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teaandlibri's review
2.0
Aiming for higher office? I know a little bit about Booker, although admittedly not much more than what's in the news as I don't live in NJ and don't know anyone from there that well. So I thought this would be a good pickup to read (especially as his name has been mentioned here and there for the VP list). It's pretty clear that this book is a launching pad for his higher ambitions (not that ambition is bad in itself), so that may tweak how someone reads this book.
It's not a memoir in the traditional sense but I did enjoy reading about his childhood and found the story of his parents trying to buy his house compelling and infuriating. They finally got a house by essentially pulling a sting on the real estate agent (it involved a fistfight too) but they got the house.
I found the book to be very uneven. The initial parts (such as the above about his parents) were really good reads. He talks about a woman who is a single mom and works at an IHOP and he discusses her path, how minutely she has to budget out her funds, her work schedule, the network of friends/family she relies/relied on for babysitting, etc. Then he talks about how violence at the IHOP drove down business and cut her shifts and pay because business was so bad. Although Booker writes how her situation did improve somewhat, this particular chapter resonated with me in light of the fight for raising the minimum wage.
Yet sometimes when the book is not really a memoir (more like the problems he sees and has experienced), it's a bit tiring. I wanted to learn a bit more about him and his thoughts, instead of these other stories. Granted, he was giving these people a platform and voice that they might not have had otherwise...but it just wasn't that interesting. It almost seemed like (to me) that different people wrote different parts of the book. Maybe it's me.
That said, it's worth a read. If you're from the area or are interested in him at all, it's not a bad pick up. I'd recommend borrowing it from the library unless you're really attached to any of the topics he writes about. I have to say, I usually read about people who are more "established" (I read Obama's books while the 2008 elections was occurring) so I will be interested to see Booker as he goes from here.
It's not a memoir in the traditional sense but I did enjoy reading about his childhood and found the story of his parents trying to buy his house compelling and infuriating. They finally got a house by essentially pulling a sting on the real estate agent (it involved a fistfight too) but they got the house.
I found the book to be very uneven. The initial parts (such as the above about his parents) were really good reads. He talks about a woman who is a single mom and works at an IHOP and he discusses her path, how minutely she has to budget out her funds, her work schedule, the network of friends/family she relies/relied on for babysitting, etc. Then he talks about how violence at the IHOP drove down business and cut her shifts and pay because business was so bad. Although Booker writes how her situation did improve somewhat, this particular chapter resonated with me in light of the fight for raising the minimum wage.
Yet sometimes when the book is not really a memoir (more like the problems he sees and has experienced), it's a bit tiring. I wanted to learn a bit more about him and his thoughts, instead of these other stories. Granted, he was giving these people a platform and voice that they might not have had otherwise...but it just wasn't that interesting. It almost seemed like (to me) that different people wrote different parts of the book. Maybe it's me.
That said, it's worth a read. If you're from the area or are interested in him at all, it's not a bad pick up. I'd recommend borrowing it from the library unless you're really attached to any of the topics he writes about. I have to say, I usually read about people who are more "established" (I read Obama's books while the 2008 elections was occurring) so I will be interested to see Booker as he goes from here.
grahamlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Cory Booker is a bastion of hope in this seemingly negative time in our countries history. He seems to be everything one would hope for in a politician and epitomizes the ideal of when they go low we go high. This book gives a history of his time as a Newark councilmen, mayor, and junior Senator from New Jersey and speaks to his main goals as a senator. He never speaks negatively of those who he disagrees with and just comes off as a really down to earth guy. Since beginning this book I have often asked myself "What Would Cory Booker Do" in this situation. This mantra is my first step in emulating his message and trying to see the world through the lens of Love. I look forward to seeing where is career goes and appreciate all of his work and efforts thus far.
monicamjw's review against another edition
5.0
Senator Booker shares his journey, filled with love and purpose. An inspiring individual.
pamiverson's review against another edition
4.0
the memoir of the Senator, written when he was probably envisioning a Presidential run after Hillary Clinton (i.e., 2024.) He has an impressive resume and commitment to his community and country. And many good ideas. I'm not sure why he hasn't gotten much traction.
bookwyrm_kate's review against another edition
5.0
Mr. Booker has been on my radar for a couple of years now; mainly because he’s 1) a vegan senator, and 2) the opposite of everything I’ve ever hated about politics. This man works from his ideals of compassion, respect, and faith, and the words he’d written here would mean NOTHING, if I hadn’t first seen these ideals displayed in his behavior and work.
This book has some flow issues that an editor should have fixed, but for the most part, it’s an inspiring glimpse into a life of service, and a spark that should light a passion for change. His constituents are blessed to have him in their corner, and I’ve enjoyed reading about his upbringing, his short-comings, his strategies, and his vision for how our great nation can live up to its potential, putting people first in a united cause.
This book has some flow issues that an editor should have fixed, but for the most part, it’s an inspiring glimpse into a life of service, and a spark that should light a passion for change. His constituents are blessed to have him in their corner, and I’ve enjoyed reading about his upbringing, his short-comings, his strategies, and his vision for how our great nation can live up to its potential, putting people first in a united cause.
ktcarlston's review against another edition
4.0
This was such such such a great book.I really appreciated how he discussed the mistakes that he made and how he learned and grew in his various responsibilities. He also made me think "what am I doing or not doing?" I almost almost almost gave it 5 stars but the last chapter all about the environment (which I totally care about) was just not as compelling and not filled with the personal stories he used for everything else to make it be something really interesting. But really - I highly recommend.
donyala's review against another edition
5.0
Full Disclosure: I worked on now-Senator Booker's 2013 campaign. But this book would have inspired me to think about mass incarceration and our criminal policies in a bigger and more complex way regardless. Sen. Booker has used his incredible life (even though his fantastic mom reminds him that he was born on third base) and taken advantage of every opportunity to make the world around him better to the best of his abilities. I can't wait to see what's next.
lovesarahmae's review against another edition
4.0
Cory Booker has been rising the ranks of social justice and politics for years now. I had heard his work in Newark NJ was more grass roots than politics, and I wanted to know what this rising star liberal was bringing into Congress. Turns out Booker is bringing a lot. This book is a get to know me letter to the country, an overwhelming honest recount of Booker's time and works thus far, and a call for what must come in the light of not just a Trump Presidency, but in addressing the very real issues that resulted in our heighten and stressed electoral process this go around. I had very much wanted for this book, which I listened to (it's read by the author) to be the first book I finished this year - but this is not to be rushed through. Booker's work is to be read diligently, digested, and reflected upon in discernment - for it is a text for our social justice movement, and a key marker for the next few years in America.
sarahfett's review against another edition
I’ve been on a kick of listening to memoirs as audiobooks and thought that is what this book is. It is actually a collection of stories and inspirations and not a narrative life story. I’m not giving it a rating because I am giving up listening to it not because it is bad but it is not what I am in the mood to listen to. The reading style was a bit too intense for me though.