Edward M. Kennedy (1932–2009)

There' no questioning the influential and important role the Kennedy's have played in American History. So much has already been revealed about the wonderful contributions their work has brought to America, the tragedies they've had to endure, and sadly, the shortcomings they've fallen prey to. That being said, what I most enjoyed about this book, was hearing it from a Kennedy's point of view. In many ways it felt more like I was sitting down having a conversation with Ted,rather than reading his memoir. Ted reveals so many personal, intimate little details about the Kennedy's that I now see them in a different light. However,if there's one drawback to hearing the Kennedy story from a Kennedy; it's that the negative aspects of their lives are pretty much glossed over. To be fair, that's to be expected. Ted want to focus on the positive aspects of the Kennedy dynasty and that's just what he did. In very enjoyable and up lifting way !… (més)

First published in 2006, this book is now seriously out of date as the 2012 Republican Presidential primaries are taking place. Kennedy details many of the failings of the Bush presidency, blaming many of the current problems on Bush or the Republicans. Now that Obama is in office, the G.O.P. candidates are point out the same woes, but this time it's Obama or the Democrats fault. In this regard, it's just more of the same from our politicians, e.g., "the other guy is wrong", "I / my party can do better". but when they take office, it's more about STAYING in office than seeking compromise to accomplish something significant.
Also, reading this in 2011, with the economic problems the Country is facing, many of Teddy's programs would take huge amounts of money to fund, money no longer available as we try to limit our deficit spending.
All in all, the book is too far out of date to recommend at this time. Bush is gone, and Teddy has passed away. This book should suffer the same fate.
… (més)