A Day in the Life... Not All Political Memoirs Were Created Equal

A Journey: My Political Life

Tony Blair | B+

As a progressive Labour Party member who helped change the atmosphere of British politics, and as a prime minister through tumultuous new times, Tony Blair has overseen many crucial events in British history. His memoir A Journey: My Political Life serves as an attempt to reveal the underlying relationships and decisions that were present beneath the surface.

While the book covers the entirety of Blair's political career, the most notable sections discuss the choices he made following 9/11. Blair stands out as the only British prime minister in history to send troops out five times, standing in solidarity with America and our foreign policy. But this was not an easy task for him and he goes through the struggle that he encountered within Britain and within himself during this time. Blair carefully fills in the blanks with a friendly voice, using first names in a manner that allows the reader to feel as though they were witnesses to these behind-the-scenes moments. He also displays a dexterity of language throughout that should be unsurprising, given the way with words that politicians seem to possess, but it is still pleasant all the same.

The singular flaw is something that Blair admits at the very end, stating, "It has never been entirely clear whether the journey I have taken is one of triumph of the person over the politics, or of the politics over the person." Indeed at times, the tone of memoir feels as if Blair is questioning rather than reflecting. But, it is still an enjoyable read thanks to Blair's dry humor and impeccable British wit.

-Shama Huq

America By Heart

Sarah Palin | C-

Following her bestselling debut Going Rogue, former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin returns to bookstores with her follow-up, America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag. Inspired by her belief that our current government is threatening America's founding principles, the book reads as a love letter to the Constitution and the founding fathers, as well as a rallying call for the public to stand up against big government. Avoiding in-depth discussion of any issues at the heart of today's politics, she instead focuses on broader themes: appreciating our veterans, the importance of family and the role religion has had in shaping our country's morals.

Her writing style is simple and breezy, making the book easy to finish — and that's a good thing because, after a while, her almost religious faith in the infallibility of the Constitution and her extreme optimistic tone become grating. There are occasionally uncomfortable moments as well, such as when she argues that victims of Hurricane Katrina would have coped better if they had had stronger family units, and when she criticizes her daughter Bristol's adolescent pregnancy. But despite all its faults, the book may be a worthwhile read for its insight into the motivations behind the tea party movement. Just don't expect any surprises. In America By Heart, Palin proves her worth as a true politician who knows how to hitthe emotional chords in her audience while sidestepping any substantial response to her critics.

-Aubrey Sherman

Conversations with Myself

Nelson Mandela | A-

Nelson Mandela is a man who has become a living legend due to his distinction as an anti-apartheid activist, the first democratically elected president of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. But in Conversations with Myself, readers get to see a unique viewpoint of this glorified man, one uncolored with the perceptions of others or himself.

Unlike most autobiographical accounts, this book tells the story of Mandela almost completely through personal letters, recollections and transcribed conversations. Except for the editorial notes at the beginning of each chapter, there is no outside analysis presented. Readers must become historians and take these individual artifacts to string together a linear narrative.

It is clear from the first few pages that Mandela is a man of many words. From the numerous letters and lengthy conversations with family and friends to the copious notes written on his desk calendars, he always had something to say. But the depth of his introspection is equally impressive. With stories about his first wife, race relations and his experiences as a lawyer, Mandela ponders with a philosopher's astuteness and discusses his analyses in detail.

Conversations with Myself is an informative and enlightening read, but don't be fooled by its approachable title. For casual fans of Mandela, this book will generate more questions than answers. However for history buffs, this scholarly compilation will elucidate the details left out by the history books.

-Nidhi Saraiya

Decision Points

George W. Bush | B

In his new memoir, Decision Points, former president George W. Bush takes a frank look at his tumultuous eight years in office and the events that shaped them.

Bush had his share of political missteps and public blunders. Yet it was undoubtedly tough for one man to be scrutinized for every decision he made. He was criticized for acting too rashly in the search for weapons of mass destruction and heckled for acting too slowly in aiding victims of Hurricane Katrina. While in the White House, Bush often resisted accepting responsibility for these events, but in the book, Bush breaks away that stubborn "I'm always right" assertiveness. While he stops short of accepting the blame for any serious wrongdoings, he admits to making some unsound choices and discusses how he would have acted differently in some circumstances.