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And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since: From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress Paperback – Illustrated, August 5, 2008
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"Long on sass and spirit . . . brims with brio. . . As a politician/raconteur with a hell of a tale to tell, he sure has my vote."―The New York Times Book Review
In this inspiring and often humorous memoir, the outspoken Democratic congressman from Harlem―later the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee―tells about his early years on Lenox Avenue, being awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in a horrific Korean War battle (the last bad day of his life, he says), and his many years in Congress.
A charming, natural storyteller, Rangel recalls growing up in Harlem, where from the age of nine he always had at least one job, including selling the legendary Adam Clayton Powell's newspaper; his group of streetwise sophisticates who called themselves Les Garçons; and his time in law school―a decision made as much to win his grandfather's approval as to establish a career. He recounts as well his life in New York politics during the 1960s and the grueling civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
With New York street smarts, Rangel is a tough liberal and an independent thinker, but also a collegial legislator respected by Democrats and Republicans alike who knows and honors the House's traditions. First elected to Congress in 1970, Rangel served on the House Judiciary Committee during the hearings on the articles of impeachment of President Nixon, helped found the Congressional Black Caucus, and led the fight in Congress to pressure U.S. corporations to divest from apartheid South Africa.
Best of all, this is a political memoir with heart, the story of a life filled with friends, humor, and accomplishments. Charles Rangel is one of a kind, and this is the story of how he became the celebrated person and politician he is today. He opens his memoir with a preface about the 2006 elections and an outline of his goals as chairman of Ways and Means. From day one he wants to put the public first so that more Americans can say they haven't had a bad day since.
- Print length336 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateAugust 5, 2008
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.74 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-100312382138
- ISBN-13978-0312382131
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Brims with brio. . . . [A] remarkable life story, irresistibly told. . . . The congressman's character portraits, of the famous and not-so-famous, are sympathetically drawn and in many cases wonderfully constructed. . . . Oh, the stories . . . there are plenty from which to choose. . . . As a politician/raconteur with a hell of a tale to tell, he sure has my vote.” ―Eric Alterman, The New York Times Book Review
“Charlie's memoir recounts his extraordinary life as only he could, with sparkling wit, outspoken candor, and remarkable insight. . . . While his heart and his voice are from Harlem, his story will inspire all Americans who believe hard work and conviction make dreams come true.” ―President Bill Clinton
“[Charlie Rangel] possesses many qualities that have made him the able legislator and national leader he is today, but the most important of these are the qualities most in evidence in this fine memoir--his compassion, confidence and patriotism, the qualities of a first-rate American.” ―Senator John McCain
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Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition (August 5, 2008)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0312382138
- ISBN-13 : 978-0312382131
- Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.74 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #4,184,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,731 in Lawyer & Judge Biographies
- #4,639 in Social Activist Biographies
- #10,946 in Black & African American Biographies
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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.
He a "little guy's champion." It would be difficult not to like him even if you do not agree with his legislative positions.
If you want to understand politics, racism and urban communities ,then this is the must read book for 2007.
D. H. Mariam