Square Peg: Confessions of a Citizen-Senator

by Orrin Hatch

From Square Peg: I had been a Senator only a few weeks when one night I noticed James Eastland walking toward me on the Senate floor. At the time, he was a titan, one of a small group of men who ruled their committees like lords in the Middle Ages. Their will was never challenged; their decisions were never questioned. Eastland was a chairman's chairman, a son of the South, a master of the rules and a man with an unshakable contempt for the foolish and, worse, the inexperienced. "Hatch," he barked, "how about going to dinner?" "I'd be delighted," I said quickly, having no intention of refusing. I was the newest member of his committee and had the most to lose from his displeasure. "After we had ordered, Eastland fell silent. For twenty minutes, I said nothing, waiting for him to speak. He puffed on his cigar and worked on a large bowl of soup, the whole time glaring into the distance. I began to wonder if I'd made a mistake, if I wasn't supposed to be there. Suddenly Eastland looked over at me, his face in a snarl. "Hatch," he snapped. "Yes, sir?" "Do you think we can save this country?" "Oh, yes, sir," I said, bushy-tailed with enthusiasm. "Bullshit," Eastland growled.

Genres: Politics, History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Vincent Solomeno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch penned his memoir, "Square Peg," sixteen years before his retirement from public service. As a matter of disclosure, I do not agree with most of Hatch's positions on political issues. At the time I read his book, I did so more to understand the motivations and habits that informed this longtime legislator's character. I recommend reading the book if only to better understand an individual who had a profound influence (for good or for bad) on late twentieth century and early twenty-first century American politics.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I very much respect Senator Orrin Hatch. He is a conservative but what I consider to be a thoughtful conservative. He is willing to look at each issue on its own merit and through and not through the prism of ideology. He has been willing to work with any senator regardless of party if he thought the issue was right and as a result he has been successful on many of the important issues of the day.

[Liam Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read with nice stories. Made me appreciate certain elements of legislating more

[Brandon Minster · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dated a girl in high school. Later we started spending time together again. I took her to a dinner at someone's house in northeastern Provo where Sen. Hatch was speaking. At the end of his remarks, he was having his picture taken with people and his staffers were writing down names so the pictures could get mailed to them. This girl and I had our picture taken with Sen. Hatch AND IT NEVER GOT TO US! Later, when we were married and my wife said, "It would be nice to have that picture from our first date back together," I called the senator's office and they had no idea what I was talking about.

[Lyric Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am known to be a political book nerd on occasion, so keep that in mind as you read this review. I thought this book was very very informative and intriguing. I loved learning about the real ins and outs of congress. What a crazy world that is. Reading this made me feel sympathy for Idaho's newest 1st year representative. He is probably being thrown to the wolves. Especially after he was only one of a few democrats to vote against the stimulus plan!

[Shyla Landvatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I'd try something different and was acctually surprised that I liked this book. I learned a lot and did finish it!!!

[Marian Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

[Polly Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

students like it
not a difficult read
a bit dated