Customer Reviews

The Courage to Survive

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Though Dennis Kucinich is running for President, very little of this autobiography is about politics. It's the story of how life's circumstances shaped one man's values and forged his resolve that he could do anything and that nothing is impossible.

Through beautifully written dialogue, Dennis paints pictures of the Cleveland he grew up in and the family, friends, teachers and coworkers who impacted his life. While the book spans only his first 22 years, in that short time Kucinich faced more adversity and personal challenges than most face in a lifetime. Rather than becoming bitter or negative from those experiences, as might a lesser person, those tests of character steeled his determination and optimism.

As one who has long admired and respected the Congressman Dennis has become, this book went a long way in helping me understand how he came to be the person he is--one of great compassion, common sense, determination, intensity and optimism. He has restored my faith in America and made me proud to be an American for the first time in many years. His candidacy gives me hope of a world that `could be', if we treat each other with respect and exercise proper stewardship over the planet we call home.

Whether one is politically inclined or not, this book is highly recommended as an inspiration in courage and humanity. I've been honored to meet him on two occasions and though he is small in stature, he is a giant among men. My only wish is that the book continued on to cover the recent years. I guess I'll just have to wait until President Dennis J. Kucinich pens his memoirs.

So compelling, I read it in 24 hours!

When Congressman Kucinich was on The Tonight Show in September (2007), Jay Leno said that he had read the book and loved it, and Jay's expression reflected a deep and uncharacteristic reverence. At the time, that seemed odd to me. But now that I have read the book, I completely understand the look on Leno's face.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest of seven children, Kucinich and his family lived in 21 places--including a couple of cars--by the time he left home at 17. Without a hint of victimization, Kucinich writes a mesmerizing account of a childhood filled with a smorgasbord of violence and poverty, and how he held onto the glimmers of hope that helped him survive. His environment was punctuated with death, suicide, theft, traumatic illness, alcohol and guns; and I lost count of how many times his little brothers got hit by cars. But through his youthful faith and courage, he transformed his formative years from stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

Kucinich writes about a brief but idyllic period that his family spent on a relative's farm, a time when he delighted in observing the little polliwogs in the brook as they grew up to be carefree frogs. And one gets a foreshadowing of the compassionate politician he will become, one who authors the kinds of bills that would make health care available to every American, and domestic violence a thing of the past. (In contrast, it is interesting to note that George Bush's childhood relationship with frogs was much different - he amused himself by stuffing lit firecrackers down their throats.)

Knowing Kucinich's story, and seeing the Congressman in action now, it becomes clear that he has not only survived, but has thrived, gaining inspiration for policy from those early experiences. He successfully transformed his childhood challenges into the launching pad from which he has become a respected public servant.

Refreshingly honest and matter-of-fact, The Courage to Survive is a sobering, yet inspiring look at growing up on the outside of the American Dream, looking in--and how one young boy found his way to the other side.

-Meryl Ann Butler

Everyone who knows anything about Kucinich knows he had a tough upbringing but I had no idea how tough it really was until I read this book.
Many other Presidential candidates were born into privileged backgrounds and many are millionaires. They may say they understand what ordinary Americans go through, but they haven't lived it. When Kucinich says it, it's true.
Not only is Dennis an electrifying public speaker, he is also a great writer. It is hard to put the book down once you start reading it, until you've finished it.
Overall, the book is very inspiring and some parts will bring you to tears.
No wonder Kucinich is never fazed when someone calls him a longshot. When you spend a portion of your youth living in cars in some of Cleveland's worst neighborhoods, you already know what a longshot is. When your Mother gets sick and you and your siblings are whisked away to an orphanage and separated, not knowing whether the family will ever be reunited, you understand what it's like to be a longshot.
The book is highly recommended to anyone. Buy a few extra copies as XMAS gifts, a library donation(designate it as a Memorial to someone) or any other ideas you come up with.
Humanity is at a crossroads. We need someone of Kucinich's wisdom and character to become president to restore what remains of our democracry.
Dennis will have to write a Courage to Survive II that covers his days as a City Councilman, Mayor, his refusal to sell the city's low-cost electrical system to an Enron-style takeover and the decade-plus he was out of politics.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I am, admittedly, a big supporter of Kucinich. What this book did for me is convince me, if I wasn't sure already, that Dennis Kucinich is the real deal. He's as genuine as they come. Seeing how he grew up and how he was influenced, it's all very clear how he became the person he is.

This book is captivating from the beginning. He writes of his very troubled childhood and all the unmentionable heartache he and his family endured. Through it all he never gave up and never quit trying. He was always working to make extra money for this or that including paying his Catholic school bills along with those of his siblings. He took on a lot of responsibility, being the eldest of 7 children.

The part I loved most was his account of starting out in politics. I could just imagine how going from door to door, listening to countless people with legitimate problems could make you very empathetic. Or, it could make you bitter and cynical. Lucky for all of us he chose the former.

What can I say that could possibly convince the world to read this book? If there was a simple answer, we would all be better off. Amazing. Life-changing.

Please vote Kucinich in '08. The world needs him.

I just finished reading "The Courage to Survive". I appreciated having the chance to see Dennis in Asheville and talk with him briefly when he signed our copies. I was delighted to discover that he is a good writer. I am always reading and so enjoy a well written book. Even more importantly, many folks will find it easy to identify with different parts of his book. His sense of compassion and strong moral character shines throughout. The lessons of Spirit that he has learned so well are universal and timeless. I have personally responded to that strong presence of Spirit in Dennis during his campaign for the Presidency. He is the first politician in many years that has inspired in me a sense of hope for our nation and our future. The America he talks about is the America where I want to live. I intend to buy a number of copies to send to family and friends for the holidays.

A beautifully written book about a childhood that could have resulted in a bitter adult. On the contrary, Dennis Kucinich is kind, open-minded, honest and a wonderful man. This book shows that he truly does understand and can relate to people going through troubles today.

This book is a must-read for everyone. Give it as gifts for Christmas, buy a copy and loan it to everyone you know. It's not only a great book on it's own, but also shows that we must vote this man in as President. He will do so much good for people in our country, as well as around the world. He's the person we need to turn this country around and get us headed in the right direction again.

I HIGHLY recommend this book! It's uplifting, but be certain to keep the tissues handy.

If you have lost all hope that our country will ever again have a leader that is courageous, honest, persistent, wise and compassionate; you need to read this book. I have had the unique privilege of scheduling for Congressman Kucinich during both of his bids for the Presidency of the United States. I have watched him consistently act in a way that is ethical, intelligent, and heart warming but it wasn't until I read this book that I understood the source and depth of his commitment to do what is best for the whole in all situations. If you long for a President who will make the right decision the first time, who will not be controlled by any special interest group, who sees the interconnectedness of all life and who knows that violence is not an appropriate instrument of international policy then you will want to vote for the author of this book. Match his courage, his determination, and his passion with your own. Stand for your family, your neighborhood, your country and your planet! It will ignite a flame that will light the world!

Dennis Kucinich's new book reminds me of why we keep him as our Congressman in the 10th Congressional District of Ohio. Quite simply, he is one of us. That is, he did not grow up with a silver spoon, but had to work hard for everything he has achieved. He continues to work hard for the constituents for whom he cares so much. I found the book very inspiring reading. In fact, I am buying several copies for friends and family. Check it out!!

...really thought that Dennis Kucinich's book was truly one of a dedicated and tenacious child as well as saying the same when he reached adulthood. He has unquestionable family values. It is also my impression that as the oldest of his siblings he had the significant role in keeping the family together. Dennis and his family lived in 21 places as well as living in old cars. He left home at 17, but still sent the family money while furiously working with two jobs at once. He demonstrated again and again that he has an understanding heart and such great compassion for the oppressed. One of the things in the book that stroke me most was how forgiving -as well as grateful -he was to his parents with their never ending hardships. I found it very appealing when he asked his uncle some essential questions relating about the family heritage and the name change. An other opinion I had was that if his father wasn't so demanding he could have been a musician and or an actor. That is what is so interesting when you see one's life unfold and go completely in another direction.. I do think that it a great idea that everyone has an opportunity to read autobiographies and biographies of presidential candidates to explore more deeply what make these potential candidates that just might be the ones to lead our country. I did really enjoyed this book- and I highly recommend it.