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mariahhanley's review against another edition
4.0
I have the utmost respect for Senator McCain, and his death is a loss for America. I really enjoyed much of this book, although I did find it somewhat grating at times, dry at times, and I was extremely irritated that he went all-in on Benghazi. Although we did not share almost any political views, I enjoyed hearing his thought process for some of his more major accomplishments and attempts over the years, especially the Obamacare vote (although, it saddened me to know that his goal was not to save Obamacare), and his strong, strong views on torture (with good reason).
jenniferstringer's review against another edition
4.0
Little did we know in 2008 how nice it was to have a choice between two men of integrity. The things we take for granted.
This book is part McCain getting his final stand on things on the record, part rallying call to Congress to quit with the partisanship and to realize that compromise is how things get done, and part love letter to American and American ideals.
I hadn't known how committed he was to human rights. I hope there is someone in Congress picking up that mantle, but I'm afraid he/she does not have the same kind of clout as McCain. I think he is spot on about Vladimir Putin and we should heed the warning. A worthwhile read.
This book is part McCain getting his final stand on things on the record, part rallying call to Congress to quit with the partisanship and to realize that compromise is how things get done, and part love letter to American and American ideals.
I hadn't known how committed he was to human rights. I hope there is someone in Congress picking up that mantle, but I'm afraid he/she does not have the same kind of clout as McCain. I think he is spot on about Vladimir Putin and we should heed the warning. A worthwhile read.
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
What a great book by and about a true American hero. I didn't always agree with Senator McCain, but I always appreciated that he was a man of principal. Something that is now missing in Washington. I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried at the end of this book.
clarke11235's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It’s refreshing to hear from someone that puts principles over party and ideals over loyalty to an individual. His genuine desire to work towards bipartisan solutions via compromise is something I think we need a lot more of in this country.
ryanpfw's review against another edition
5.0
I'd been meaning to read this book, but like others, I thought I had more time. I was on vacation sitting around a campfire when I heard the news that John McCain had passed and fortunately always bring a kindle to a campfire.
I have two other McCain books on my bookshelf, still unread, and for some reason I thought he was a more prolific author. Apparently these were his only three books, with this one intended to go into great detail on the 2008 election and subsequent foreign policy concerns. His last book was in 2002 and he had a lot to catch up on. During the writing process, he was diagnosed with cancer and it morphed into his farewell address. If you're looking for impressions of the book before you read it, I'll freely admit some seams were evident. He transitions from a raw discussion of mortality to airdropping you into the Iraq conflict, with facts and figures coming left and right. I didn't mind, and felt I did learn a lot. Just keep in mind this book was not merely intended to be about the end of his life. He had a lot he still needed to say.
Here's where I am after finishing. John McCain, until today, is the only person I've ever felt compelled to pull a Republican ballot for (exempting the time I voted for Rick Santorum against Mitt Romney in the hopes he'd lost his home state, which doesn't count), and while his campaign imploded and I'm glad he lost, and while there were days I hated him, we were stronger with him and I'm not sure who we are without him. He saw investment as necessary, that it's harder to take a leap of faith and build something than it is to tear someone else's work down. Life is complicated, but fighting for a better world is something you have to do every day. Barack Obama referenced in his eulogy of John McCain that he had wins and losses throughout his life, which is preferable to living a life with neither.
I'm coincidentally pulling another Republican ballot tomorrow, which if you know me is not common. I truly believe the world will be a better place on the day that we all listen to truths that we may not be comfortable hearing and compromising when it feels so much better to insist on everything, even if we get nothing. May John McCain continue to kick our asses from beyond the rim more and more in this direction.
I have two other McCain books on my bookshelf, still unread, and for some reason I thought he was a more prolific author. Apparently these were his only three books, with this one intended to go into great detail on the 2008 election and subsequent foreign policy concerns. His last book was in 2002 and he had a lot to catch up on. During the writing process, he was diagnosed with cancer and it morphed into his farewell address. If you're looking for impressions of the book before you read it, I'll freely admit some seams were evident. He transitions from a raw discussion of mortality to airdropping you into the Iraq conflict, with facts and figures coming left and right. I didn't mind, and felt I did learn a lot. Just keep in mind this book was not merely intended to be about the end of his life. He had a lot he still needed to say.
Here's where I am after finishing. John McCain, until today, is the only person I've ever felt compelled to pull a Republican ballot for (exempting the time I voted for Rick Santorum against Mitt Romney in the hopes he'd lost his home state, which doesn't count), and while his campaign imploded and I'm glad he lost, and while there were days I hated him, we were stronger with him and I'm not sure who we are without him. He saw investment as necessary, that it's harder to take a leap of faith and build something than it is to tear someone else's work down. Life is complicated, but fighting for a better world is something you have to do every day. Barack Obama referenced in his eulogy of John McCain that he had wins and losses throughout his life, which is preferable to living a life with neither.
I'm coincidentally pulling another Republican ballot tomorrow, which if you know me is not common. I truly believe the world will be a better place on the day that we all listen to truths that we may not be comfortable hearing and compromising when it feels so much better to insist on everything, even if we get nothing. May John McCain continue to kick our asses from beyond the rim more and more in this direction.
jodisings's review against another edition
4.0
It’s the kind of book a public servant writes at the end of his life when he wants to remind his fellow citizens who they are and what prize is worth a struggle. I haven’t usually agreed with his politics, but I do respect him a great deal. The glimpses inside the Senate and various geopolitical situations were fascinating.
itsautumntime9's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. I don’t agree with him politically on some things, but he was such a good person and I have so much respect for him.
nurseduke's review against another edition
4.0
It made me mourn his passing and what he stood for in our deeply partisan political environment even more than I had previously. Perhaps if more were like him we wouldn’t be in the place we are right now. A wonderful glimpse into politics that isn’t focused on putting down the other side but humbly coming to the table tor work together.
andreanourse's review against another edition
4.0
One of my consistent goals is to learn to listen to and respect views and opinions that differ from my own.
I’ll admit this isn’t always easy and I often struggle to keep my mind open.
Prior to Restless Wave, I just finished James Clapper’s Facts and Fears. McCain and Clapper served in similar eras, so these two books complimented each other.
I may not have voted for or always agreed with John McCain, but it’s hard to dispute his commitment to his country and doing, what he thought, was right. That was evident in the stories he told and the passion he brought to the words.
I listened to the audiobook of Restless Wave and Beau Bridges narrated, which made it even more enjoyable.
This book dives deep into the political side of war, international relations and America. McCain, for the most part, avoids political spats, but does interject his opinions and views heavily.
Restless Wave provided a perspective into the war-hero, statesman and international figure McCain became. The legacy he leaves behind is one I respect, perhaps even more after listening to his story.
The end of the book was hard for me . My father died of brain cancer, not the same that McCaine had, and it was difficult hearing about his final fight. Much of the book was tinged with his acceptance of his own mortality and often referenced things as his “final fight” or “last visit.”
The perspective of knowing your days are coming to a close provided him the ability to share, without filters his honesty. Some of his final votes and thoughts are ones I will always be thankful for.
I’ll admit this isn’t always easy and I often struggle to keep my mind open.
Prior to Restless Wave, I just finished James Clapper’s Facts and Fears. McCain and Clapper served in similar eras, so these two books complimented each other.
I may not have voted for or always agreed with John McCain, but it’s hard to dispute his commitment to his country and doing, what he thought, was right. That was evident in the stories he told and the passion he brought to the words.
I listened to the audiobook of Restless Wave and Beau Bridges narrated, which made it even more enjoyable.
This book dives deep into the political side of war, international relations and America. McCain, for the most part, avoids political spats, but does interject his opinions and views heavily.
Restless Wave provided a perspective into the war-hero, statesman and international figure McCain became. The legacy he leaves behind is one I respect, perhaps even more after listening to his story.
The end of the book was hard for me . My father died of brain cancer, not the same that McCaine had, and it was difficult hearing about his final fight. Much of the book was tinged with his acceptance of his own mortality and often referenced things as his “final fight” or “last visit.”
The perspective of knowing your days are coming to a close provided him the ability to share, without filters his honesty. Some of his final votes and thoughts are ones I will always be thankful for.
vanirajkumar's review against another edition
4.0
I surprisingly felt inspired by the last chapter of this. Definitely not the most well written political biography but in my attempt to read more works from across the aisle it gave me a lot to think about.