Lessons Learned the Hard Way: A Personal Report (Hardcover)

by Newt Gingrich (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Part memoir, part manifesto, Lessons Learned the Hard Way by House Speaker Newt Gingrich discusses the triumphs and failures of the Republican Congress. Gingrich is surprisingly frank in admitting the mistakes he has made over the last four years, including his regret over foot-in-mouth remarks about President Clinton snubbing him on Air Force One. He also provides detailed accounts of the government shutdown, budgetary battles, and the ethical charges made against him. Most insightful political comment: "We were to learn the hard way that there was a difference between having a Republican majority and having a conservative majority." Most unexpected book recommendation: "On my bookshelf is a copy of Franz de Wahl's Chimpanzee Politics, which is a wonderful study of the social and political interactions of the chimpanzee colony at the Arnhem Zoo." Unfortunately, Gingrich doesn't draw a connection between Chimpanzee Politics and Washington politics. Still, this book is highly recommended for political junkies who want to hear Gingrich's account of the last several years unfiltered through the media. --John J. Miller

From Booklist
Oh boy, oh boy. Lessons from Newt, lessons from Newt. Bonnie Smothers

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 229 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; 1st edition (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060191066
• ISBN-13: 978-0060191061
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #868,693 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally news from a conservative point of view, November 21, 1998

By A Customer

I read this book thinking that Gingrich would toot his own horn, and praise fellow Republicans. The more I read, the more I was impressed with his humility and candor regarding fellow Republican colleagues. It is great to see a leader apologize for a wrongdoing, or even a misunderstanding (without even being prompted to do so!) The last chapter was excellent as well. Gingrich lists almost undeniable goals for the next generation. Although he could not have expected his departure from the Speakership, he writes it almost as a farewell address, in the sense that he knows that it may not be accomplished during his tenure. However, it is still essential that these goals be realized. All in all, an enjoyable easy read.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Candid apologies get depressing, glimmer of hope at end., June 14, 1998

By A Customer

I've been a fan of Newt Gingrich ever since I read "Window of Opportunity" back in 1984 and I used to watch his special order speeches on the House floor on C-SPAN long after the rest of the country had gone to bed. I thought I would enjoy hearing from my role model, in his own words, why the 104th and 105th Congress stalled, shot itself in the foot repeatedly, and allowed our character-challenged president take credit for things he didn't do.

I was wrong.

Although I have a better understanding now of the events surrounding Congress over the last several years, I found the litany of apoligies and excuses depressing. I miss the visionary Newt, and the last chapter, which describes Newt's "4 goals for our generation" felt like an afterthought.

All in all, I'm glad Newt wrote this book, and it should be required reading for all Republicans, but don't expect to put the book down feeling inspired 'cause it isn't going to happen. Newt: catharsis is good for the soul, but please start looking forward instead of backward.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book by a misunderstood man, May 1, 1998

By A Customer

Great to hear from Gingrich himself -- rather than hearingabout him through the biased media filter.Our life and times from a history professor in Washington DC is a refreshing and interesting read.