Rolling Pennies in the Dark: A Memoir with a Message [Hardcover]

Douglas MacKinnon (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 28, 2012

This very personal memoir is both heartbreaking and highly inspirational. In it, Douglas MacKinnon weaves his astounding story as a desperately poor child and his triumphant transition from abject squalor to White House writer who now has the political influence to change the system—especially as it affects children.

With humor, compassion, faith, and brutal honesty, Douglas MacKinnon writes eloquently of the pain of being unloved and neglected, and of his victorious struggle to overcome his past. But this book is more than the story of one man’s personal journey; it is a memoir with a message. Through this message, the author not only inspires readers to move beyond their own difficulties, he also calls both political parties to task for their shameful neglect of tens of millions of Americans. You’ll be riveted to the story, moved to compassion, and inspired to see the world through new eyes.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This deeply moving and inspirational story is supported by a foundation of faith, compassion, and personal responsibility." (Elizabeth Dole, former cabinet secretary, former president of the American Red Cross, and former United States Senator)

"The male version of The Glass Castle. Harrowing, shocking, and relevant to everyone." (David Langworthy, Editor for Houston Chronicle)

"MacKinnon has walked the walk when called upon and his real-life experience makes for a compelling book that will speak to countless people going through tough times." (Marty Martin, retired senior CIA operations officer) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Douglas MacKinnon served in the White House as a writer for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and afterwards in a joint command at the Pentagon, where he had a top secret government clearance. He is a regular contributor to several major newspapers. To date, he has published more than 600 columns in every major paper in the country—including Investor’s Business Daily, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA TODAY, Chicago Tribune, The Houston Chronicle, The Baltimore Sun, and The Washington Examiner—and makes frequent appearances on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. He is the author of a memoir, Rolling Pennies in the Dark.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (February 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451607881
• ISBN-13: 978-1451607888
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #740,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and poignant March 1, 2012

By J. Green

Format:Hardcover

I started and finished this book in one day. From his gripping first sentence to the last, Douglas tells his highly personal story in a way that spurs the reader to want to actually DO something about the "invisible" problem of severe poverty in this country. "Rolling Pennies" is somewhat reminiscent of "Angela's Ashes, " but with more hope and faith and some very interesting personal stories about contemporary political figures. Douglas's recounting of his harrowing poverty-stricken youth was hard to read sometimes because it is so raw, but it's necessary for the "message" of the memoir. His story about his personal meeting with Ronald Reagan brought me to tears; his story about JFK jr. made me laugh out loud--and wish we could have had more time with him before his tragic early death. I highly recommend "Rolling Pennies"--both the book and the author are extraordinary.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Preachy but a very good read March 9, 2012

By mom2boys

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is not a typical story of overcoming obstacles and coming out of poverty- it is a very fast read and anyone who had to work for what they have in life will certainly appreciate this book. I commend Douglas MacKinnon for being brutally honest, and applaud him for being proud of his conservative principles. He is not trying to convince anyone that his political belief is the only path- and the chapters about the WWII memorial are a testament to his belief in simply doing what is right. I fear his Part II takes away from the central theme of the story - the bootstrapping narrative- because as he should know from all his years in the political realm, no one likes to be told what they are doing wrong. What he says is true, and important, and as someone who identifies as a liberal, I believe that my opinions on the issues he discusses- affirmative action, welfare- are spot-on the same as his. We have done a great disservice to the young people in this country whose circumstances are not created by themselves by not at least trying to end the cycle of irresponsibility. Hunger and disparity driven by promotion of a mediocre work ethic, and not abortion or being gay, should be what people are talking about in the hundreds of political campaigns being waged this year- not only in the presidential. I wish MacKinnon had gone into greater depth of how he sees the problem being fixed rather then the extended discussion on why the problem has happened. I would certainly read another book of his that delved into this topic.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Rolling Pennies in the Dark March 4, 2012

By pjl

Format:Hardcover

Rolling Pennies in the Dark is an eye opening book written from a perspective few will (thankfully) ever know.

From the opening, to the close, readers will find glimpses into worlds of both the powerless and the powerful. The author finds ways to share experiences without exploiting either the tragedies or triumphs.

Get this book and be prepared to be shocked, saddened, cry, smile, laugh and deeply consider life for many in America. The final lessons in the book provide an interesting jumping off point for the beginning of a new dialog about poverty and politics.