From Publishers Weekly
Richardson's backslapping enthusiasm for public service comes through unfettered in this enjoyable audiobook. Richardson, current governor of New Mexico, has served in Congress, as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and President Clinton's energy secretary. A four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, he specializes in hostage-release negotiations with hostile governments and peace talks between warring factions. Richardson's style is blunt, and he's unafraid to paint dynamic pictures of his political accomplishments and entanglements. But his treatment of his Mexican-American background and personal life makes for the most compelling listening, especially the kidnapping of his sister in Mexico City. Richardson's diction is sometimes muffled—syllables swallowed, words rushed out on residual air, and on occasion critical words can be misheard ("vital" comes across as "vile"). But for the most part, this loose, unbridled quality adds a human touch to the narration.. Some listeners may argue this is less political memoir and more extended campaign commercial for a possible presidential run in 2008. But in either case, Richardson's in-your-face manner makes for an engaging listen.
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Richardson, governor of New Mexico, is widely considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. The son of an American businessman father and a Mexican mother, raised in Mexico City and educated in a New England prep school and an East Coast college, Richardson has the multicultural background--and political savvy--to garner wide appeal. After six years on Capitol Hill, he headed to New Mexico to establish himself in local politics with an eye toward running for national office. Seen as a carpetbagger, Richardson had to prove himself to the local political patrons, and relates the long, arduous, and contentious climb up the ladder to the governorship. Along the way, he parlayed his background, interest in international affairs, and considerable negotiating skills into a variety of positions and assignments, including U.S. Congressman, cabinet member, and UN ambassador. Nominated four times for the Nobel Prize, Richardson has had a hand in dealing with terrorism, energy policy, and foreign relations. Some might view his fast-paced autobiography as the opening round in a political campaign. Given Richardson's star power among the Democrats, readers interested in national politics and the landscape for future presidential prospects will find this book interesting reading.
Vanessa BushCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
