Customer Reviews

And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since: From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress

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Meeting and talking with Congressman Rangel, one would never even imagine the kind of tough street life he lived through in his youth. Despite his upbringing in an environment where drugs, alcohol and gangs played such a devastating havoc on many of the youth of the community, Charles Rangel projects the persona of the Catholic altar boy that he was, and to many of those who have known him in his professional life he is nothing like what he describes he was early in his life. What one immediately notices are his gentlemanly and conciliatory demeanor, his championship for democratic values, and sensitivity to the needs of his constituents. His book, "And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since ..." is a chronicle of his life experiences and observations for over 70 years beginning in the 1930's. It is a special story, a book of Americana, in which community, national and international politics are explained with wisdom and wit. It describes the congressman's early struggles growing up in Harlem; his combat experiences in Korea where he became a decorated war hero, but after his return home once again back on the street with no education or job; then studying his butt off for all his lost time at New York University and Saint John's Law School with the help of the GI Bill; his subsequent elections to city, state and finally to the US Congress where he reached to the position of "Chairman-in-Waiting" for the House Ways and Means Committee. The book documents the congressman's legislative agenda on a local and national level, vividly details the arcane art of constituent politics and political alliances, and his dealings with local and national leaders, including with past and present United States Presidents. The book is a great lesson in politics, morality, legislative and leadership skills, and diplomacy all rolled in one. I found it highly educational, entertaining and fascinating. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time.

D. H. Mariam

I was flipping channels when I came across an interview with Charles Rangel on the Charlie Rose show. I was not familiar with him or his politics but he had a level of energy and charisma that led me to look him up online.

I enjoy political biographies and memoirs and was interested in his perspective based on his 30+ years in Congress. He has led a fascinating life from his boyhood days to serving the country in Korea to working the political machine in DC and NY.

"You can not imagine and dream what you have not been informed of." This statement in an early chapter foreshadows how Mr. Rangel built a career and a life with no precedent in his immediate surroundings. The human story of his adventures keeps the book interesting. He is a great example of a person who learns from his experiences and is continuously applying it while striving to make a difference with his politics.

The complicated mix of friendships, loyalties, opponents and foes are as expected with a political leader. Extraordinary stories describe his alliances and longstanding loyalties to his district. The fact that he has lived within the same area of Harlem since his childhood shows his dedication and commitment, as well as a marathon level of perseverance.

I may not agree 100% with his politics but he has a way of stating his position that is impressive. One example is his stance on the war and the draft. Having served in the military during wartime, he is uniquely qualified to represent the interests of our soldiers. His position that those who support a war should support a draft is thought-provoking. Meaning if you support the war, you should support potentially having those closest to you as active participants.

I'm surprised that I was not familiar with Charlie Rangel before, but I'm glad that I caught up with this biography. I appreciated learning about him, his career and most importantly his political stance that has and will continue to shape legislation.

Congressman Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has come a long way - thanks to lots of hard work and overcoming blatant racism for many, many years. The books tells his life story from the early days to the Korean War (almost totally surrounded by the Chinese at night, Rangel was wounded but still led 43 others to safety across a frozen river - it was after that experience that he declared he hadn't had a bad day since), to his discharge from the Army, to the present day.

Rangel's post discharge experiences were far from rewarding - one menial job after another, in stark comparison to the high non-commissioned officer status he could have had staying in. Rangel eventually found his way to the VA, battled past the old-time bureaucrats, and eventually settled on a goal of becoming an attorney - despite having two years of high-school remaining. Nonetheless, Rangel accomplished this with the help of the G.I. Bill and a scholarship.

The book is primarily about Rangel (no nasty revelations about fellow Democrats, and only a few down remarks about Republicans). Regardless, without question he is a very inspirational and impressive person!

A candid telling of the development of a good man by the man himself. Without rancor, he recalls a time in America when change was commonplace and opportunity for a black man grew as a result of the efforts of good men and women.

This book is excellent reading for all of America.
If you want to understand politics, racism and urban communities ,then this is the must read book for 2007.

Congressman Charles Rangel's biography(which also has an index) entitled "And I Haven't Had A Bad Day Since" caught my eye (and then my wallet)in the book store in which I had intentions of "just browsing" ...Its index from A-Z, from the AFL-CIO to the American Dream ,are incentives to return to the index from time to time to read more specifics on various people,places and entities.It has certainly lived up to "its title" reflecting how work ethics get (some, not all)of the results strived for, when fostered positively, with family values, realism ,respect and religious beliefs...The last few paragraphs of the book moved away from the "memoirs" of past & present, to the future: "a thought he had about thinking about :that thought of wanting to"tell God "not to worry about him if there turns out there's an overbooking or backlog on people waiting to get into heaven...,he'd be OK " (i.e.: life is worth living).He also mentions on this last page of memoirs(Pg 278) "that he has often joked with his priests,ministers,and rabbis not to negotiate for him when he tries to make a case with heaven's gatekeeper,St Peter for heaven with decent accomodations"..These meditations had been spurred by his "total relaxation" : basking in the sun on the beach at Punta Cana and beholding the beauty of the Caribbean sea...;"That smooth sailing on the seas of success " was another of the 'many graphic plus' that are woven throughout the book.

I "knew" Rep. Rangel from his work in Congress. His life? Remarkable. Wish I could vote for him. Better than Obama for presidential nomination. And I am not black.

Congressman Rangel's autobiography is exceptionally candid. For anyone interested in politics this is a must read. He tells it as it was and is. I can't think of any political autobiography that is so candidly self critical. While Mr. Rangel does trumpet his many accomplishments he does not shrink from expressing doubts about himself. It is no wonder that his constituents have maintained him in office for 37 years and that he garners over 90% of the vote in each congressional re-election.

He a "little guy's champion." It would be difficult not to like him even if you do not agree with his legislative positions.

Mr. Rangel is a combat veteran and a great American. This is a wonderful book. A must read!! A man who has worked his way from the ghetto to the halls of congress!!

Charlie Rangel surprised me with his wit and respect for the institutions he has served in. He is a far more humble man than I would have guessed, but he knows what factors directed his life. Anyone who wants to see how his race has moved up, survived urban conditions, and then served and contributed has to read this book. It also shows how much prejudice and ethnic ties affect politics more this yuppie-fied world we now live in will admit. It has always been this way, and Charlie Rangel accepts it realisticaly and displays the years since the Korean war where he has served his country in its government. I like watching Congressional moves and am personally surprised more do not hang with C-SPAN observing both houses in these critical times. I found myself agreeing with the Congressman from NY City more than I thought I might; he is a brilliant man and I am glad he accomplished becoming chair of the Ways and Means Committee. The years immediately ahead are going to be tough, and we need him there. I am an Independent, but will always vote Democratic after what this current administration has done to this country. My book on flying helicopters in Vietnam stresses the USA's mistakes there, but the Bush Administration has unbelievably exceeded those mistakes of the past.