Customer Reviews

Eyes Shut Tight: A Life Addicted to Fast Horses, Expensive Booze, and Longshot Politicians

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

... and perhaps a tad wrinkled from laughing so hard. It also wet them with tears of pain - and joy. Ken McGee entertains as he informs, tracking his roller-coaster ride as a political "hired-gun" through the turbulent 60s and 70s. The author has earned my respect - for the brutally honest self-examination that produced this valuable, insightful, work. If you're interested in rise of Black political power in the US, or if you just want to know what really happens behind the "closed doors" in American politics, read Eyes Shut Tight. A guaranteed page-turner!

I really enjoyed this book. The author was brutally honest and courageously self-reflective. He shared a side of politics that few "outsiders" will ever learn about, much less see. A great read for political junkies. The author's seemingly innocuous relationships with key African-American officials, namely Mayors Stokes and Jackson, ended on sour notes for reasons he yet fails to understand, let alone rationally explain. In a nutshell, although he was with them, he was not one of them and reminded them of that daily in his comments, disposition, attitude, and actions. He tried to "act Black" while maintaining White privilege during a very explosive time in America. He exploited those relationships (as did they with his). The relationships could not, and never would, be sustained under such conditions.

This book is a chronicle of glorious mistakes. The author drank, caroused, gambled, squandered, and, perhaps most ill-advised of all, worked in big -ity politics. What makes the story such a delight is that the author, Ken McGee, never for an instant indulges in self-pity or even self-recrimination. Like a good Irishman, he celebrates life, even at its worst. The book is also enlightening, an education in the workings of mayoral politics, as the author helps to get Carl Stokes elected mayor of Cleveland. The greatest affirmation of all is that Ken McGee survived to tell the tale.

A man's journey though life, his winnings and losings, all while pursing a life of "happiness". An excellent read.

This book is the account of a man's journey through life. Amazing highs and lows, had me laughing out loud and crying at different parts. Well written, big surprises, and an ending that left me satisfied all made this book what it is: a must read for anyone.