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rosedaug's review against another edition
3.0
FINALLY finished this book. Politically speaking, I would have given it a 5. But it's obvious he isn't a writer. Lol. It jumps around a LOT and is really dense. My favorite chapter wasn't until the chapter "Where do we go from here?" That discusses his overall plans for reform and breaks down the country's biggest problems. Bernie supporter or not, his commentary on how we are turning into more and more of an oligarchy (with all of the power in the hands of just a few) is pretty poignant.
joliek's review against another edition
4.0
Fairly easy political read, and Bernie’s voice is evident throughout. It was more than mildly depressing to see we were having the exact same issues 30+ years ago as we are today.
robynedexter's review against another edition
4.0
I'm so happy I read this. This book is a wonderful glimpse into how Bernie became the man he is today and how he got into politics. It wasn't too over-my-head (which I feared going into it). I would recommend it to both Bernie fans AND otherwise. Even just as a person, he's fascinating.
yikesbmg's review against another edition
5.0
This book is almost 400 pages long but definitely worth the read, ESPECIALLY if you have an interest in understanding where Bernie has come from. The title may be misleading -- he only speaks about campaigns for a seat in House of Representatives and before. Nothing on his run for the Senate or the Democratic nomination.
The whole book reads like a conversation with Sander's, very colloquial, very blunt and honest. Questions you would want to ask eventually get answered and his Brooklyn sass and sarcasm is fantastically present. He explains his political strategy, ideology, and eam. He focuses a lot on how he ran his campaigns, his focus on the poor and citizens education, and he frequently rails against the media. There's not much discussion about corporate welfare (its present but not abundant, probably because that really came to a focus when he was in the Senate and not in the 90s/when he ran in the House). Obviously he provides great insight about being an independent in a two party system, the challenges and pluses that poses, and how he's navigated that space.
If you're looking for something polished and poetic, look elsewhere or just read the (incredible) afterword. This book is Bernie on paper. He delves into the problems he sees in America and ends the book with a chapter of solutions. I don't agree with and quite possible don't understand all the solutions he proposes, but I appreciate that he provides some. Also, he gives shout outs to a bunch of other progressives he's encountered along the way which is hella dope if you, like me, are looking to learn more.
This is the longest book I've read in years and the longest review I've ever written. Read the book!!! Read it!!!
The whole book reads like a conversation with Sander's, very colloquial, very blunt and honest. Questions you would want to ask eventually get answered and his Brooklyn sass and sarcasm is fantastically present. He explains his political strategy, ideology, and eam. He focuses a lot on how he ran his campaigns, his focus on the poor and citizens education, and he frequently rails against the media. There's not much discussion about corporate welfare (its present but not abundant, probably because that really came to a focus when he was in the Senate and not in the 90s/when he ran in the House). Obviously he provides great insight about being an independent in a two party system, the challenges and pluses that poses, and how he's navigated that space.
If you're looking for something polished and poetic, look elsewhere or just read the (incredible) afterword. This book is Bernie on paper. He delves into the problems he sees in America and ends the book with a chapter of solutions. I don't agree with and quite possible don't understand all the solutions he proposes, but I appreciate that he provides some. Also, he gives shout outs to a bunch of other progressives he's encountered along the way which is hella dope if you, like me, are looking to learn more.
This is the longest book I've read in years and the longest review I've ever written. Read the book!!! Read it!!!
giltolley's review against another edition
Admittedly, not the most thrilling read, but Bernie Sanders' autobiography gives great insight into his political past and shows that he has, in fact, been carrying the same message for decades. If you already support Bernie then this book will just be a detailed background on his rise to become the first Independent Congressman, but the last chapter, titled Where Do We Go From Here, is quite inspiring if you believe in his progressive brand of politics. If you don't support Bernie, this book will prove that he is exactly who he says he is, and will hopefully convince you of his authenticity. Though I doubt it will sway you to his side unless you are already fairly progressive.
The actual read was a bit difficult at times because he would jump around between the "present" congressional race he was running in the year the book was released and all of the other elections he took part in over the years, but all in all it wasn't too bad.
The actual read was a bit difficult at times because he would jump around between the "present" congressional race he was running in the year the book was released and all of the other elections he took part in over the years, but all in all it wasn't too bad.
abethel's review against another edition
3.0
This book is unpolished and the format is confusing as Sanders switches between telling the story of his early political career and of a particularly difficult race for the Senate.
While I did not enjoy the format, I did enjoy experiencing Bernie's straight-forward message that has not changed over the years. I like the fact that he cares about the lives of regular Americans and believes in income equality and social justice. He also believes in diplomacy over war and violence. Oh, and the refusal to run negative add campaigns to win races is a huge plus.
I picked this book up out of curiosity and it convinced me that I like this Bernie Sanders guy.
While I did not enjoy the format, I did enjoy experiencing Bernie's straight-forward message that has not changed over the years. I like the fact that he cares about the lives of regular Americans and believes in income equality and social justice. He also believes in diplomacy over war and violence. Oh, and the refusal to run negative add campaigns to win races is a huge plus.
I picked this book up out of curiosity and it convinced me that I like this Bernie Sanders guy.
yogideetz's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
The first time I read this was when Bernie was running for president the first time. I think this content felt more realistic then, more attainable. Now it feels like I don't have enough hope...
el_entrenador_loco's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75