New Gingrich is and
has been a colorful and polarizing political figure. This biography
does him justice. Starting with Gingrich’s youth in Pennsylvania,
it moves quickly to his days as a college professor. Although the
book doesn’t state it explicitly, I believe that Gingrich loved to
teach. He kept his professorship through all his early campaigns.
This was partly a matter of money, but since he continued teaching
when in congress, I believe it is also a matter of enjoying the
activity.
The stories of
Gingrich’s three early campaigns to gain a seat in the House are
fascinating. You can definitely say he isn’t a quitter. The early
days in the House are also interesting. Gingrich was and is a
conservative. His struggles to get the House to embrace a
conservative agenda are well worth reading.
Much as I loved the
book, I did have some disappointment. It’s well written and easy to
read, not dry like some biographies. Gingrich’s early life and
tenure in the house before becoming Speaker are well done. However,
the book ends just when things are getting exciting. He’s on the
verge of becoming Speaker. This leaves out all the interesting
incidents surrounding being removed from the Speaker position by his
party, the impeachment of Clinton, and his run for President in 2012.
I’m sure there are equally interesting incidents in these years.
Perhaps another book is planned.
I received this book
from Booklookbloggers for this review.
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