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 "Hardball's" Chris Matthews has written yet ANOTHER political classic. Hisbook Hardball was already a political classic due to Matthews talent for cramming tons of perceptive political insight into short, conversational chapters written in a breezy style. Let Me Tell You What I Really Think lives up to it's title: he outlines topics such as Al Gore, George Bush, Bill Clinton, JFK, Ronald Reagan etc. then at the end of each chapter under the title HERE'S WHAT I REALLY THINK he bluntly tells you. No hedging allowed. No political lines or spin. Just stuff from the gut -- and heart. Matthews is without question the best, most succinct newspaper columnist of his generation. Way before he hosted the confrontational Hardball, he wrote speeches for President Carter, had been a Democrat, Republican, Peace Corps volunteer, worked for Tip O'Neill, etc. What he was TOPS at was writing to-the-point newspaper columns...that often accurately predicted political outcomes (he won several awards for this talent). In this short, but opinion and idea-packed book, you can read the three pages on George Bush, written after the Sept 11 attack, and read the BEST, most insightful profile on GWB written by anyone yet. Read his Clinton chapter and he manages to actually give a new perspective on the former prez. Read the Al Gore chapter and he writes about a man he personally knows, explaining why he lost and will never be elected president (Gore's "know-it-all" personality did him in). Democrats and Republicans will alternatively love and hate this book, since he is not parroting a radio talk show host, member of Congress, or activist. Reasons why you MUST read and/or gift this book: 1. It's a pleasure to read. 2. His chapters on political leaders are the best ever written. 3. His chapters on America, democracy and American spirit burst with his own enthusiasm, ideas and specific examples. 4. His chapter giving career advice should be REQUIRED READING for young people or anyone who has a dream. Again, in a few short pages he gives basic advice so forcefully and documented that you can throw out ALL your wordy and costly motivational books and tapes...and just READ and re-read this chapter. That'll do it! 5. His personal stories about the Peace Corps, his family and his political evolution show someone who is truly a national resource. Great to read...great to gift!
All in all a great read.
Matthews' discussion of a uniquely 'American Attitude' is especially relevent now. He declares that Americans are the most freedom-loving people in the world. How our love of freedom manifests itself in the coming years is perhaps a topic for a future book. Chapter nine, 'Worldly Wisdom,' is well worth the purchase price of the book in itself. Here we glimpse Matthews as professor. He offers three fundamental precepts for success, and it is a generous gift. Sugarplums like, 'When you ask someone for help, you are implicitly asking them to take a chance on you' and 'There's a magic that results when a person invests in you' are sprinkled throughout this chapter. He offers his advice heartily, and tenderly. I saw Chris Matthews speak about this book in a Washington DC bookstore appearance. He simply emanantes joy. It's not an act. The sparkle in his eye is no trick of television. He's the real thing. And his love of this country is palpable. To borrow from Matthews, HERE'S WHAT I REALLY THINK: This is a book you should buy, not borrow, because you'll want to return to it again and again.
It's sort of like starting a sentence, "To be honest...," because if you are honest all the time you don't need to preface what you say by starting "to be honest."
Chris Matthews is a genuine, solid gold, l00% American and a good guy. This book covers his life, how he got where he is today, his observations of major events during the past 30 years or so, the "truth of the matter" as he saw it, and best of all, his opinions about politics and politicians in America. I don't always agree with him, but he offers compelling insights worth considering. Some times what Chris really thinks is surprising. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a tough and unexpectedly refreshing look at politics from an insider's point of view. |
I liked the way Mr. Matthews presents his views and insight on political topics of today and yesteryear. The only thing I would change would be the section on his time in the peace corps. While it is interesting I would sooner hear more of his views on the Mid-East, China, etc....
When Chris Matthews wants to tell me what he really thinks, it makes me think he hasn't been telling what he really thought before, or else, why write a book about it. It makes me think I've been duped......
