To Renew America [Hardcover]

Newt Gingrich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1995

Newt Gingrich has become a highly controversial person in the American poitical arena. Leading his party into the first Republican domination of both houses of the Congress in 40 years, Gingrich represents a turning point in national priorities and policy. In this book, Gingrich outlines his social and political philosophy, a manifesto that proposes a radical change in policy-making to counteract the decay of American civilization. A nation desperate for renewal is clamouring to hear his message: precious institutions can be rescued from decay, only through personal motivation and faith. This work draws on the Speaker's impressive command of American history to demonstrate how to renew civilization culturally, educationally, economically and poitically. This renewal depends on recovering the five key elements that have almost been lost from the national life: personal strength, entrepreneurial free enterprise, the spirit of invention and discovery, commitment to quality and the lesson of American history. Using these five pillars of renewal as a framework, Gingrich puts forward a range of proposals which should influence political thinking across the world. These proposals include: replacing the welfare state with an opportunity society; dealing more strongly with the problems of illegal immigration and multiculturalism; establishing English as the national language; protecting the rights of American citizens to bear arms; and overhauling the education system and spending less on alleviating poverty.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Late last year, more people seemed concerned about Gingrich's $4.5 million contract with his publisher than his contract with America. He has since given up the advance, but he doubtless won't be giving up on any of the radically conservative ideas that have put him in the spotlight.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

HarperCollins wasn't about to send out advance review copies of the most-blabbed-about book of the year, and why should it? For the tome is also the most redundant book of the year; if you've attended to Gingrich's speeches about his program for fixing America by lowering taxes, shrinking government, and riding the Tofflers' third wave into a prosperous future, the book sounds awfully familiar. Considering the man's success at grabbing the political spotlight, the book is a must for public libraries, and there's this bonus: Gingrich's book-name-dropping habit may help boost overall circulation. Ray Olson

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Collins; 1st edition (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060173360
• ISBN-13: 978-0060173364
• ASIN: 006017336X
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that turned me around, March 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: To Renew America (Paperback)

Before reading this book, I had all sorts of notions about conservatives in general and Newt Gingrich in particular. However, my viewpoint has been radically changed after reading this book. Gingrich's conservative message makes sense and it contains none of the anti-poor, anti-environment, pro-rich bias for which conservatives are frequently accused. I have found Gingrich to be someone who genuinely cares about America, with compassion defined not by the status quo handout, but rather by giving people a fair shake at the American Dream. For me, this book also provoked anger - not towards Gingrich or conservatives - but towards Democrats and the media for unfairly demonizing Gingrich and corrupting the true intent of his ideas. While I'm not so naïve as to think this book will persuade liberals to become conservatives, I do believe that it will dispel many of the myths and falsehoods surrounding Gingrich and his ideas for renewing America.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Renewing the dream of the future., May 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: To Renew America (Paperback)

It is regretful that Newt Gingrich had to become a casualty in the political battles of the 90's. He has an outstanding mind for the future and strongly argues for our leading the way in so many issues. I highly recommend this book. Even though some of it's content may be dated, the message for moving towards the future, not fighting it by continuing down paths that have proven to be bumpy at best, will give you a sense of hope for what has been accomplished and just how much more we are capable of. Bottom line, give Newt a look, you just may be suprised.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God has blessed America with Newt Gingrich, June 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: To Renew America (Paperback)

If you read this book with an open mind you cannot help to sense the positive spirit with which it is written, and the love for America with which the ideas contained in it are crafted. Gingrich's plans for renewing America are so simple and so filled with common sense that they are brilliant. They appeal to me, and I am not rich, elitist, or in posession of a powerful office. They do not leave me behind, though I am a woman. And they are for everyone but "soreheads and losers..." which does not refer insultingly to women and blacks (to assume so would call into question your own opinion of those groups, not Newt's). Reading "To Renew America" was a joy. I refer to it often. If you're in the market for some hope for the future, this book is for you.