Customer Reviews

Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book to be a fascinating way to look at 20th century American history through the prism of a very inspiring man's life. It was also pretty interesting to get the inside scoop on some of the personalities and behind-the-scenes maneuverings that shaped major events in our nation's history. What was maybe most interesting to me, though, was the thoughtful way the book explored what it was like for Shriver being sort-of-but-not-quite a Kennedy. Both the book and Shriver himself are inspiring. It seems like they don't make people like him anymore!

This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. I was fascinated by Sarge's life and he is the coolest Kennedy. Stossel is a great writer and he is able to make political writing fun. I recommend this book to anyone interested in politics, the Kennedies, or biographies.
A really good book.

Read this book not only for its historical value. Read it also for a contrast to the current Bush administration and the kinds of leaders currently recruited to public service. Bush seems to punish diversity of opinion within his circle, and he promotes less competent folks while rooting out those who get "off message." When a problem comes up, Bush instantly wants to zero in on one single solution.

In contrast, Sargent Shriver, as this biography shows, was someone who gathered the best minds about him. They would openly and heatedly debate each other about not only the problem, but also about various solutions (rather than one alone). What kept them from all hating each other? For one thing, they knew that Sargent Shriver valued each of their varied contributions; for another, they also knew that they were serving the greater good, not just their boss, Shriver, or the president (JFK or LBJ).

This book will impress you with how much good was accomplished by one man. But it will also impress upon you the fact that the good things Sarge accomplished were the product of a man who had a largeness of mind, an openness to different ideas, an intellectual curiosity that always sought out the wisdom of others.

When I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal in the 1960s, Sarge Shriver was one of my heroes. This eloquent book makes him even more of a hero, a passionate idealistic citizen who has made a difference in so many arenas in American life. In a time when Americans view their leaders with such mistrust, this is an esssential book and a guide to how a good man can change the world without losing his goodness.

Sargent Shriver may have first entered public eye as the brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy and he may and leave it as father-in-law of Arnold Schwarzenegger. But in reality Shriver, in is own right, is an overlooked superstar. He embodies the energy and vision of the New Frontier and the Great Society and his legacies are the most successful programs of each: Peace Corps, Head Start, Legal Services and, while not a government program, the Special Olympics.

Scott Stossel's rich biography deserves five stars on two accounts. It is an accurate, compelling story of a great man and humanitarian. In addition it is remarkably well written and cohesive book. As I read it, I kept thinking this is Pulitzer Prize quality writing

loved learning about this amazing man. wow, who knew he did all these things. too bad he did not get a press agent earlier in his life! and great that he finally got one. a real inspiration to me.

This book appeals to such a wide spectrum of people. If you grew up in the 60's and watched the mystique of "Camelot" unfold this book will reveal many of the behind the scenes events that took place. If you were a Peace Corps Volunteer, this story will show you where it all began. If you are an interested student of Modern History this is a detailed view of the times. If you are a patriot looking for an inspirational tale that will inspire you this is your text! Sarge Shriver's life and times is a wonderfully written, interesting account of a man who gave of himself and set aside many personal goals for the greater goals of a bigger picture. His passion, love of life, romantic zeal, and love for his country are qualities we need so depserately today. This is one excellent biography.

To be called a "liberal" is often considered a bad word. We hunt for terms like "progressive" or anything that will not associate us with the "free-spending" myth of the Democratic politician. But if to be liberal, means to care for the poor, the disabled, the diverse in color and opportunity, then we will all find ourselves walking in the footprints of Sargent Shriver. Scott Stossel has caught the essence of a man who is guided by compassion and justice. What a legacy for us and his children! What an example. "Sarge" is a must read for every historian and every social justice activist in the world.

Don't miss this beautifully crafted biography of a man everyone has heard of but few know that much about, other than his connection to the Kennedys and now Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger, his son-in-law.

Shriver's story is fascinating on its own. His championing of the Peace Corps, Johnson's War on Poverty, and the Special Olympics is amazing and remarkable. What a difference he made in the world, and how much more he might have been able to do had he only had his family's support for the presidency.

Scott Stossel is a biographer to watch. His easy-flowing style, coupled with his strong sense of history and way with words, make this a biography not to miss -- even if you're a conservative, anti-political, rabble-rousing atheist. You won't be able to put it down.

I have to say I was a little daunted by the size of the book but I quite literally could not put it down. Sargent Shriver is a truly great American, and Stossel tells his story in a compelling way. In addition, I feel as though I had a whole new insight into the historical period from the 1930s though the 1980s as seen through Shriver's life.