mrswhatsit8's review against another edition
4.0
This in depth study of the 112th Congress - particularly the House of Representatives, and within that the large class of freshmen ushered in by the Tea Party movement during the midterms of President Obama's first term - has its flaws. Because Draper pursued many more Republican sources than Democrat, the story can feel imbalanced. Women are frequently written about dismissively, and there are sometimes matters of fact (how much would a thing cost? what did a person say?) where he chooses to present a "he said, he said" account rather than also offering factual analysis, which can be confusing if you don't remember every policy detail of 2010. Most of all, he is tracking a famously "do nothing" Congress so the narrative arc is a little lacking. In the end, for all the drama, not much ever really occurs.
That said, this is still a worthwhile read for its deep reporting. It's also a particularly interesting read now, as we welcome in a new large midterm freshman class to the House which also shifts the balance of power but can only do so much as "one half of one third" of the government. There are lessons to be learned about how institutions work, how legislation gets made, and why our system is broken. It is fascinating (and sometimes unnerving) to read about many of the characters who continue to be relevant in today's politics, and see one moment in their life frozen in time while having the benefit of eight more years of information. From Kevin McCarthy to Paul Ryan to Nancy Pelosi to Anthony Weiner, seeds of our current chaos can be seen in what they were doing then, and its helpful to reminded of the history as well as to be reminded, in some cases, how quickly things can change. It's a fairly easy read so if you're a watcher of politics - go for it.
That said, this is still a worthwhile read for its deep reporting. It's also a particularly interesting read now, as we welcome in a new large midterm freshman class to the House which also shifts the balance of power but can only do so much as "one half of one third" of the government. There are lessons to be learned about how institutions work, how legislation gets made, and why our system is broken. It is fascinating (and sometimes unnerving) to read about many of the characters who continue to be relevant in today's politics, and see one moment in their life frozen in time while having the benefit of eight more years of information. From Kevin McCarthy to Paul Ryan to Nancy Pelosi to Anthony Weiner, seeds of our current chaos can be seen in what they were doing then, and its helpful to reminded of the history as well as to be reminded, in some cases, how quickly things can change. It's a fairly easy read so if you're a watcher of politics - go for it.
katyjean81's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, although I will say it came as a surprise that 30% of it is notes, afterword and explanations of one kind or another. I suppose this is just a sign of how this book is incredibly well-researched and thoroughly documented. Mostly, it was a really interesting insight into the pysche of the Hosue of Representatives through the lens of a few specific members. Draper does a nice job of making individuals you may not know seem like (mostly) sympathetic complex characters.
spookybeast's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fantastic book that I picked up after seeing the author interviewed on the Daily Show. He does an admirable job hiding his personal political views and plainly presenting these "characters" just as they are: flawed, driven, unique, simultaneously good and bad human beings. Whatever your political attitudes, you should read this book for a good understanding of just what the fuck happened--or didn't happen--on the Hill in 2011.
civreader's review against another edition
4.0
Perhaps leaning more towards 3.5* than the full 4*.
Recommended.
Recommended.
heatherberm's review against another edition
4.0
I'm always nervous about reading political books, but this one seemed pretty even-handed. Some Democrats looked good, some looked bad. Some Republicans looked good, some looked bad. The book focused on the recent wave of Tea Party freshmen and how the increasing lack of moderates has created a highly partisan Congress. Very interesting reading though it made it seem like a miracle than anything ever gets accomplished.
More...