Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor [Leather Bound]

Benjamin J. Cayetano (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 13, 2009

From a hardscrabble childhood in the rough Honolulu neighborhood of Kalihi to his two terms in the governor's mansion, Washington Place, Ben Cayetano's story offers a riveting look at Hawaii yesterday and today: ethnic voting, Hawaiian sovereignty, Bishop Estate, the drama of 9-11 and the back-room maneuverings of politicians and business leaders. Here is a rare glimpse behind the scenes, an unflinching memoir with no punches pulled, told with warmth and candor in his own words.

"...a revealing exposure of the political sausage grinder of compromise and betrayal, loyalty and courage, fear and rage." —U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie

"In my 20 years of covering the political scene, Ben Cayetano was the most impressive I ever met—an independent iconoclast, who eschewed not only the political correctness of the day but also the cronyism of local politics." —Political reporter Robert Rees

"Cayetano explains the intricacies and convolutions of Hawaii politics better than anyone ever has. Must reading for understanding how government in the Aloha State really works." —Political consultant Joseph Napolitan

"... one of the most important books ever written on Hawaii politics .... It'll still be in circulation 30 years from now." --David Shapiro, Columnist, The Honolulu Advertiser

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The best book on Hawaii politics since Lawrence Fuchs' Hawaii Pono." --Dan Boylan, MidWeek, July 22, 2009

"... one of the most important books ever written on Hawaii politics .... It'll still be in circulation 30 years from now." --David Shapiro, The Honolulu Advertiser, March 18, 2009

About the Author

Benjamin J. Cayetano served as governor of Hawaii from 1994 to 2002 and was the first Filipino American elected as a United States governor. He currently lives in Honolulu with his wife, Vicky.

Product Details

• Leather Bound: 568 pages
• Publisher: Watermark Publishing; Leatherbound edition (February 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982169809
• ISBN-13: 978-0982169803
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,254,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time capsule of Hawaii, February 16, 2009

By 

T. Trimmer (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor (Paperback)

Former Governor, Ben Cayetano, has bridged the recent gap of Hawaii History to include the present back to the 1950's as seen through the keen eyes of an observant street kid who has never lost sight of how lucky one is to have lived in Hawaii. History and humor combine to make a great read for anyone interested in Hawaii and it's varied roots. The book makes a great gift as well as a great read.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very readable and candid, March 2, 2009

By 

Mr. Randolph Hack "RandyInKaimuki" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor (Paperback)

This detailed yet very thoroughly written autobiography pulls no punches when it comes to candor. The Governor is very candid about his shortcomings as well as his strengths. Since Hawaii is now in a fiscal crisis, policymakers would do well do read the chapter called "The Cuts" about the effect cutting funds to social service agencies can have. The author takes pains to explain complex laws so that the average reader can understand. Never judge a person by the way he or she talks! Politics is intriguing and so is this work, a rise from poverty to Governor of the state. In memory of those who have come before....

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Hawaiian political blockbuster, June 26, 2009

By 

David M. Heaukulani (Hilo, HI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor (Paperback)

Ben Cayetano gives us a ringseat view of politics in Hawaii during his colorful political tenure. If you followed politics during the period of 1970s through 2000 in Hawaii you must read this book. In fact, all Democrats should read it. You will be fascinated at how politics really work behind the scenes. The things he says about Eileen Anderson and Sharton Himeno are real eye openers and these revelations alone are worth the price of the book. His childhood stories and experiences as a trial lawyer are likewise fascinating. I can relate to his story about the irate haole swearing at him and his friends spear fishing in Kahala waters. I experienced the same treatment spear fishing in those waters as a kid. I worked Lingle's campaign against Cayetano because I supported Bishop Estate Trustees Henry Peters and Gerard Jervis. However, after reading things I did not know about Governor Lingle I have regrets. Thanks Governor Cayetano for a forthright political blockbuster.