Customer Reviews

Bridging the Divide: My Life

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It took a long time to receive my copy from Amazon, but it was so well worth the wait. What an extraordinary life story, told with the style and substance that I would expect from Senator Brooke. For those of you who don't know him, this is a special opportunity to learn about him and learn from his diverse life experiences. For those of you who remember him from his notable service in the US Senate, there is so much more to know--and it is very well told in his own words. And for those of you who question whether his views are still relevant to today's national debate, read the last few pages along with the issues he championed throughout his career. This is a book that will inspire you, and will give hope and pleasure to all who read it. It is noteworthy that Amazon is "pairing" this book with Senator Barack Obama's latest work.

As I was reading a newspaper article about this book recently it occurred to me that I hadn't heard Edward Brooke's name in a long time. After finishing his book, I'm glad I remember him. Though not from Massachusetts myself, I did follow his career when he was in the Senate.

Senator Brooke writes forcefully on a number of issues....the racism he faced growing up in Washington D.C. and which followed him into the U.S. Army in the Second World War, his political losses before he finally won a race and especially about his family. With particular care he tells us of his difficult first marriage and his loving second one, complete with an estrangement for many years from his two daughters.

While getting into "Bridging the Divide" it became clear that Edward Brooke was a man of discipline and high principle. I was just about to ask myself why he never made it onto the U.S. Supreme Court when Brooke says that President Nixon actually considered him for a seat on the high court. Brooke turned it down to stay in the Senate, feeling he was too young to take on a judicial role. It's too bad because I think he would have made an excellent Supreme Court justice.

Edward Brooke is reminiscent of the days when the Senate was a kinder place. There are very few people in his category these days....moderate to liberal Republican. His was part of the Republican party I remember growing up...one that has changed drastically. Senator Brooke's contributions to our country have been many and I'm glad he's still around to write about it. "Bridging the Divide" is a book I highly recommend.

I was honored to meet Senator and Mrs. Brooke while I was in Miami before his book was published. As a Democrat, I couldn't understand why he was a Republican. After reading his book, I now understand how the times were different and why he would choose that party. It was before the party was co-opted by the far right. As a student of political history, this book gave me great insight into the political climate of from 1940 - 1980. He writes beautifully and his life is a model for everyone, politically involved or not.

This is by far, the greatest book I have ever read...and I am an avid reader.

Such honesty, humility, love, faith, and kindness, by the author, Senator Brooke, is overwhelming to the reader and presents us all with the challenge to forgive our hurts, believe in the goodness of people, to serve our nation and the world, most of all, to enjoy life.

Each and every chapter, actually every paragraph, made me smile,laugh or cry. It also made me aware of what a bright, kind, funny and articulate human being the Senator is. This world needs more people like Senator Brooke. We can each and all, learn from reading Bridging the Divide.

Regardless of your age, creed, race or political affiliation,when you read this book,your life will be enriched by the lessons we can all learn from such a wonderful book, written by such a great example to us all.

"Bridging the Divide" is a fantastic read, a portrait of the nation's first African-American Senator and the only black person in that position - thus far - to be re-elected. The book profiles Senator Edward Brooke's life and emphasizes his incredible ability to connect with people despite racial or political barriers. An African-American, Episcopalian, and Republican, he was sent to the Senate and maintained strong support from the people of Massachusetts, a state with a large white, Roman Catholic, and Democrat population.

Senator Brooke's writing is full of great references to how far our country has come in the battle against racism and destructive politics. Whether the Senator is describing his controversial decision to jump into the Senate race, or the day he jumped into the Senate swimming pool with Strom Thurmond, his words are poignant, intellectual, and awe-inspiring. You are sure to laugh, ponder, smile - maybe even cry.

One need not be a history buff or political powerhouse to enjoy this book. It is a fantastic read for those who love their country and enjoy learning about the type of people that make our nation so strong. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and recommend it to all of my friends. If you're looking for a good read this summer (or for any time of year), "Bridging the Divide" is it.

Leave it to Massachusetts to send the first Black Senator elected by popular vote to Congress. The heavily, 98% white Democrat State overwhelming supported him for the state's highest National Office even though he was the "Republican" candidate. Senator Brooke was elected in a landslide by the voters of his liberal state because he had already proven he was an honest, hardworking, devoted, corruption-fighting Attorney General for the Commonwealth. Once in the U.S. Senate he continued to prove he was a wise man with strong core beliefs including his devotion to the Political Party of Abe Lincoln. He was responsible for many important civil rights laws. One of his bills gave women their own credit. They no longer had to have their husbands okay to borrow money and get their own credit cards. Senator Brooke had gone from being a U.S. Army officer leading the Italian Partisans behind German lines during WW II to become a strong, outspoken Statesman Senator. Congress very much needs more peacemakers like Senator Edward Brooke. This book is a fascinating read. Readers can't help but finish the book and still be utterly amazed that Republican Brooke was ever elected to any office in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, he has proven to be one of a kind so far. But there is always hope for the future.

National news headlines in November, 1966 proclaimed that Edward Brooke won the Massachusetts election for the U. S. Senate - the first African-American elected to "the most exclusive club in the world." He even made the cover of Time Magazine.

This fascinating autobiography quickly draws the reader into the life of one of the most fascinating leaders of our time.

Edward W. Brooke made history from his earliest years. Serving as an officer in the U.S. Army in World War II, while the Armed Forces were still segregated, he was one of the first Blacks to see combat fighting the Nazis in the hills of Northern Italy.

Edward Brooke moved to Boston after the war to begin his career. He earned his law degree at Boston University and set up his one-man law firm in a building that had once been a theater. Over the years he built an impressive legal practice, becoming one of the city's most prominent attorneys. But he also got interested in politics. He rose through the ranks of the Massachusetts Republican party, running unsuccessfully in three races, but building a campaign organization and a state-wide following.

His meteoric rise in Massachusetts politics brings back memories of happier times, when campaigning was fun, without the personal attack ads so common today. Brooke won his races the old fashioned way, by campaigning vigorously - shaking hands, talking with voters, and addressing groups in almost all 351 of the state's cities and towns.

In 1962 he again made history when he was elected the Attorney General. Mr. Brooke made a name for himself as a corruption-busting reformer who was not afraid to take on powerful local officials. He also led the investigation and prosecution of the state's most infamous crime, the Boston Strangler. This case made national headlines and was made into a movie. The director was so impressed with Brooke that he offered him $125,000 to play himself in the famous 1967 film. Brooke declined out of loyalty to the voters he served.

As a U. S. Senator, Edward Brooke distinguished himself many times in Washington. He bridged the divide between Republicans and Democrats to build coalitions that passed important human rights legislation, and during the 1970s, led the opposition that prevented the erosion of civil rights. In 1974, he again showed courage as the first elected Republican to call for President Nixon's resignation.

The Senator has enjoyed a vigorous post-Senate career as an attorney and eventually serving on several corporate boards. He still remains active in political issues, and offers his views on today's politics. And he's still remembered fondly -- Massachusetts honored him in 2000 by dedicating the new Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in Boston. Hundreds of VIP's, friends, relatives, former campaign workers, and private citizens turned out for this celebration. Former staff members made the scene to wish their Senator well deserved congratulations.

Even today, Sen. Brooke keeps up with the latest political developments in America and offers his views in the book. He is a man whose faith in God, Country and Family guided his career. One of the most important forces in his life was his mother who stayed close to Edward Brooke for all of her 100 years.

Edward Brooke has led a fascinating life, and this book is a good read both for readers who remember the events, as well as for the younger readers who can learn a lot about the ideas and leaders who shaped the events of recent American History.

I was honored to be a witness to some of the early discussions between Ed Brooke and his former colleagues and staff as this book was being written. As you read this special book you will also feel like you have been granted a front row seat to the making of history. At a time when political fundamentalism was starting to again flex its ugly muscles in our government, Senator Edward Brooke was a voice of moderation and wisdom for both Democrats and Republicans. This book, by one of the great politicians of our time, reminds us what political leadership can (and should) be like. More Ed Brooks are needed in our government today. I have known Ed and his family as both his priest and friend since 1982, and I can honestly say that Ed Brooke is, at the core of his being, a caring, compassionate, and courageous man of faith with a wonderful sense of humor. He doesn't talk about "family values;" he lives them! I strongly recommend BRIDGING THE DIVIDE to all who appreciate the history of our wonderful nation and who value the dedication and skill of men and women like Senator Brooke. They have truly made our country a better place.

The Rev. Dr. Prentice Kinser III, Author of Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

I had the good fortune to serve in the Massachusetts state senate as a Republican during Senator Ed Brooke's second term. Though I was more conservative than he, he always unstintingly leant me his support, help and advice. His defeat in 1978, aided by right-wing Republicans, was a great loss to the Commonwealth, the country and, not least to the Republican party. Increasingly the crazies in each party are dragging the process toward the fringes. But elections are won nationally by center-right coalitions or center-left coalitions. The collapse of the center in the Republican party portends renewed Democratic dominance of American politics. A Republican party without room for the talent and convictions of an Ed Brooke will increasingly marginalize itself.

There are some great political stories in Bridging the Divide, not least about Hillary Clinton, and you will get your money's worth from reading them. But this book should be read by everyone who cares about the future of the Republican party--and the nation. The increasing mean-spiritedness of both parties, and the increasing focus on narrow wedge issues, creates a great danger for the Republic. Just as the Democrats need more centrists, the Republican party needs more men and women like Ed Brooke. Where are they to come from?

Robert A. Hall
Author of "The Good Bits."

very good book.as i customarily do i will be purchasing a few more copies of this book.