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Homegrown Democrat: A Few Plain Thoughts from the Heart of America Hardcover – July 15, 2004

by
Garrison Keillor (Author)
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Garrison Keillor (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 129 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Viking Adult (July 15, 2004)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0670033650
  • ISBN-13: 978-0670033652
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.9 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (129 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #591,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsThe Truth About Liberals
By Devon T. on July 28, 2004
Format: Hardcover
If you've bought into the usual talk radio screed against liberals, prepare for some serious cognitive dissonance when you read this book. You have been programmed to believe that liberals are treasonous, immoral, elitist spendthrifts hell-bent on stripping America of its military power and you of your right to worship as you please.

In 'Homegrown Democrat,' Keillor describes how his liberal values were instilled by hardworking, modest, kindly Midwestern Christian folk as American as apple pie, who believed in helping one another because that's just what decent people do.

Try to hold these conflicting ideas in your mind at least long enough to ponder the possibility that the stereotypes you've learned from Limbaughian/Coulterian right-wing media are, perhaps, maybe, conceivably not quite accurate and that Keillor's expression of liberalism might possibly, by some remote chance more closely reflect what's in the hearts and minds of all the other liberals you love to hate.

On the other hand, if you're of the liberal persuasion, you will probably quickly connect, as I did, with Keillor's description of liberalism as a natural outgrowth of common-sense, Golden Rule, all-American values.

For me, the most profound concept in Keillor's book is that of the 'social compact.' He writes, 'The fear of catastrophe could chill the soul but the social compact assures you that if the wasps come after you, if gruesome disease strikes down your child, if you find yourself hopelessly lost, incapable, drowning in despair, running through the rye toward the cliff, then the rest of us will catch you and tend to you and not only your friends but We the People in the form of public servants. This is a basic necessity in a developed society...Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsA refreshing, uplifting and thought-provoking read
By K. Byrd on July 16, 2004
Format: Hardcover
Garrison Keillor quotes Dante as the reason for writing this short, delightful book: "Dante says the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who in time of crisis remain neutral, so I have spoken my piece, and thank you, dear reader." I don't usually like Keillor's written work--I prefer hearing him tell stories--but his honesty, good will and hopes for the country that he loves shine so strongly in Homegrown Democrat that it is almost like hearing him talk out loud. I appreciate the fact that he is willing to challenge liberals as well as conservatives and his observations about 9/11 and Homeland Security are quite valid. Homegrown Democrat is a valuable reminder of where we have come from and where we are headed as a country.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA terrific conversation
By Glenn Miller on July 27, 2004
Format: Hardcover
This book will, no doubt, enrage Republicans. But, as Keillor says toward the end of this book, the hottest circle of hell is reserved for those who remain neutral during a time of crisis. And so, he has put down his thoughts, for what they're worth, in this slim volume. And for a life-long Democrat like myself, this makes for a wonderful read. It is structured much like an extended conversation at Keillor's favorite St. Paul coffee shop. Autobiographical for much of the first half, the second half is the portion that lays out the case against the current administration and, in turn, will prove to be the most controversial. So many of us shake our heads at the daily absurdities and surreal proclamations that emanate from those within the Bush circles. The cathartic powers of Keillor's book prove to be a healing respite to today's headlines.
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5.0 out of 5 starsSOMETHING HEARTWARMING FOR A CHANGE
By Greg Kline on August 20, 2004
Format: Audio CD
No kidding, something heartwarming for a change.

To start with, in case you've never heard it, Garrison Keillor

has a national radio show on NPR called A Prairie Home

Companion. I would describe it as good old-time radio theatre.

The material is friendly and warm. It is often amusing,

poignant, witty, wise, intelligent, and perceptive. Really

good stuff.

In any event, publicly, Garrison is known to politely avoid

harshness and the sensationalistic, and he shows respectful

reserve in expressing an opinion. He's loathe to engage in

pontification, and public displays. And he generally looks

for the good in people.

However, he has been so aghast and offended by the Bush

administration, that he has put out "Homegrown Democrat".

He explains his motivation by way of Dante, quoting

"the hottest fire in hell is reserved for those who witness

great injustice, and say nothing". This book is not a tired

tirade. It has all the warmth, charm, and great story telling

you expect from Garrison. With rich and compelling stories

and explanations, Garrison makes a very strong human and

personal case, why being a Democrat is preferable to being a

Republican, and why the Bush administration has to go. I feel

that this audiobook is a must listen. One of the few greats

this year. It will make you feel good, all warm and fuzzy,

while affirming good things that we've been missing for far

too long. I highly recommend the audiobook, because it's read

by Garrison, and audio is his element. He's a fantastic reader,

with a sweet resonant voice. What's more, it's unabridged. Set

back in a comfy chair, push play, and enjoy some REAL family

values.

All Good Things,

Greg
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great book!

Published 22 days ago by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsOn oldie but a goodie in these times of political truants

This is an oldie but goodie from Garrison Keillor that in this time of political discord is well worth re-reading. Read more

Published 26 days ago by Miss Barbara
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Love it!

Published 1 month ago by Tina Indermuhle
5.0 out of 5 starsIn 2016, worth another serious listen before you vote

One doesn't have to agree with everything Garrison Keillor says on "Homegrown Democrat" to recognize that this is one of his finest series of essays of a long and beloved... Read more

Published 1 month ago by David C. Klinger
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Makes me proud.

Published 5 months ago by Tim
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Very good read, in this crazy political season......

Published 6 months ago by Daniel Francis
5.0 out of 5 starsWow. From here in Kansas in 2016 'Homegrown Democrat' ...

Wow. From here in Kansas in 2016 'Homegrown Democrat' rings so true it is uncanny. Basically, Keillor warned us 12 years ago. It was no secret. Read more

Published 7 months ago by Rod H.
5.0 out of 5 starsApplied Keillor!

Those who have enjoyed Garrison Keillor in the past will be able to revel in his vivid explanation of our political climate today. Read more

Published 7 months ago by J. A. Sindelar
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

This CD is a real gem. Thank you.

Published 8 months ago by Janis Adams
5.0 out of 5 starsKeillor at his most incisive

Although this was originally produced in 2008, the themes are still timely and directly relevant to the 2016 political scene. Read more

Published 9 months ago by George L. Bustin

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