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The Opposite of Woe: My Life in Beer and Politics Hardcover – May 24, 2016

by John Hickenlooper (Author), Maximillian Potter (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 115 ratings
See all formats and editions
The maverick (and very funny) governor of Colorado tells his story, from early loss to college on the ten-year plan, to remarkable business and political success
 
In just over a decade, John Hickenlooper has gone from brew pub entrepreneur to governor of Colorado, hailed by political analysts and media alike as a solid contender to be the next vice president. In The Opposite of Woe, Hickenlooper tells his own story of unlikely success in his singularly sharp and often hilarious voice.

After ten years at Wesleyan, Hickenlooper found himself laid off from his first job as a geologist. So he rented a space in an empty warehouse in an empty pocket of Denver’s downtown to open a brew pub. Honest, likable, practical, Hickenlooper turned out to be a natural at the job; the pub was a huge success. In fifteen years, he blossomed from small business owner into millionaire at the helm of a string of pubs across the western United States. He was so influential in the community that, encouraged by many, he ran for mayor, essentially as a lark. And then he won.

So began his eight years as one of the most creative and successful mayors in the United States. Doubling down in politics, Hickenlooper ran for Colorado governor in 2010, and won again—twice. Tackling a host of volatile issues, from prison reform to fracking, capital punishment to same-sex marriage and legalized marijuana, Hickenlooper’s administration has persuaded opposing constituencies of a true battleground state to agree and move forward on a middle path­—all while dealing with tragic wildfires, floods, and the assassination of a cabinet member.

On display throughout the book is the rare candidness that has made Hickenlooper not only wildly popular but also remarkably successful. Cowritten with journalist and former speechwriter Maximillian Potter, The Opposite of Woe is a fresh­ and refreshing­ angle on our political landscape from one of its brightest rising stars.
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  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Press
  4. Publication date
    May 24, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    6.38 x 1.19 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1101981679
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1101981672
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Colorado's high-profile governor submits an unconventional autobiography . . . . All this entertains wonderfully: the brushes with the famous . . . the colorful anecdotes about the campaign to save ‘Mile High,’ the beer label authored by Kurt Vonnegut, the Quaker ancestor who was also a brewer… It’s difficult to imagine a more unusual preparation for public life than the one ably recounted here.” —Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

John Hickenlooper became governor of Colorado 2011. The first brewer to become a governor in the history of the nation since Sam Adams in 1792, Hickenlooper previously served as mayor of Denver.
 
Maximillian Potter is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Outside, GQ, and Vanity Fair. He was the Senior Media Adviser and Speechwriter for Governor Hickenlooper.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Press (May 24, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1101981679
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1101981672
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.41 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.19 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 115 ratings

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
115 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book compelling, satisfying, and entertaining. They also describe it as honest and straightforward.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Reading qualityHonestyHumor
21 customers mention "Reading quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compelling, satisfying, and entertaining. They say it's inspiring, funny, and incredible. Readers also mention the story is engaging and a page-turner.

"...Hickenlooper's story is inspiring, funny and incredible...." Read more

"...This is a satisfying book with many interesting anecdotes, but I wish there had been a little less about his formative years and more about being a..." Read more

"It's a very truthful book and it's fun just like Hickenlooper is, but it's not a literary masterpiece." Read more

"...It is a human story and a fascinating political story of overcoming obstacles and using inclusive collaboration to secure one's aims...." Read more

10 customers mention "Honesty"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the memoir honest, straightforward, and well-written. They also appreciate the relaxed writing style that makes them feel like the author.

"It's a very truthful book and it's fun just like Hickenlooper is, but it's not a literary masterpiece." Read more

"...The book is a timeline of recent events in Colorado history. It is well written and ofttimes humorous...." Read more

"Haven't finished it yet, but it's well-written and compelling. John comes across as a principle-driven leader. We need more of those these days." Read more

"A fine memoir from a thoughtful and honest politician." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and often humorous.

"...Hickenlooper's story is inspiring, funny and incredible...." Read more

"...It is well written and ofttimes humorous...." Read more

"...Some of it was funny and clever and some of his observations like the bit on the Sand Creek massacre were very good and much was interesting...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Joshua L Hanfling
5.0 out of 5 stars An open and honest politician.
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
It is rare to read such an open and honest book about a politician, but this is certainly one! Hickenlooper's story is inspiring, funny and incredible. You can see how his earlier jobs and life experiences helped shape his political career very clearly through the writing of Max Potter who was able to capture the Governor's voice expertly. Hopefully this book will inspire others to get into public office.
7 people found this helpful
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Nancy Crawfurd
4.0 out of 5 stars I loved the identification with my home state
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2016
Verified Purchase
As a former citizen of Coloradan who still considers Colorado as home, I loved the identification with my home state. This is a satisfying book with many interesting anecdotes, but I wish there had been a little less about his formative years and more about being a public official. He's been remarkably successful at working across party lines, but I'm not sure I got the whole story. Would love to know more.
3 people found this helpful
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Denver SAM
3.0 out of 5 stars Opposite of Woe
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
It's a very truthful book and it's fun just like Hickenlooper is, but it's not a literary masterpiece.
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Sherry Thorn
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story! Interesting life!
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
I saw the author on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Because he seemed so level headed in contrast to the crazies in politics, and because my son just moved to Colorado Springs, I wanted to learn more about the Governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper. This book tells the story of his rise from 10 year college student to the office of Governor.
It is a human story and a fascinating political story of overcoming obstacles and using inclusive collaboration to secure one's aims. The "opposite of woe" is revealed to be "giddyup!". A very timely lesson for 2016!
5 people found this helpful
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Patricia A. Reitsma
5.0 out of 5 stars Getting to know you
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
I found out so many things about Gov. Hickenlooper's life and background. Even though I've met him on several occasions, I now feel that I know him. The book is a timeline of recent events in Colorado history. It is well written and ofttimes humorous. I would recommend it to all ages but especially high school kids interested in how government and politics are intertwined. I'm so happy that he will be our Governor for a few more years. Colorado is lucky to have him.
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ARPH
5.0 out of 5 stars A goood politician.
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
John Hickenlooker is a really interesting individual, and this book gives you some insight into who he is. Colorado is exceedingly fortunate to have him as governor. This book tells a lot about him, but also about the system. It's an entertaining read, until the last few chapters of lists of accomplishments. I'd be delighted to see him in Hilary Clinton's cabinet. but even more pleased to have him continuing to benefit Colorado.
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J. Emyr Edwards
4.0 out of 5 stars Haven't finished it yet, but it's well-written and compelling ...
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
Haven't finished it yet, but it's well-written and compelling. John comes across as a principle-driven leader. We need more of those these days.
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Emily M Kline
3.0 out of 5 stars Maybe a little more whoa?
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
Dear me. I like our governor and was interested to learn more about him but ick. Some of it was funny and clever and some of his observations like the bit on the Sand Creek massacre were very good and much was interesting. But a lot of it was....over the top. Honestly, I don't want to know when the governor of Colorado lost his virginity, or how many romantic conquests he made or how he sneaks his girlfriend home at night. I don't want to know this stuff. Perhaps the person I most identified with in the book was his mother who seems to have seen him clearly. I am left with the idea of a son of the Main Line trying to act like a shucky darn George Bailey and not quite carrying it off. Maudlin.
16 people found this helpful
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