his political and personal life. The impeachment is featured but does not dominate the book as it should not.



4. I read this book in my ongoing project to read a biography of each President. The best part of this book in my opinion was the length. A lot of biographers lengthen their book to a point where it becomes too detailed and hard to read. That was not the case here.
   
   Johnson was not a great president, nor was he a great person. And, other than the Civil War and Reconstruction he didn't have a key stake in American History. Why go overboard? And the author didn't.
   
   I've read many very wonderful presidential biographies. Truman was fantastic and was 900 pages because it shouldn've been. The 3-part bio on Nixon was 1800 pages and should've been because a lot went on during Nixon's life in politics.
   
   This bio, much like the Andrew Jackson bio I read, was between 300 and 400 pages.... detailed enough to tell the story but not detailed to the point where I got lost or just flat lost interest.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read about Andrew Johnson but if you are looking to make a life out of studying the man it is probably not the book for you because it is not overly detailed.
   
   It was exactly what I was looking for though, well-written, well-researched and gave me a good overview of a President that I have always wanted to know more about. He definitely was not of high moral character and definitely played to his southern base with his actions surrounding reconstruction. That said, I did find it interesting that he was demonized at times by both his colleagues and the press.
   
   Sounds like aside from his thinking in regards to blacks and slavery he was a good and honest man that tried to do what was right most of the time. That was something the author did a very good job detailing and I appreciated it.



5. I am currently reading a biography of every President in order. Hans Trefousse' biography of Andrew Johnson certainly seemed to be the best choice for a comprehensive biography of our 17th President.
   
   From an academic standpoint, it is hard to criticize Trefousse's work. He has obviously done the necessary research and is thoroughly well versed in the history of the times. Indeed, this biography is complete and in depth enough and should meet most everyone's expectations. Trefousse clearly understands Johnson and his proper relationship to American history. The only reason I was unable to give this biography a full five stars is the writing is a bit uninspired and doesn't achieve a level of excellence that merits special recognition. The book is more than satisfactory in completing its task but ultimately is only going to appeal to those already interested in the subject matter.
   
   After reading this biography I am still of the opinion that it is likely the best one available for Andrew Johnson. Indeed, it certainly exceeds expectations for a comprehensive biography of a relatively unknown President.

4 comments about Who the Hell is Bob?: The Man Behind the Magic.

1. Out of nowhere comes a compelling, multi-faceted tale, a nominal biography of Bob Walsh, an extraordinary, ordinary fellow who answers to "Who the Hell Is Bob?"

   The author Steve Rudman has adopted the third person voice in a novelistic style to tell his non-fiction tale. He infuses it with action and suspense; sometimes we are left hanging for a chapter or two in anticipation, while other events transpire. Anyone who starts this book late in the day is sure to miss a couple of bedtimes before reaching the final pages.

   The book is replete with stories of events that charm, amuse and inspire. One shares in the wry perspective of a notable cleric whose beverage of choice was Black Jack neat. One learns of the early tribulations of Regis Philbin and of the warm-hearted, gentle side of the acerbic Mr. Blackwell, the tart-tongued bete noire of the presumptuously fashioned. In chronicling the ten-year effort of Lynne Cox to swim across the Bering Strait from the U.S. to the then U.S.S.R., a feat effectuated by Bob Walsh, author Rudman personalizes this myth-like quest of the solitary individual pitted against the natural elements, the limits of personal endurance and cold-war politics. (Walsh's staff was totally befuddled when the request for assistance in obtaining approval of this swim filtered in unofficially from the State Department via the U.S. Information Agency.) The narrative of the swim is so gripping in the end that we - the reader - feel as if we are swimming with her as she finallly sights the Russian shore.

   A theme of the book, implicit in all the tales, as well as in the life of the main character Walsh, is that belief plus action plus confidence plus persistence can equal success. The author Rudman does not editorialize, but implicit throughout is this simple thesis stated in his preface. It's not until we have learned about a bone marrow transplant; open heart surgery involving a physical anomaly rarely encountered; an adoption in Tbilisi, Georgia; a missile-launching from Russia toward the U.S.; and how an Armenian arms dealer saved a Seattle team providing earthquake relief in Armenia from boarding Pan Am 103 in London bound for Lockerbie, Scotland; and other unbelievable, but quite real, incidents that we realize we've been ushered along a wild rocky ride against the odds.

   An element of serendipity at first appears to drive the events in this book. It soon becomes apparent, however, that aspects of character, as well as a humanitarian penchant, more consistently represent Walsh's approach. Successes, failures, some abbreviated efforts -- all are reported in an entertaining manner by the author. At times the portrayal of Walsh may seem almost harsh in its realism, but this accuracy of reporting ultimately enhances the significance and poignancy of the story.

   Overall, these are very much life-affirming tales right out of the heart of the best of human experience -- paeans to determination, courage, perseverance and, in some cases, just plain stubborn foolhardiness. Bob Walsh, the businessman, may remain the 'outsider' to the stodgy factions of the staid Seattle business community, but to many in the rest of the world, as the stories reveal, he is a well-known 'insider', and frequently a friend.

   For readers with an interest in expanding their horizons and their appreciation of the role that determination can play in their lives, with an interest in the subtle machinations of a consummate 'maestro', and with an interest in the magic of global networking, this book is a fruitful and rewarding reading experience.




2. Out of nowhere comes a compelling, multi-faceted tale, a nominal biography of Bob Walsh, an extraordinary, ordinary fellow who answers to "Who the Hell Is Bob?"

   The author Steve Rudman has adopted the third person voice in a novelistic style to tell his non-fiction tale. He infuses it with action and suspense; sometimes we are left hanging for a chapter or two in anticipation, while other events transpire. Any one who starts this book late in the day is sure to miss a couple of bedtimes, before reaching the final pages.

   The book is replete with stories of events that charm, amuse and inspire. One shares in the wry perspective of a notable cleric whose beverage of choice was Black Jack neat. One learns of the early tribulations of Regis Philbin and of the warm-hearted, gentle side of the acerbic Mr. Blackwell, the tart-tongued bete noire of the presumptuously fashioned. In chronicling the ten-year effort of Lynne Cox to swim across the Bering Strait from the U.S. to the then U.S.S.R., a feat effectuated by Bob Walsh, author Rudman personalizes this myth-like quest of the solitary individual pitted against the natural elements, the limits of personal endurance and cold-war politics. (Walsh's staff was totally befuddled when the request for assistance in obtaining approval of this swim filtered in unofficially from the State Department via the U.S. Information Agency.) This narrative is so gripping in the end that we - the readers - feel as if we are swimming with her as she finally sights the Russian shore.

   A theme of the book, implicit in all the tales, as well as in the life of the main character Walsh, is that belief plus action plus confidence plus persistence can equal success. The author Rudman does not editorialize, but implicit throughout is this simple thesis stated in his preface; it's not until we have learned about a bone marrow transplant; open heart surgery involving a physical anomaly rarely encountered; an adoption in Tbilisi, Georgia; a missile-launching from Russia toward the U.S.; how an Armenian arms dealer saved a Seattle team providing earthquake relief in Armenia from boarding Pan Am 103 in London bound for Lockerbie, Scotland; and other unbelievable, but quite real, incidents that we realize we've been ushered along a wild rocky ride against the odds.

   An element of serendipity at first appears to drive the events in this book. It soon becomes apparent, however, that aspects of character, as well as a humanitarian penchant, more consistently represent Walsh's approach. Successes, failures, some abbreviated efforts -- all are reported in an entertaining manner by the author. At times the portrayal of Walsh may seem almost harsh in its realism, but this accuracy of reporting ultimately enhances the significance and poignancy of the story.

   Overall, these are very much life-affirming tales right out of the heart of the best of human experience -- paeans to determination, courage, perseverance and, in some cases, just plain stubborn foolhardiness. Bob Walsh, the businessman, may remain the 'outsider' to the stodgy factions of the staid Seattle business community, but to many in the rest of the world, as the stories reveal, he'a a well-known 'insider', frequently a friend.

   For readers with an interst in expanding their horizons and their appreciation of the role that determination can play in their lives, with an interest in the subtle machinations of a consummate 'maestro'. and with an interest in the magic of global networking, this book is a fruitful and rewarding reading experience.




3. A great behind the scenes book about many people and events of the last 40 years, all tied together by their connection with Bob Walsh. Lots of interesting stories from all over the globe. A very good read!



4. This is a book you absolutely can't put down until you've reached the final page . . . Skillful author Steve Rudman has woven a seamless saga of the improbable and inspiring life of Bob Walsh -- replete with humor, heartbreak, intrigue, humanity, and triumph -- in diverse, unequal, and unpredictable doses. While not a biography in the traditional sense, the book chronicles the seemingly endless and entertaining episodes in which Walsh was the catalyst and central figure. It's especially very timely because of the many years that Walsh spent dealing with operatives in the very Russian/Middle East countries that are the focus of America's anti-terrorism activities today. And Rudman's treatment of Walsh's extensive entrepreneurial and humanitarian efforts in the region are laid upon a rich quilt of historical perspective. The book also is a poignant profile of a man who litterally "walked with giants" in an amazing array of fields -- even as he was often villified in his very own hometown of Seattle, Washington. No one who eagerly devours the easily digested pages will be unfulfilled. Rather than one of the plethora of "how-to" books, this is a "how-did" book that will leave every reader, at once, intrigued and more informed and inevitably inspired. Trite as it may be: If you only read one book this year, make it Who The Hell Is Bob? I promise you won't be disappointed!

5 comments about The Men We Became: My Friendship with John F. Kennedy, Jr..

1. This story made me laugh, brought back really exact memories of college life I'd forgotten and allowed me to travel to places the author and John went for fun. I think it is important the human side of John is written about and his friend did him a great honor by doing so in this book.



2. This is a great book written by a friend about a good friend. Easy reading, but with a lot of insight on the extended Kennedy family from an outsider's view. I highly recommend it.



3. It's funny how Rob had no hope upon hearing the news about John's plane missing. I can remember the sinking feeling myself and the word NO! bouncing around in my head. This story is nicely written and the author gave just enough and not too much. Although I was born in the late 60's I grew up knowing the Kennedy name immediately. In fact my father has not recovered since November of '63. We needed John whether or not he was to be President. This man, while living under the same moon as the rest of us made us feel better somehow...maybe that Camelot was not completely lost. The author speaks of John and Carolyn being "buried at sea" even though John was not a seaman...he was our first son and I think we owed that much to the Kennedy family and it seemed appropriate although like Rob said there is no visiting place to go and reflect on John. So, swim Rob.
   Thank you author for this good look inside. Get it enjoy it.



4. I bought this and am usually weary of so called friend books,but this was a good one.In some area's I had to Laugh because of some of the things they did but all in all its a memory a friend wanted to write about and Share.I Love the book.



5. I enjoyed the book and yes, much of what Littel writes would have been viewed as private by Mrs. Onassis, and such books, of which there are many about the Kennedys, she absolutely abhorred. Those reviewers who criticize the author for revealing certain things about JFK Jr. are hypocrits. What did they expect? What did they think the book was about? Come on, folks. It's a bit disengenuous to read this type of memoir and then take the author to task for writing it. Perhaps they feel guilty or voyeuristic and transfer those feelings to the author. Anyone interested in an intimate view of the Kennedys should read this. There are lots of stories not found in other books, which often just rehash events that are a part of the public record.

4 comments about Confessions of a Civil Servant: Lessons in Changing America's Government and Military.

1. This tell-it-like-it-was gem about the author's thirty years of public service is nothing less than remarkable. Adroitly written with good humor, Stone's quiet, but dogged steadfast nature is wonderfully evident in every page and makes you count your lucky stars that people like him actually join the ranks of our government. These experiences should serve as a guide for future generations of civil servants tackling the often thankless and misunderstood job of government service. But more than that - there is a lesson plan for all of us who navigate the treacherous waters of small and big organizations alike. I for one, plan to give this book to my twenty-one-year-old college graduate to read.



2. "This is an exhilarating book, full of spirit and spark. It vividly and
   passionately describes the author's groundbreaking, bureaucracy-busting work
   as head of the National Performance Review. Ignited by Tom Peter's In Search
   of Excellence,
   Stone became Al Gore's right hand in working to reinvent government. His
   book is filled with wonderful stories of revolutionaries from every rank and
   level. It contains many great tidbits of advice and wisdom. The author used
   to refer to himself as Energizer in Chief. His book is just that: an
   energizer. It breathes the soul of civic revolution. It is full of fun as
   well, an easy read. Stone is totally devoted to action that breaks down
   ridiculous and often absurd barriers from getting the job done right. But
   the book is full of humanity as well, as when Stone decides to retire so he
   can live closer to his young grandchildren. If you want to touch clear,
   decisive, humane leadership, if your soul needs a spark to re-ignite itself,
   run -don't walk- to get this book."



3. Very few longtime civil servants write their memoirs. This book shows that this is a mistake. The author makes the every day conflicts of civil service life live and breathe and shows how they can be overcome to serve great purposes in the public interest.
   
   Introduction writer Tom Peters quotes Peter Drucker's aphorism that "Ninety percent of what we call 'management' consists of making it difficult to get things done." He produces "12 Lessons in Stone" which summarize his approaches. Stone used (1) Demos and Models; (2) Heroes; (3) Stories and Storytellers; (4) Chroniclers; (5) Cheerleaders and Recognition; (6) New Language; (7) Seekers (of change); (8) Protectors (of innovators); (9) Support Groups; (10) End Runs (around hierarchies)/Pull (from outsiders) Strategy; (11) Field/"Real People" Focus, and (12) Speed to push his goals forward.
   
   The author himself describes his goals as "decentralization, deregulation, and devolution of authority in a value-centered organization." These were goals gradually developed after years of frustration mixed with achievement in the Defense Department, to which he had been recruited by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Systems Analysis in 1969. He quickly clashed with the centralization of all authority for planning imposed during the seven plus years of Secretary Robert McNamara.
   
   His first work was to research the question of how big the army should be. He led successful efforts to change the evaluation formula from on tons of artillery ammunition fired times lethal area per ton to one that applied informed military judgements to the weapons on both sides, what the army dubbed the Weighted Effect Indicators/Weighted Unit Value method. The effect of this change in formulas was to demonstrate the feasibility of NATO surpassing the Warsaw Pact in effectiveness, something later accomplished in the Carter and Reagan Administrations. From this effort, the author learned the power of asking naieve questions, such as "Why? What's that mean? Says who?"
   
   The author subsequently went on to become assistant secretary of defense for installations, where he rapidly shrunk regulations and improved the quality of life for residents of military bases. This raised hackles which put him under a glass ceiling for awhile, but he recovered with the Clinton/Gore election in 1992, when he got appointed to the National Performance Review staff, and ultimately became its leader in reinventing government.
   
   This book demonstrates his struggles and his triumphs and is essential reading for anyone seeking to aid in the cause of responsive government. "Some people look for things that went wrong and try to fix them," he said. "I look for things that went right and try to build upon them." He called himself "Mr. ReGo" (Reinventing Government) and "Energizer in Chief." His critics had undoubtedly had other words for him, but this book is a very clear record of his vision and accomplishments.
   
   It is an extremely useful introduction to the whole field of Reinventing Government, with its orientation of customer service and customer satisfaction and the eliminations of excess regulation and bureaucratic red tape. It is one man's anecdotal summary, but it provides a firm basis for more rigorous empiricial investigations by others. It is a call to action as well as a memoir, and as such it will likely be heeded by dedicated professionals for many years to come.



4. This excellent book is a light and easy read filled with many personal stories and observations from a career civil servant who `fought the good fight' to apply common sense and effective business practices to the federal government for thirty years. Anyone with any government experience, or business experience dealing with government organizations, will enjoy this book and probably get some ideas about how to overcome government bureaucracy and over-regulation.
   
   If you are looking for new business, management, or leadership concepts, theories, or practices, you will be disappointed. What was new, and what made this book interesting and inspiring to me, was how Stone repeatedly applied sound business, management, and leadership concepts, theories, and practices to government organizations that had been institutionally insulated from such `distractions.' Stone's constant mantra of putting customers first, empowering employees, and cutting red tape helped lead many federal government organizations to a paradigm shift from a focus on regulations and violations to customers and helping them with compliance, and even the practice of federal agencies partnering with businesses to achieve mutually supporting goals.
   
   As a retired career Marine officer, I particularly enjoyed reading about his efforts in the Department of Defense. His very first chapter, "Tackling a Job When You Haven't a Clue," clearly set the tone for the rest of the book with its honesty and humility. His initial experiences in the Pentagon (where he initially did not have a clue) were very similar to many of the jobs I had during my Marine career, and now with most of the government and military projects I have supported as a contractor. The lessons at the end of this chapter, and at the end of the next thirteen chapters (of sixteen total), were `right on target' and did a great job focusing on the main points to be learned from his stories and observations.