Customer Reviews

Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor

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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.

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....

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.

As a long time Hawaii resident I have always wondered what went on behind the scenes in our "unique" political system. Well, I need not wonder any longer! Ben Cayetano's book tells it like it was, and is. At almost 500 pages it seemed a bit daunting at first but it draws the reader in from his growing up in Kalihi to his rise through the political ranks in Hawaii. A must-read for anyone who truly wants to know.

Could not put this book down. Very well written. He shares his views on politicians, some of whom I know, and confirmed my exact feelings and views of them. Frequently not good, but so true. He pulls no punches. If you don't like the tedious parts of the wranglings of getting bills passed and lining up one's troops and ducks in a row, then just skip over it. I just enjoyed the juicy tidbits abut the personalities that run our government. I did not want this book to end. I have recommended this book to all of my friends and they have purchased their own copies. A few friends were even in the book as secondary players to the "stars" of our government.

Governor Ben is a friend of mine, so I am familiar with some of the events and circumstances of his political career. But this book delves deeper, into his roots, which motivated his decisions as a legislator and governor. I could not put this book down, because he is such a great storyteller. Some parts made me cry and other parts made me howl with laughter! Anyone from Hawaii or interested in our politics would enjoy this book! This book confirms what I always knew about Ben, that he is courageous, intelligent, down-to-earth, and honest to the core.

Ben Cayetano brags about coming from Kalihi and this book "reads" like it. As boring as his time in office.