In 2004, after revealing his homosexuality and then resigning as governor of New Jersey, McGreevey went on to do something few politicians do. He wrote and published an autobiography that would expose the extent of his lies to his family, his constituents, and himself. What follows is his history, filled with stories of his humble rise and tragic fall from politics, along with the occasional grandstanding. McGreevey narrates in a dry but sincere tone that sometimes shifts. Whether the fluctuation is emotion or poor sound editing is unclear. While several leaps in the book remind listeners of its abridgment, the overall production maintains the key points of McGreevey's confession. L.E. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
In August 2004, Governor James E. McGreevey of New Jersey made history when he declared ""My truth is that I am a gay American,"" and announced his resignation.
Now, in this extraordinarily candid memoir, McGreevey shares his story of a life of ambition, moral compromise, and redemption. From childhood, McGreevey lived a kind of idealized American life, and he strove to exceed expectations in everything he did. He won three elections by the age of thirty-six, and four years later nearly toppled the state's popular governor, Christie Todd Whitman. When he ran again, in 2001, he won by a landslide.
Throughout his adult life McGreevey had been forced to suppress a fundamental truth: that he was gay. He knew that the only clear path to his dreams was to live a straight life, and so he split in two, accepting the traditional role of family man while denying his deepest emotions. And he discovered that becoming a political player demanded ethical shortcuts at least as corrosive as living in the closet.
Written with honesty, grace, and rare insight, The Confession may be among the most honest political memoirs ever written.
In August 2004, Governor James E. McGreevey of New Jersey made history when he declared ""My truth is that I am a gay American,"" and announced his resignation.
Now, in this extraordinarily candid memoir, McGreevey shares his story of a life of ambition, moral compromise, and redemption. From childhood, McGreevey lived a kind of idealized American life, and he strove to exceed expectations in everything he did. He won three elections by the age of thirty-six, and four years later nearly toppled the state's popular governor, Christie Todd Whitman. When he ran again, in 2001, he won by a landslide.
Throughout his adult life McGreevey had been forced to suppress a fundamental truth: that he was gay. He knew that the only clear path to his dreams was to live a straight life, and so he split in two, accepting the traditional role of family man while denying his deepest emotions. And he discovered that becoming a political player demanded ethical shortcuts at least as corrosive as living in the closet.
Written with honesty, grace, and rare insight, The Confession may be among the most honest political memoirs ever written.
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940169728767 |
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Publisher: | HarperCollins |
Publication date: | 09/19/2006 |
Edition description: | Abridged |
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