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An American Son
Few politicians have risen to national prominence as quickly as Marco Rubio---and at age 41, he's one of the brightest stars of the Republican Party. For the first time ever, this son of Cuban parents recounts the full story of his unlikely journey to the U.S. Senate in his inspiring memoir about pursuing the American dream! 288 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2012
65 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Marco Rubio
16 books39 followersUnited States Republican Senator from Florida, serving since January 2011.
A Cuban American native of Miami, Florida, Rubio is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. In the late 1990s, he served as a City Commissioner for West Miami and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 111th House district. He was elected Speaker in November 2006.
A Cuban American native of Miami, Florida, Rubio is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. In the late 1990s, he served as a City Commissioner for West Miami and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 111th House district. He was elected Speaker in November 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 1, 2016
Living in Texas and just trying to survive in our crazy world, I had not payed any attention to Mr. Rubio's career. But after seeing the Republican response to the State of the Union Address I had to know more about this guy.
This book brought tears to my eyes and has made me want to join his campaign, which I have never felt compelled to do anything in politics into life.
My faith had been strengthened & I am relieved to know there are still REAL republicans working out there. I pray that Mr. Rubio can influence our politics better. This country is drastically different than what our forefathers envisioned.
This book is a must read for all people who feel the American dream has died. Our forefathers would be so heartbroken over the state of our union today. I am sure their vision for the future of this country is not what it has become.
This book brought tears to my eyes and has made me want to join his campaign, which I have never felt compelled to do anything in politics into life.
My faith had been strengthened & I am relieved to know there are still REAL republicans working out there. I pray that Mr. Rubio can influence our politics better. This country is drastically different than what our forefathers envisioned.
This book is a must read for all people who feel the American dream has died. Our forefathers would be so heartbroken over the state of our union today. I am sure their vision for the future of this country is not what it has become.
March 17, 2013
I quit reading on page 220 in mid chapter. I'd had all my stomach could take of this self absorbed empty suit. A mediocre football player, Rubio seems to have chosen politics as a venue where he could win. But win for what? Rubio dispenses a few bromides on public policy while providing endless detail on the minutiae of campaigns. This Sarah Palin in sandals would be a disaster in the White House.
June 22, 2015
As I read Rubio's memoir, on more than one occasion, I thought to myself 'what a whiner'.
He seems grateful for his parents sacrifices, but his writing just seems to have a tone of whiney little boy.
Quite often he mentions how his family suffers because of his chosen path in politics. Which is very apparent in his writing as well. Events leading up to his various elections will be chapters long, yet the birth of a child last for a paragraph or two.
I was not expecting this book to be SO heavy on the politics. If that's your thing then you will find plenty in this book. There seems to be an awful lot of name dropping too!
There were definitely some interesting stories and information. Rubio did at least succeed in expressing his political view, so I'll give him that credit. But otherwise this was not a page turner and I struggled to get through many, many chapters
He seems grateful for his parents sacrifices, but his writing just seems to have a tone of whiney little boy.
Quite often he mentions how his family suffers because of his chosen path in politics. Which is very apparent in his writing as well. Events leading up to his various elections will be chapters long, yet the birth of a child last for a paragraph or two.
I was not expecting this book to be SO heavy on the politics. If that's your thing then you will find plenty in this book. There seems to be an awful lot of name dropping too!
There were definitely some interesting stories and information. Rubio did at least succeed in expressing his political view, so I'll give him that credit. But otherwise this was not a page turner and I struggled to get through many, many chapters
October 19, 2015
I've been an admirer of Marco Rubio since he came on the national political scene. Although he's very young to write a memoir, I found his story fascinating and inspiring. A strong theme in the book is his love for his family and his admiration for his parents and grandparents and the sacrifices they and other immigrant parents made for their children. I was impressed with his openness in admitting his mistakes and failures and showing how he learned from them. Most of all, I appreciated his expression of his faith, which is the most important thing in his life.
October 13, 2023
Surprisingly candid and inspiring autobiography; a cut above the rest from the most gifted young politician of our generation
Frankly I was surprised at how good this political autobiography is. It's surprisingly candid, for one thing. I don't believe any politician running for the presidency in 2016 (from either party) has written a more honest and heartfelt record than this one (mine is a 2013 edition with an updated epilogue). And it's very well-written and engaging. I practically read it in a single sitting. An American Son traces three generations of the Rubio family from their homeland in Cuba; through their economic trials and tribulations as newly arrived immigrants in America; through Rubio's own impoverished childhood, academic struggles at school, and as a young lawyer/husband/father; his political start, failures, and his rapid rise in Florida politics; and finally, his brilliant electoral victory over Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek to become a US Senator. It's an impressive rise for such a young politician. And it's an apt title for his autobiography as his life, his interests, his political views and even his religious beliefs (He is a devout Roman Catholic who has been involved in both the LDS and Baptist churches) are an amalgamation of so many different and laudable facets of the American way of life.
Published in 2012, after his election to the US Senate (motivated, no doubt, by his aspirations for higher national office and the opportunity to promote his inspiring story and political positions among voters), Rubio also uses this book to set the record straight on his policy views and the controversial mistakes of his past that almost cost him his victory over his political nemesis, former Governor Crist. After reading this I began to wonder at the barrage of criticism he received in 2016 from his former allies in the conservative movement. One noteworthy charged Rubio with being undefined, with chameleon-like positions on controversial issues. It's a foolish charge as his convictions and views, as outlined in An American Son, are unambiguous. Rubio is surely a conservative with a brain and a heart. Particularly refreshing are the kind words he uses in reference to his political opponents. Rubio runs on policy, that's obvious, not personal attacks. And his most controversial positions on topics like immigration are well-defined and reasonable. He proved himself adept at taking on and defeating the most radical RINO in the Republican Party (Charlie Crist) and has never wavered in his criticism of the Big Government policies of President Obama. An American Son is highly recommended -- not because I am a political supporter of Rubio's candidacy (Full Disclosure: I'm undecided but lean independent conservative) -- but simply because it's a fine political biography that seems to fulfill all of the expectations one expects from this genre.
Frankly I was surprised at how good this political autobiography is. It's surprisingly candid, for one thing. I don't believe any politician running for the presidency in 2016 (from either party) has written a more honest and heartfelt record than this one (mine is a 2013 edition with an updated epilogue). And it's very well-written and engaging. I practically read it in a single sitting. An American Son traces three generations of the Rubio family from their homeland in Cuba; through their economic trials and tribulations as newly arrived immigrants in America; through Rubio's own impoverished childhood, academic struggles at school, and as a young lawyer/husband/father; his political start, failures, and his rapid rise in Florida politics; and finally, his brilliant electoral victory over Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek to become a US Senator. It's an impressive rise for such a young politician. And it's an apt title for his autobiography as his life, his interests, his political views and even his religious beliefs (He is a devout Roman Catholic who has been involved in both the LDS and Baptist churches) are an amalgamation of so many different and laudable facets of the American way of life.
Published in 2012, after his election to the US Senate (motivated, no doubt, by his aspirations for higher national office and the opportunity to promote his inspiring story and political positions among voters), Rubio also uses this book to set the record straight on his policy views and the controversial mistakes of his past that almost cost him his victory over his political nemesis, former Governor Crist. After reading this I began to wonder at the barrage of criticism he received in 2016 from his former allies in the conservative movement. One noteworthy charged Rubio with being undefined, with chameleon-like positions on controversial issues. It's a foolish charge as his convictions and views, as outlined in An American Son, are unambiguous. Rubio is surely a conservative with a brain and a heart. Particularly refreshing are the kind words he uses in reference to his political opponents. Rubio runs on policy, that's obvious, not personal attacks. And his most controversial positions on topics like immigration are well-defined and reasonable. He proved himself adept at taking on and defeating the most radical RINO in the Republican Party (Charlie Crist) and has never wavered in his criticism of the Big Government policies of President Obama. An American Son is highly recommended -- not because I am a political supporter of Rubio's candidacy (Full Disclosure: I'm undecided but lean independent conservative) -- but simply because it's a fine political biography that seems to fulfill all of the expectations one expects from this genre.
July 31, 2012
Well Well. Mr. Marco Rubio is certainly an interesting person. I was attracted to this book because he is my same age and we grew up somewhat the same way as sons of immigrant exiles of Fidel Castro's regime and the long lost country.
The book details the plight of his parents and grandparents as they struggled to provide for their families both here in the US as well as in Cuba prior to coming here. Rubio details his life as a football loving, specifically Miami Dolphins, political junky. He states in the book that he was following the election of Jimmy Carter. I consider myself to be somewhat of a political junky but do not really remember being interested at that age.
Rubio gives the impression of a spoiled egotistical calculating person. Although people may say that is typical of Republicans, I think it is typical of politicians in general. He made it clear that he felt politics was a career. He painfully states, atnasium, how much better he did for himself that his parents.
The book also covers the tumultuous campaign between him, Kendrick Meeks and Charlie Crist. The book gives you an insight which I have not seen in other books. He shares certain aspects of the campaign and how the tacticians thought and acted.
The criticism notwithstanding, I like Marco Rubio and I think he has potential. He needs to embrace the Constitution more and relax on the Jingoism. I follow his actions in the Senate and there is some wasted time on his part voted for frivolous things that do not benefit or protect the State of Florida which should be his job.
The book details the plight of his parents and grandparents as they struggled to provide for their families both here in the US as well as in Cuba prior to coming here. Rubio details his life as a football loving, specifically Miami Dolphins, political junky. He states in the book that he was following the election of Jimmy Carter. I consider myself to be somewhat of a political junky but do not really remember being interested at that age.
Rubio gives the impression of a spoiled egotistical calculating person. Although people may say that is typical of Republicans, I think it is typical of politicians in general. He made it clear that he felt politics was a career. He painfully states, atnasium, how much better he did for himself that his parents.
The book also covers the tumultuous campaign between him, Kendrick Meeks and Charlie Crist. The book gives you an insight which I have not seen in other books. He shares certain aspects of the campaign and how the tacticians thought and acted.
The criticism notwithstanding, I like Marco Rubio and I think he has potential. He needs to embrace the Constitution more and relax on the Jingoism. I follow his actions in the Senate and there is some wasted time on his part voted for frivolous things that do not benefit or protect the State of Florida which should be his job.
November 6, 2012
Senator Rubio has a compelling story coming from a spanish speaking Cuban immigrant to upsetting Charlie Crist (long time Florida politician) to make it to the US senate at a very young age.
He is an up and coming rising star in the GOP. In this book their are certain flashes of arrogance (frequently talking about the salaries he was offered at Law Firms, and the price of his house) that perhaps go along with most politicians who make it to where he has. This book mostly follows his political election cycle as state Sentator, and then US senator taking on (Meeks, and independent Charlie Crist). In dabbles in Rubio's exploration of mormonism, and evangelism..but he eventually comes back to his Catholic Roots.
I would have liked to hear more about his political policy, which often aligns well with the Tea Party. He will be around in 2016 looking for the GOP presidential nomination if Romney does not win in 2012.
He is an up and coming rising star in the GOP. In this book their are certain flashes of arrogance (frequently talking about the salaries he was offered at Law Firms, and the price of his house) that perhaps go along with most politicians who make it to where he has. This book mostly follows his political election cycle as state Sentator, and then US senator taking on (Meeks, and independent Charlie Crist). In dabbles in Rubio's exploration of mormonism, and evangelism..but he eventually comes back to his Catholic Roots.
I would have liked to hear more about his political policy, which often aligns well with the Tea Party. He will be around in 2016 looking for the GOP presidential nomination if Romney does not win in 2012.
June 25, 2012
The rating is perhaps unfair, but I tend to find most memoirs to be a waste of time. In Rubio's case, he's far too young to NEED a memoir. But perhaps this is the norm.
Even still, you won't find me recommending memoirs from people who haven't yet lived enough to have the need for them.
Even still, you won't find me recommending memoirs from people who haven't yet lived enough to have the need for them.
March 22, 2016
Ultimately, this is a one-and-a-half star book. It is terribly boring, uninformative, and could be much shorter if Rubio had left out many of the trivial details about boyhood clothes, football games, his grandparents' and parents' lives, and other aspects of his life growing up. You think there will be some point to the details he remembers, but there is not; it is like reading from an ordinary average Joe's daily journal. We don't need to know about every odd job his grandfather had or every nick and scrape Rubio gets on the football field. What we do need to know is what drives Rubio and shapes his worldview, and preferably what principles he follows in his "conservative" politics. While the book outlines every decision Rubio made in his political life and campaigns, he rarely explains why he made those decisions. The only book he mentions as helpful in his political life is Jim Collins' Good to Great, which helped how he and others put together the House leadership team when he was Speaker of the House in Florida. What drives his economic, political, or even parenting philosophies otherwise is a complete unknown.
The book becomes slightly more exciting during his Senate campaign against failed Governor Charlie Crist, truly a unique election in that Crist was willing to change all his positions and even to switch parties (despite pledging not to) just to get elected. The Crist-Rubio campaign should be studied more, and Rubio's side of the story is worth hearing. The National Republican Senatorial Committee backed Crist and pushed Florida's Republicans to back Crist officially-- even pushing a Rule 11 letter (p. 220). Hence, the establishment looked stupid when Crist openly courted liberal votes and ran as an independent when it eventually became clear he would not be the Republican nominee. One thing I did not know was that Donald Trump (along with Arnold Schwarzenegger) was among those who urged Crist to run against Rubio as an independent (p. 287). That should be a note to those who think Donald Trump is a conservative today.
But it contains so much detail and repetition, so much reliving the rebuttles of Crist staff and the media, his family's thoughts, and more and it goes on forever in mundane detail. Much of Rubio's writing deals with his rebuttles against charges leveled by the media in 2010-- misspending funds, a foreclosed house, potential pork-laden deals, etc. What is sad is that this book was published in 2012 and, in my opinion, Rubio's facts rebut his critics well, but the New York Times and other publications regurgitated the claims in 2015. For example, the New York Times was credited with "revealing" Rubio's financial troubles and ties to donor Norman Braman, who employs Rubio's wife. But Rubio details all of this in the book and it was covered by the Florida media for all of 2010. The fact that so many media outlets have regurgitated the NY Times' reporting as original, when the reporters are either regurgitating this book without citation or the work of plenty of Florida newspapers in 2010, is rather eye-opening. Rubio explains in detail, repeatedly, every credit card transaction ever made and why. Perhaps, however, his ties with Braman are not sufficiently disclosed-- the NY Times reported that Rubio's teaching position at Florida International, which he held long before the Senate race, was funded by Braman; if true, this is never mentioned by Rubio. But Rubio himself detailed what his wife has done working for Braman in 2011-2012 more than the NY Times did in its reporting. Nobody reads books anymore, I suppose.
Besides chronicling the 2010 campaign, is there redeeming value? Yes. You will learn how much Marco Rubio loves his family and how open he is about his love for Jesus. His insecurity and efforts to "get the balance right between my career and personal life" and also live up to the standards of effort and sacrifice of his parents and grandparents stand out (p. 13).
"Why had my dreams come true? Because God had blessed me with a strong and stable family and parents who cherished my dreams more than their own, and with a wise and loving wife who supported me" (p. 332).
"And last but most important, I thank my Lord, Jesus Christ, whose willingness to suffer and die for my sins will allow me to enjoy eternal life" (p. 358).
Even a cynic would likely see his faith is not fake, the guy has been interested in theology since going from Catholicism to Mormonism and back to Catholicism. He closed out his stint in the Florida House with a speech outlining the basics of the Gospel. His family apparently current blends his wife and kids' preference of an evangelical Baptist church and Catholic Mass; his kids are currently in parochial school. He writes that the Bible-based sermons at the Baptist church on Saturday nights gives greater meaning to his understanding of the Catholic faith on Sundays. The writings of Scott Hahn, a convert to Catholicism from Protestantism influenced him (p. 164) . (That and the Collins book are the only two I remember him mentioning.)
The greater disappointment is that there is almost nothing in there about how he managed his campaign staff, tough issues and decisions he made in the Florida legislature, or what, if any, specific political philosophies have shaped his worldview. What does "conservative" mean to him? At one point he mentions "limited government and free markets" but the book, like the 2016 Republican primary generally, seems to assume that people know what defines "conservative" when candidates say it. Rubio speaks highly of Jeb Bush, borrowing from him by collecting ideas from around the state to propose as legislative initiatives. Rubio's House has to battle the Florida Senate that either want weaker or less-effective legislation; one particular story about autism legislation that Rubio wanted to expand to all children with disabilities was particularly interesting (p. 194). Rubio does give a careful look at immigration reform and why he did not support the DREAM Act in Congress; he wanted less-broad legislation that might be more effective, he writes. Where he stands on other key issues is woefully unclear, as are his campaign pledges in all his campaigns which are never mentioned.
I was planning on reading Rubio's second book supposedly outlining his economic policies but he has since dropped out. I say skip this book as well if you can.
The book becomes slightly more exciting during his Senate campaign against failed Governor Charlie Crist, truly a unique election in that Crist was willing to change all his positions and even to switch parties (despite pledging not to) just to get elected. The Crist-Rubio campaign should be studied more, and Rubio's side of the story is worth hearing. The National Republican Senatorial Committee backed Crist and pushed Florida's Republicans to back Crist officially-- even pushing a Rule 11 letter (p. 220). Hence, the establishment looked stupid when Crist openly courted liberal votes and ran as an independent when it eventually became clear he would not be the Republican nominee. One thing I did not know was that Donald Trump (along with Arnold Schwarzenegger) was among those who urged Crist to run against Rubio as an independent (p. 287). That should be a note to those who think Donald Trump is a conservative today.
But it contains so much detail and repetition, so much reliving the rebuttles of Crist staff and the media, his family's thoughts, and more and it goes on forever in mundane detail. Much of Rubio's writing deals with his rebuttles against charges leveled by the media in 2010-- misspending funds, a foreclosed house, potential pork-laden deals, etc. What is sad is that this book was published in 2012 and, in my opinion, Rubio's facts rebut his critics well, but the New York Times and other publications regurgitated the claims in 2015. For example, the New York Times was credited with "revealing" Rubio's financial troubles and ties to donor Norman Braman, who employs Rubio's wife. But Rubio details all of this in the book and it was covered by the Florida media for all of 2010. The fact that so many media outlets have regurgitated the NY Times' reporting as original, when the reporters are either regurgitating this book without citation or the work of plenty of Florida newspapers in 2010, is rather eye-opening. Rubio explains in detail, repeatedly, every credit card transaction ever made and why. Perhaps, however, his ties with Braman are not sufficiently disclosed-- the NY Times reported that Rubio's teaching position at Florida International, which he held long before the Senate race, was funded by Braman; if true, this is never mentioned by Rubio. But Rubio himself detailed what his wife has done working for Braman in 2011-2012 more than the NY Times did in its reporting. Nobody reads books anymore, I suppose.
Besides chronicling the 2010 campaign, is there redeeming value? Yes. You will learn how much Marco Rubio loves his family and how open he is about his love for Jesus. His insecurity and efforts to "get the balance right between my career and personal life" and also live up to the standards of effort and sacrifice of his parents and grandparents stand out (p. 13).
"Why had my dreams come true? Because God had blessed me with a strong and stable family and parents who cherished my dreams more than their own, and with a wise and loving wife who supported me" (p. 332).
"And last but most important, I thank my Lord, Jesus Christ, whose willingness to suffer and die for my sins will allow me to enjoy eternal life" (p. 358).
Even a cynic would likely see his faith is not fake, the guy has been interested in theology since going from Catholicism to Mormonism and back to Catholicism. He closed out his stint in the Florida House with a speech outlining the basics of the Gospel. His family apparently current blends his wife and kids' preference of an evangelical Baptist church and Catholic Mass; his kids are currently in parochial school. He writes that the Bible-based sermons at the Baptist church on Saturday nights gives greater meaning to his understanding of the Catholic faith on Sundays. The writings of Scott Hahn, a convert to Catholicism from Protestantism influenced him (p. 164) . (That and the Collins book are the only two I remember him mentioning.)
The greater disappointment is that there is almost nothing in there about how he managed his campaign staff, tough issues and decisions he made in the Florida legislature, or what, if any, specific political philosophies have shaped his worldview. What does "conservative" mean to him? At one point he mentions "limited government and free markets" but the book, like the 2016 Republican primary generally, seems to assume that people know what defines "conservative" when candidates say it. Rubio speaks highly of Jeb Bush, borrowing from him by collecting ideas from around the state to propose as legislative initiatives. Rubio's House has to battle the Florida Senate that either want weaker or less-effective legislation; one particular story about autism legislation that Rubio wanted to expand to all children with disabilities was particularly interesting (p. 194). Rubio does give a careful look at immigration reform and why he did not support the DREAM Act in Congress; he wanted less-broad legislation that might be more effective, he writes. Where he stands on other key issues is woefully unclear, as are his campaign pledges in all his campaigns which are never mentioned.
I was planning on reading Rubio's second book supposedly outlining his economic policies but he has since dropped out. I say skip this book as well if you can.
July 11, 2012
Marco Rubio might be a shining, rising political star, but he won’t be rising to the top of any literary talents list. Now, I don’t hate Republicans (or for that matter, Democrats), and I’m reviewing this book solely on its content — and I’ll take Rubio’s word that everything is true in the book to the best of his knowledge.
“An American Son: A Memoir,” Rubio’s autobiography, details his entry into politics and his remarkable election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, and of course, his family’s exile from Cuba (note: before Castro took power) and their hardships and struggle. Despite only being 41, Rubio’s memoir fills about 300 pages.
I initially questioned why someone so young and with limited experience in politics would pen a memoir, but he is a Republican golden boy and I have to point out that this an important (presidential) election year. His family history is compelling, but he doesn’t seem to have a lot of verified reporting to add to their story; instead, he winds up repeating the overcoming-poverty story every couple of chapters without adding anything new. Rubio’s family background is a valid story — but don’t be fooled that it’s the main plot.
I am most disturbed, however, by Rubio’s subtle explanations of how American politics work. He spends nearly half of his memoirs detailing his campaign for the U.S. Senate, and his main issue at the time was that he couldn’t raise enough money for other politicians or media to take him seriously as a contender.
Money — often lacking because of his political campaigns, Rubio writes — appears often in the book, and that should be a red flag for any red-blooded reader. When money equals influence and power (which it seems in our political system), there’s a problem. That Rubio takes no issue with this money/power exchange makes me cringe.
He openly writes about working tit-for-tat with other politicians — I work on your campaign, you help me with this campaign. That kind of party-line mentality is part of what’s wrong with the way our government works, and it’s not OK. Rubio makes the case that unless you’re loaded, you’re not going anywhere in politics — national, state-level, Republican, Democrat.
I know lots, if not most, politicians operate the same Rubio describes, and there’s probably nothing unusual about his behavior. But that doesn’t make it any better.
Rubio writes, “As often as it is remarked, it always bears repeating: in politics appearances are as important as reality.” I think he’s spot on, and i think that also is why this autobiography reads more like a repetitive press release. He mentions certain expense reports and campaign criticisms multiple times, and I can only speculate that is to make sure that I’m really understanding his side of the story.
Rubio also talks about that awful group of people called the liberal media that so unfairly get to pick and choose its news according to their liking (cue sarcasm). Some media is slanted, but not all reporters are out to get you, Marco Rubio.
He writes about being criticized in the press: “I had hoped the press would first focus on the one hundred innovative policy ideas the house would pursue during my speakership. But that was naive of me. The experience taught me an unpleasant although useful lesson about how reporters, especially print reporters, are under constant pressure to uncover controversy and scandal even where none exists.”
[For the record, I am not nor have I ever been pressured to falsify or create controversy and scandal. From, a print reporter.]
I couldn’t stomach too many more of the pretend pities for the press and political challengers.
Rubio just wasn’t able to show the complexity of himself or his family. I know he’s supposed to be a great example of the American dream, but the story didn’t feel relatable because it wasn’t complex or deep. I would’ve like to have seen Rubio discuss more his relationship with his wife because, from his own words, he appears to be a somewhat absentee — albeit emotionally devoted — father and husband. But you don’t hear directly from his wife or his siblings or his family — the reader gets what Rubio says they said instead. Maybe that’s just not by preferred writing style.
“An American Son: A Memoir,” Rubio’s autobiography, details his entry into politics and his remarkable election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, and of course, his family’s exile from Cuba (note: before Castro took power) and their hardships and struggle. Despite only being 41, Rubio’s memoir fills about 300 pages.
I initially questioned why someone so young and with limited experience in politics would pen a memoir, but he is a Republican golden boy and I have to point out that this an important (presidential) election year. His family history is compelling, but he doesn’t seem to have a lot of verified reporting to add to their story; instead, he winds up repeating the overcoming-poverty story every couple of chapters without adding anything new. Rubio’s family background is a valid story — but don’t be fooled that it’s the main plot.
I am most disturbed, however, by Rubio’s subtle explanations of how American politics work. He spends nearly half of his memoirs detailing his campaign for the U.S. Senate, and his main issue at the time was that he couldn’t raise enough money for other politicians or media to take him seriously as a contender.
Money — often lacking because of his political campaigns, Rubio writes — appears often in the book, and that should be a red flag for any red-blooded reader. When money equals influence and power (which it seems in our political system), there’s a problem. That Rubio takes no issue with this money/power exchange makes me cringe.
He openly writes about working tit-for-tat with other politicians — I work on your campaign, you help me with this campaign. That kind of party-line mentality is part of what’s wrong with the way our government works, and it’s not OK. Rubio makes the case that unless you’re loaded, you’re not going anywhere in politics — national, state-level, Republican, Democrat.
I know lots, if not most, politicians operate the same Rubio describes, and there’s probably nothing unusual about his behavior. But that doesn’t make it any better.
Rubio writes, “As often as it is remarked, it always bears repeating: in politics appearances are as important as reality.” I think he’s spot on, and i think that also is why this autobiography reads more like a repetitive press release. He mentions certain expense reports and campaign criticisms multiple times, and I can only speculate that is to make sure that I’m really understanding his side of the story.
Rubio also talks about that awful group of people called the liberal media that so unfairly get to pick and choose its news according to their liking (cue sarcasm). Some media is slanted, but not all reporters are out to get you, Marco Rubio.
He writes about being criticized in the press: “I had hoped the press would first focus on the one hundred innovative policy ideas the house would pursue during my speakership. But that was naive of me. The experience taught me an unpleasant although useful lesson about how reporters, especially print reporters, are under constant pressure to uncover controversy and scandal even where none exists.”
[For the record, I am not nor have I ever been pressured to falsify or create controversy and scandal. From, a print reporter.]
I couldn’t stomach too many more of the pretend pities for the press and political challengers.
Rubio just wasn’t able to show the complexity of himself or his family. I know he’s supposed to be a great example of the American dream, but the story didn’t feel relatable because it wasn’t complex or deep. I would’ve like to have seen Rubio discuss more his relationship with his wife because, from his own words, he appears to be a somewhat absentee — albeit emotionally devoted — father and husband. But you don’t hear directly from his wife or his siblings or his family — the reader gets what Rubio says they said instead. Maybe that’s just not by preferred writing style.
May 1, 2020
The first time I came to know Rubio was during Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2016. I didn't make much of him at that time but there were some incidences that ingrained themselves into my head, that eventually influenced my decision to buy this book and increased my appetite to read it.
First, it was the incessant back and forth between him and Trump, and the insults they hurled at each other. It was quite a spectacle. Secondly, I was struck at how young he was when he was vying for his party's ticket to become the president - ideally, the thought of becoming the US president is conceptualized at a young age but the process of making it come to fruition is usually later down the road, and mostly, it's the last office politicians give a stab at before they pack back their bags into oblivion. Though we have some notable exceptions, Clinton and Obama being a perfect case in point.
Rubio is not intellectually gifted as the names I have just mentioned, and he doesn't pretend to be, but he has certain attributes that clearly sets him apart from the crowd. And I'm certain that once his boat has sailed through the waters and storms of politics and safely harboured, he will be remembered as one of the greatest American politicians, especially within the Cuban community.
His style of writing is simple, plain and easy without the obfuscation that characterizes most politicians' writings more so those that are lawyers, and he makes An American son a fascinating and compelling read.
"We all crave to make our mark in this life, and sometimes forget that our place in the next one matters more. I have been ambitious for worldly success. I hope I have been for the right reasons."
While he is a man embedded deeply in his faith, even through his own lenses, one couldn't help but see certain character flaws and schoolboy errors that he has committed, paid for and will continue paying for in the years to come. As a politician who knew that one day he will want to become the president of the US, Rubio displayed lack of judgement in employing his relatives in certain key positions and negligence in using GOP's charge card to purchase personal belongings. These are errors that no explanation will ever suffice.
The true hero of the book is his grandfather who shaped his thoughts growing up, and I thought he gave to much time to his competitor Governor Crist who he mentioned and gave reference to more than even his wife Jeanette, but averagely, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
First, it was the incessant back and forth between him and Trump, and the insults they hurled at each other. It was quite a spectacle. Secondly, I was struck at how young he was when he was vying for his party's ticket to become the president - ideally, the thought of becoming the US president is conceptualized at a young age but the process of making it come to fruition is usually later down the road, and mostly, it's the last office politicians give a stab at before they pack back their bags into oblivion. Though we have some notable exceptions, Clinton and Obama being a perfect case in point.
Rubio is not intellectually gifted as the names I have just mentioned, and he doesn't pretend to be, but he has certain attributes that clearly sets him apart from the crowd. And I'm certain that once his boat has sailed through the waters and storms of politics and safely harboured, he will be remembered as one of the greatest American politicians, especially within the Cuban community.
His style of writing is simple, plain and easy without the obfuscation that characterizes most politicians' writings more so those that are lawyers, and he makes An American son a fascinating and compelling read.
"We all crave to make our mark in this life, and sometimes forget that our place in the next one matters more. I have been ambitious for worldly success. I hope I have been for the right reasons."
While he is a man embedded deeply in his faith, even through his own lenses, one couldn't help but see certain character flaws and schoolboy errors that he has committed, paid for and will continue paying for in the years to come. As a politician who knew that one day he will want to become the president of the US, Rubio displayed lack of judgement in employing his relatives in certain key positions and negligence in using GOP's charge card to purchase personal belongings. These are errors that no explanation will ever suffice.
The true hero of the book is his grandfather who shaped his thoughts growing up, and I thought he gave to much time to his competitor Governor Crist who he mentioned and gave reference to more than even his wife Jeanette, but averagely, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
June 25, 2015
Rubio is an inspiring politician, especially when discussing immigration, citizenship, the opportunities America gave him, and his faith.
As someone who has followed his career since the early days of his primary challenge against Crist, it was exciting to read of the internal strategy and thinking behind that campaign. I told friends back then that this unknown Cuban background politician from Florida will not just become a senator, but will be president one day- no one took much notice of him. Now, in 2015 they do!
The first part of the book, about his family history in Cuba was interesting, the part about Marco growing up and being obsessed with football was quite boring, then it got much more interesting when he got into the election campaigns. And obviously, you can't run for president without writing a book- he does have the old '100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future' but this one is also clearly a resume, an application, and has a proactive myth-dispelling, scandal-deflating purpose. Every point of contention or doubt about him is addressed. I can imagine his press sec saying 'just read the book' to reporters asking about all these issues.
He has a way of conveying his conviction & emotion in public speaking that often doesn't translate to the book, but some parts are just great.
Looking forward to President Rubio :)
As someone who has followed his career since the early days of his primary challenge against Crist, it was exciting to read of the internal strategy and thinking behind that campaign. I told friends back then that this unknown Cuban background politician from Florida will not just become a senator, but will be president one day- no one took much notice of him. Now, in 2015 they do!
The first part of the book, about his family history in Cuba was interesting, the part about Marco growing up and being obsessed with football was quite boring, then it got much more interesting when he got into the election campaigns. And obviously, you can't run for president without writing a book- he does have the old '100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future' but this one is also clearly a resume, an application, and has a proactive myth-dispelling, scandal-deflating purpose. Every point of contention or doubt about him is addressed. I can imagine his press sec saying 'just read the book' to reporters asking about all these issues.
He has a way of conveying his conviction & emotion in public speaking that often doesn't translate to the book, but some parts are just great.
Looking forward to President Rubio :)
October 21, 2017
I became interested in Marco Rubio's career when he ran against Charlie Crist for the senate seat in Florida. Rubio is my age, with young children, and was moderately conservative. I did not like Charlie Crist; that tan alone creeped me out. Crist seemed to assume he would get the senate seat because of who he was, not what he wanted to do for Florida or the US.
Marco Rubio gives an in-depth look at how his political life was created and proceeded. He discusses his family, up-bringing, education and career. This biography meanders at times but I found his honesty about his family and his life to be quite poignant. Rubio discusses the love he has for his family, the deaths of his grandfather and father (both of whom has great impact on his beliefs and integrity), and his belief in his job as senator. I believe he sees life and politics from a unique perspective and the country is better for having him in Washington DC.
Marco Rubio gives an in-depth look at how his political life was created and proceeded. He discusses his family, up-bringing, education and career. This biography meanders at times but I found his honesty about his family and his life to be quite poignant. Rubio discusses the love he has for his family, the deaths of his grandfather and father (both of whom has great impact on his beliefs and integrity), and his belief in his job as senator. I believe he sees life and politics from a unique perspective and the country is better for having him in Washington DC.
October 28, 2015
These reviews are supposed to be of the book, not the Presidential candidate. But it's probably impossible to separate one from the other, so the reader's disposition to the book will likely be correlated with his disposition to the candidacy.
When he announced in April, Rubio noted that he was the same age--43--as John F. Kennedy. But Kennedy, who was very reticent about himself, and very cautious, would never have written so freewheeling and self-exposing a memoir. One could find Obama-like narcissism in this; or one could find a refreshing ease and and lack of guile. Kennedy could not have written this book, but neither could Nixon.
Unlike most political autobiographies, this one was plainly written by the candidate himself. Rubio has a gift for language that is probably the equal of any ghostwriter's. The title reflects a first-generationer's special pride in being an American, and that pride suffuses the book. A very welcome sentiment.
When he announced in April, Rubio noted that he was the same age--43--as John F. Kennedy. But Kennedy, who was very reticent about himself, and very cautious, would never have written so freewheeling and self-exposing a memoir. One could find Obama-like narcissism in this; or one could find a refreshing ease and and lack of guile. Kennedy could not have written this book, but neither could Nixon.
Unlike most political autobiographies, this one was plainly written by the candidate himself. Rubio has a gift for language that is probably the equal of any ghostwriter's. The title reflects a first-generationer's special pride in being an American, and that pride suffuses the book. A very welcome sentiment.
October 11, 2017
This was published in 2012, so nothing here on his presidential bid. Now that would have been interesting. This guy paints a rosy picture of family life and goes on and on and on about his campaigns in Florida. Not much here about his actual job in the Senate, but a minute by minute account (almost) about the campaigns. I would just skip this. Maybe in the future he will come out with a book about his term in the senate and his presidential bid.
September 9, 2012
Even though I really like Marco Rubio, I have to disclose that I skimmed some of this book. I found myself very interested in some chapters and not so much in others. His parents were remarkable people. They worked really hard to provide for their children and never took a hand out from anyone. I admire that so much!
July 28, 2012
Another interesting political autobiography that hopefully has a sequel.
August 11, 2015
I vote for Marco Rubio. A man who stands on principles and isn't afraid to tell the truth when it is needed and isn't afraid to admit he isn't perfect.
November 23, 2018
Got my hands on a signed copy. Dearly wished he could've gotten the nomination in 2016.
August 9, 2012
It is interesting how Rubio starts the book with an apology to his family for not being there for them due to the strenuous demands of the campaign trail and the fact all his energies was focused on winning including visualizing what it would feel like to win. Rubio was a selfish popular self-described autodidact that was not interested in getting good grades. From this book, I have learned that if any of my children has ADHD the best way to counter that is to allow them to play sports.
Rubio is definitely an up and comer for the Republican party which could help Romney with the Latino vote but it might alienate his base of nativists. If I were Romney, I would stay away from Rubio as VP pick if his book is any indication on what he would do for the presidential campaign. Rubio before he was elected Speaker of the Florida's House basically used his 5 year leadership reign to campaign for the Speaker position not to work for any policy initiatives. Obviously, he likes politics more than he likes policy. If he was Romney's VP pick, he would be most likely be campaigning for himself as President. Another knock against him for being Romney's VP is that he has finance irregularities that will place more heat on Romney's finances. Also, Rubio also would be powerless in his efforts for to push for immigration reform if he were to be Romney's VP. I think his greatest contribution to America will be if he stays in the Senate and somehow convince Republicans to back his comprehensive Immigration reform. If both a respectable conservative Senator like Orrin Hatch and liberal lion that was Kennedy could not get a comprehensive immigration bill passed even with W. support, I do not know if Rubio's charisma can pull it off but he is need in the Senate to try.
From reading this book, the things I like about Rubio is his close-knit supportive family life and his faith in getting through rough patches in his campaign. I also like his leadership style in building a consensus and delegating responsibilities to his lieutenants, as well as bottom up approach to sourcing ideas. I do not like his seemingly strident Tea Party ideology, the fact that he will not subsume his personal political ambition for the good of the party (can be seen in his lack of policy achievements in leadership position until he became Speaker), and seeming disinterest in creating substantive policy changes in favor of running a political campaign even though he accuses Crist of this (as seen in his book).
Like a typical immigrant, he owed his interest in politics to the Cuban exile. Rubio seems to be a big picture guy who does not get along with people whose views he does not share.
Both his sides of his grandparents seem to have seen success in Cuba only for it to be taken away by fate due to the lack of the rule of law.
Just as most immigrants, his parents are socially conservative and seem to have achieve the middle class dream of providing financially stability to their children though there response to economic stresses was to move across the country. Because his parents were not there for his older siblings growing up, Rubio and his younger sister grew up spoiled with loving affection and thus suffers from a good sense of entitlement.
In Las Vegas, Rubio's desire to find a wholesome God-fearing community led her to convert his entire family to Mormonism whereas the father was skeptical of Mormon theology and its proscription against alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. His father was too busy in his desire to provide for his family to be interested in politics. Rubio's parents seem to be pushovers who gave in to every whim of their strong-headed son.
His maternal grandfather was a fabulous storyteller of history and politics. Grandpa was a strong supporter of a strong American military as a hedge against totalitarian regimes worldwide and thus was a strong Reagan supporter who he considered had strong leadership and convictions to lead the country. From his grandfather, Rubio got his Republican conviction. He encouraged Rubio to learn and do something useful with what he learned. He wanted his grandchildren to have careers in fields that they were passionate about.
With the death of his grandfather, Rubio went into a tail-spin of self-destruction that only his love for football saved him. Football gave him a direction in an otherwise meaningless life. Socially, he easily found friends from his predominantly white and Mormon neighbors to black athletes in his football teams to cuban hispanics from Miami. He was an obnoxious spoiled brat who was popular and did not care about school. His brother-in-law was convicted on drug charges.
Once he realized that he was not destined to play pro-football, he decided to get serious about school which eventually led him to UF and University of Miami law school. Because his social life gradually was consumed with spending time with his future wife, Jeanette, he was able to concentrate in getting good grades. In law school, he learned that reasoning and arguing a case is more important than the conclusion one gets that will eventually serve him well in politics. During the 1996 elections, his naivitee helped him campaign and make friends with Republican politicians. While he concentrated on politics and providing for their family as a lawyer, his wife was able to find an occupation as a Miami Dolphin's cheerleader a good way to prepare her to be in the limelight as a politician's wife.
POLITICS:
For his run in office, Rubio positions himself as Cuban-American greatest collective hope for success. He uses the yearning of his family and is able to widen his appeal to all Cuban-Americans so that he represents them all to get elected. His prayers were answered that he was able to blend politics with his career as a lawyer.
The troubling thing about Rubio in his hunt for the Speakership position is that it seems like that was his sole goal to the exclusion of any sort of legislative substance despite him having a leadership position in the House since day 1. It tells me that he is either ashamed of what he accomplished or more troubling he does not really care about his policy positions to note it in his memoir. I hope the tenor of the book will change once he becomes speaker. When it was clear he would be Speaker of the House, some law firm offered him $300,000 to be "revitalize" their Miami office (ie: influence peddle). Although Rubio can be terribly obtuse, I think he knows exactly why the law firm hiked his salary 3X what he was previously making. At least, he is honest about it. Up to the point he is running for speaker, we generally get that he likes the lime light but we also get the sense that he view policy as an afterthought. At least, Clinton who loved the lime light new to use policy to drive the adulation towards him.
I do like his leadership style as Speaker in that he gave greater accountability and authority to its members and he was able to create a core leadership team that he trusted and delegated power to them. I like his concept of idearaisers from people in his state. I also like the fact that he tried to make a space for bipartisanship to flourish. I also like his ability to place ambition aside in order to pass legislation. Although he failed to exchange property taxes for consumption tax, he was able to compromise and adopt Crist plan for $25,000 deduction that would disproportionately help the middle class over the upper classes. He was able to balance the budget without cutting raising taxes and cut spending in a dramatic fashion. He was also able to continue education reform enacted by Bush.
After being Speaker, I am glad he decided to give back by teaching to Hispanic collegiate kids. He enjoyed the lime light as a TV pundit as well as his speaking engagements. Despite differing politics, I liked that as an immigrant he saw Obama's presidency as historical watershed moment in US politics in that a self-described black man became President of the US.
Although it will likely cost him the VP ticket, I can sympathize with his inability to keep his finance straight due to his inattention to detail.
On Bush-Gore, he blames the Elain Gonzalez debacle on why Gore lost Miami-Dade. To Cuban-Americans, the returning of Gonzalez represents a slap in the face to their anti-Castro sentiments while most Americans saw it as a just return to his father and a non-issue of failed communist state trying to make a big thing out of nothing.
In his Senate race, Rubio's path to success started with free media coverage followed by favorable polling followed by increase money and endorsements. As Rubio himself states, "in politics, perception is reality." Like Obama before him, Rubio's rise to prominence was fueled by Tea Party's ultra conservative pissed off base who did not like that government was spending money to save banks and insurance companies at the expense of tax payers money. They did not understand that the financial system was at the brink of collapse. By endorsing and supporting Rubio, DeMint proves to me that every voice counts in the Senate.
In his debate with Crist, he avoided any emotional outburst that he is known for by practicing for it and making Crist look like the angry politician.
He was able to win because of the organizational power of the party and the fact that he used Kendrick Meeks to divide the pro-Obama block by giving Meeks a forum to debate thereby showcasing that a real democrat was still in the picture. I think it is a great strategy of attacking Meeks in order to have his base rally to him and away from Crist was a stroke of political genius. He brings to light that negative campaigning serve to chip at the opponents character and serves to knock a person off message especially if the message has been sticking.
He blames democrats with using immigration as a wedge issue and I think they have a right to until Republicans become the party of pro-legal immigration so something in the immigration front can get done. He himself acknowledges that McCain, Hatch, Kennedy, and W brought it up when Republicans had control of Congress and the Presidency to no avail. If they could not do it then the Democrats should pound them on immigration. Rubio for his part can greatly help the cause by crafting a bipartisan bill that allows some consensus on the Senate.
Again, I get the impression that he is more interested in politics and Republican ideology than pressing policy issues that require a more nuanced approach.
Family&Faith:
Meanwhile, I do like his description of elation that he feels when he met his children for the first time. Although he admittedly places politics first in his life, I love his adoration toward his children. He finds it a challenge to balance his political career with his duty to his family. If I ever go into politics, I must have a strong marriage and social life before hand to help me weather the storm.
Jeanette, his family loves the fellowship that evangelicals give them but he personally yearns for the Eucharist and the ritualistic calm of Catholic mass gives him. I agree with him that one can complement the other.
Jeanette actively encouraged him on his initial underdog Senate run. It was Jeanette's active encouragement that he was fighting for what they believed in that pushed him to run for Senate. Also, Crist provoked his pride by leaking that he was a quitter before he was ready to quit. Jeanette finally has a job of her own as a foundation fund
I wonder if it will always be like this in that he invokes that God intervened on his behalf in hindsight not during the campaign.
His run for Senate came with the personal loss of his father. I like his touching account of seeing the death of his father. Although understandable in hindsight, I think it was a mistake for them to try to lengthen his father's life @ age 82 with chemo because his quality of life dropped tremendously as a result. I think it was a good thing to give him morphine drip at the end of his life.
I like how he frames his winning the Senate race as the culmination of 2 generation's worth of immigrant sacrifice.
SENATOR:
Visiting Washington's home accentuates the fact that we are a country of optimistic dreamers from the founding fathers to people of today.
HIS PRIORITIES:
1) Constituent services are up and running
2) He wanted and experience and strong policy team so he can speak with national issues that are important
LEARNED IN THE SENATE:
1) Since the Senate is a small chamber, people need to be honest and trustworthy
2) Do not showboat
3) Do not make yourself look good at other people's expense
He learned that every Senator counts thus everyone has a lot of power. To get anything done there has to be some sort of bipartisan support. Most Senators respect the others position especially if it is done out of principle not politics. But political scrutiny is there especially during an election year and especially in the media where ratings for controversy is king.
Rubio is definitely an up and comer for the Republican party which could help Romney with the Latino vote but it might alienate his base of nativists. If I were Romney, I would stay away from Rubio as VP pick if his book is any indication on what he would do for the presidential campaign. Rubio before he was elected Speaker of the Florida's House basically used his 5 year leadership reign to campaign for the Speaker position not to work for any policy initiatives. Obviously, he likes politics more than he likes policy. If he was Romney's VP pick, he would be most likely be campaigning for himself as President. Another knock against him for being Romney's VP is that he has finance irregularities that will place more heat on Romney's finances. Also, Rubio also would be powerless in his efforts for to push for immigration reform if he were to be Romney's VP. I think his greatest contribution to America will be if he stays in the Senate and somehow convince Republicans to back his comprehensive Immigration reform. If both a respectable conservative Senator like Orrin Hatch and liberal lion that was Kennedy could not get a comprehensive immigration bill passed even with W. support, I do not know if Rubio's charisma can pull it off but he is need in the Senate to try.
From reading this book, the things I like about Rubio is his close-knit supportive family life and his faith in getting through rough patches in his campaign. I also like his leadership style in building a consensus and delegating responsibilities to his lieutenants, as well as bottom up approach to sourcing ideas. I do not like his seemingly strident Tea Party ideology, the fact that he will not subsume his personal political ambition for the good of the party (can be seen in his lack of policy achievements in leadership position until he became Speaker), and seeming disinterest in creating substantive policy changes in favor of running a political campaign even though he accuses Crist of this (as seen in his book).
Like a typical immigrant, he owed his interest in politics to the Cuban exile. Rubio seems to be a big picture guy who does not get along with people whose views he does not share.
Both his sides of his grandparents seem to have seen success in Cuba only for it to be taken away by fate due to the lack of the rule of law.
Just as most immigrants, his parents are socially conservative and seem to have achieve the middle class dream of providing financially stability to their children though there response to economic stresses was to move across the country. Because his parents were not there for his older siblings growing up, Rubio and his younger sister grew up spoiled with loving affection and thus suffers from a good sense of entitlement.
In Las Vegas, Rubio's desire to find a wholesome God-fearing community led her to convert his entire family to Mormonism whereas the father was skeptical of Mormon theology and its proscription against alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. His father was too busy in his desire to provide for his family to be interested in politics. Rubio's parents seem to be pushovers who gave in to every whim of their strong-headed son.
His maternal grandfather was a fabulous storyteller of history and politics. Grandpa was a strong supporter of a strong American military as a hedge against totalitarian regimes worldwide and thus was a strong Reagan supporter who he considered had strong leadership and convictions to lead the country. From his grandfather, Rubio got his Republican conviction. He encouraged Rubio to learn and do something useful with what he learned. He wanted his grandchildren to have careers in fields that they were passionate about.
With the death of his grandfather, Rubio went into a tail-spin of self-destruction that only his love for football saved him. Football gave him a direction in an otherwise meaningless life. Socially, he easily found friends from his predominantly white and Mormon neighbors to black athletes in his football teams to cuban hispanics from Miami. He was an obnoxious spoiled brat who was popular and did not care about school. His brother-in-law was convicted on drug charges.
Once he realized that he was not destined to play pro-football, he decided to get serious about school which eventually led him to UF and University of Miami law school. Because his social life gradually was consumed with spending time with his future wife, Jeanette, he was able to concentrate in getting good grades. In law school, he learned that reasoning and arguing a case is more important than the conclusion one gets that will eventually serve him well in politics. During the 1996 elections, his naivitee helped him campaign and make friends with Republican politicians. While he concentrated on politics and providing for their family as a lawyer, his wife was able to find an occupation as a Miami Dolphin's cheerleader a good way to prepare her to be in the limelight as a politician's wife.
POLITICS:
For his run in office, Rubio positions himself as Cuban-American greatest collective hope for success. He uses the yearning of his family and is able to widen his appeal to all Cuban-Americans so that he represents them all to get elected. His prayers were answered that he was able to blend politics with his career as a lawyer.
The troubling thing about Rubio in his hunt for the Speakership position is that it seems like that was his sole goal to the exclusion of any sort of legislative substance despite him having a leadership position in the House since day 1. It tells me that he is either ashamed of what he accomplished or more troubling he does not really care about his policy positions to note it in his memoir. I hope the tenor of the book will change once he becomes speaker. When it was clear he would be Speaker of the House, some law firm offered him $300,000 to be "revitalize" their Miami office (ie: influence peddle). Although Rubio can be terribly obtuse, I think he knows exactly why the law firm hiked his salary 3X what he was previously making. At least, he is honest about it. Up to the point he is running for speaker, we generally get that he likes the lime light but we also get the sense that he view policy as an afterthought. At least, Clinton who loved the lime light new to use policy to drive the adulation towards him.
I do like his leadership style as Speaker in that he gave greater accountability and authority to its members and he was able to create a core leadership team that he trusted and delegated power to them. I like his concept of idearaisers from people in his state. I also like the fact that he tried to make a space for bipartisanship to flourish. I also like his ability to place ambition aside in order to pass legislation. Although he failed to exchange property taxes for consumption tax, he was able to compromise and adopt Crist plan for $25,000 deduction that would disproportionately help the middle class over the upper classes. He was able to balance the budget without cutting raising taxes and cut spending in a dramatic fashion. He was also able to continue education reform enacted by Bush.
After being Speaker, I am glad he decided to give back by teaching to Hispanic collegiate kids. He enjoyed the lime light as a TV pundit as well as his speaking engagements. Despite differing politics, I liked that as an immigrant he saw Obama's presidency as historical watershed moment in US politics in that a self-described black man became President of the US.
Although it will likely cost him the VP ticket, I can sympathize with his inability to keep his finance straight due to his inattention to detail.
On Bush-Gore, he blames the Elain Gonzalez debacle on why Gore lost Miami-Dade. To Cuban-Americans, the returning of Gonzalez represents a slap in the face to their anti-Castro sentiments while most Americans saw it as a just return to his father and a non-issue of failed communist state trying to make a big thing out of nothing.
In his Senate race, Rubio's path to success started with free media coverage followed by favorable polling followed by increase money and endorsements. As Rubio himself states, "in politics, perception is reality." Like Obama before him, Rubio's rise to prominence was fueled by Tea Party's ultra conservative pissed off base who did not like that government was spending money to save banks and insurance companies at the expense of tax payers money. They did not understand that the financial system was at the brink of collapse. By endorsing and supporting Rubio, DeMint proves to me that every voice counts in the Senate.
In his debate with Crist, he avoided any emotional outburst that he is known for by practicing for it and making Crist look like the angry politician.
He was able to win because of the organizational power of the party and the fact that he used Kendrick Meeks to divide the pro-Obama block by giving Meeks a forum to debate thereby showcasing that a real democrat was still in the picture. I think it is a great strategy of attacking Meeks in order to have his base rally to him and away from Crist was a stroke of political genius. He brings to light that negative campaigning serve to chip at the opponents character and serves to knock a person off message especially if the message has been sticking.
He blames democrats with using immigration as a wedge issue and I think they have a right to until Republicans become the party of pro-legal immigration so something in the immigration front can get done. He himself acknowledges that McCain, Hatch, Kennedy, and W brought it up when Republicans had control of Congress and the Presidency to no avail. If they could not do it then the Democrats should pound them on immigration. Rubio for his part can greatly help the cause by crafting a bipartisan bill that allows some consensus on the Senate.
Again, I get the impression that he is more interested in politics and Republican ideology than pressing policy issues that require a more nuanced approach.
Family&Faith:
Meanwhile, I do like his description of elation that he feels when he met his children for the first time. Although he admittedly places politics first in his life, I love his adoration toward his children. He finds it a challenge to balance his political career with his duty to his family. If I ever go into politics, I must have a strong marriage and social life before hand to help me weather the storm.
Jeanette, his family loves the fellowship that evangelicals give them but he personally yearns for the Eucharist and the ritualistic calm of Catholic mass gives him. I agree with him that one can complement the other.
Jeanette actively encouraged him on his initial underdog Senate run. It was Jeanette's active encouragement that he was fighting for what they believed in that pushed him to run for Senate. Also, Crist provoked his pride by leaking that he was a quitter before he was ready to quit. Jeanette finally has a job of her own as a foundation fund
I wonder if it will always be like this in that he invokes that God intervened on his behalf in hindsight not during the campaign.
His run for Senate came with the personal loss of his father. I like his touching account of seeing the death of his father. Although understandable in hindsight, I think it was a mistake for them to try to lengthen his father's life @ age 82 with chemo because his quality of life dropped tremendously as a result. I think it was a good thing to give him morphine drip at the end of his life.
I like how he frames his winning the Senate race as the culmination of 2 generation's worth of immigrant sacrifice.
SENATOR:
Visiting Washington's home accentuates the fact that we are a country of optimistic dreamers from the founding fathers to people of today.
HIS PRIORITIES:
1) Constituent services are up and running
2) He wanted and experience and strong policy team so he can speak with national issues that are important
LEARNED IN THE SENATE:
1) Since the Senate is a small chamber, people need to be honest and trustworthy
2) Do not showboat
3) Do not make yourself look good at other people's expense
He learned that every Senator counts thus everyone has a lot of power. To get anything done there has to be some sort of bipartisan support. Most Senators respect the others position especially if it is done out of principle not politics. But political scrutiny is there especially during an election year and especially in the media where ratings for controversy is king.
January 29, 2023
Awesome biography of an awesome guy!
September 2, 2017
very moving memoir.
September 25, 2012
I thoroughly -- and perhaps surprisingly -- enjoyed Marco Rubio's memoir.
Throughout the book he is sometimes brutally honest and harsh on himself. For a politician (who still holds public office) to admit to many failures, I found it rather refreshing. I'd just finished a book partially written by Paul Ryan and the contrast was incredible. Ryan never admitted to any mistakes, was light on any policy outside of the economy and was extremely partisan. Some of Marco's admissions were a bit jarring, including admitting to the fact that he regrets a time (not that long ago) when he was just waiting to see what Charlie Crist did in Florida and then he'd opportunistically run for the job that Crist wasn't running for that election year. He admits he's not proud of that game plan. He never ended up going that route either.
He also admits to being choked up with pride on election night 2008 watching Obama deliver his victory speech.
He recalls supporting Ted Kennedy for the Democrats over Jimmy Carter and watching the convention on TV and being distraught over Kennedy's loss. He also mentions attending a Bill Clinton rally in Florida in 1992.
I don't have many political views that are in line with Rubio's but I found, at least in his memoir, he was extremely respectful of those with opposing viewpoints. Again, another stark contrast to Paul Ryan's writings in his book Young Guns.
I don't think I have any criticism of the book itself but instead the decision to write the book now. Although I'm grateful for the good read (no pun intended), I question his decision to write it now and not in a couple more years. His story is a bit light on actual political accomplishments. One could argue Barack Obama's was too but this is someone with a similar story to Obama but he also wants to differentiate himself from Obama too.
He certainly has a couple of impressive electoral accomplishments but I was hoping to read a bit more about bills and causes he fought long and hard for throughout his political career. Instead he's a rising star who hasn't been able to spend much time in places where he's elected because he keeps getting promoted so the fights for causes and bills is very short in this book.
I suspect Rubio will run for the top job of the GOP at which time he's going to need to introduce himself even more to the country. This book is a good starting point but he's going to need to add in some policy accomplishments to an already intriguing and inspiring story.
This book was exceptionally detailed and I got the impression it wasn't a ghost write that was just rushed to the publishers ahead of a rising political star's attempts to ascend to the White House or make the 2012 ticket. He put a lot of thought and detail into telling his story.
Throughout the book he is sometimes brutally honest and harsh on himself. For a politician (who still holds public office) to admit to many failures, I found it rather refreshing. I'd just finished a book partially written by Paul Ryan and the contrast was incredible. Ryan never admitted to any mistakes, was light on any policy outside of the economy and was extremely partisan. Some of Marco's admissions were a bit jarring, including admitting to the fact that he regrets a time (not that long ago) when he was just waiting to see what Charlie Crist did in Florida and then he'd opportunistically run for the job that Crist wasn't running for that election year. He admits he's not proud of that game plan. He never ended up going that route either.
He also admits to being choked up with pride on election night 2008 watching Obama deliver his victory speech.
He recalls supporting Ted Kennedy for the Democrats over Jimmy Carter and watching the convention on TV and being distraught over Kennedy's loss. He also mentions attending a Bill Clinton rally in Florida in 1992.
I don't have many political views that are in line with Rubio's but I found, at least in his memoir, he was extremely respectful of those with opposing viewpoints. Again, another stark contrast to Paul Ryan's writings in his book Young Guns.
I don't think I have any criticism of the book itself but instead the decision to write the book now. Although I'm grateful for the good read (no pun intended), I question his decision to write it now and not in a couple more years. His story is a bit light on actual political accomplishments. One could argue Barack Obama's was too but this is someone with a similar story to Obama but he also wants to differentiate himself from Obama too.
He certainly has a couple of impressive electoral accomplishments but I was hoping to read a bit more about bills and causes he fought long and hard for throughout his political career. Instead he's a rising star who hasn't been able to spend much time in places where he's elected because he keeps getting promoted so the fights for causes and bills is very short in this book.
I suspect Rubio will run for the top job of the GOP at which time he's going to need to introduce himself even more to the country. This book is a good starting point but he's going to need to add in some policy accomplishments to an already intriguing and inspiring story.
This book was exceptionally detailed and I got the impression it wasn't a ghost write that was just rushed to the publishers ahead of a rising political star's attempts to ascend to the White House or make the 2012 ticket. He put a lot of thought and detail into telling his story.
March 19, 2016
Our book club members are each reading a different book by a candidate, someone you likely wouldn't vote for, and the idea is to be open-minded, and not just read things you already agree with.
This book is all about his family history, and campaigning. I was disappointed that it really didn’t contain his ideas, other than general platitudes about how, as the son of an immigrant, he is proof that America is a land where dreams come true, and hopes it still will be. Early on, he sets a humble tone, telling stories that depict himself as a self-centered youth and a poor student. Given that, it's surprising he became a lawyer and a politician?
At 150 pages in, came the first mention of a policy or idea to help real people. As incoming speaker of the Florida house, he printed book jackets titled “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future.” The pages inside were blank. He passed them out to opening session of legislators, and said the pages would be filled after enlisting the help/ideas/priorities of constituents. What a great idea; unfortunately the rest of the book barely dealt with ideas or policies. It was simply the endless detail of all the campaign tactics, fundraisers, staff changes, competitive strategy and complaints about leaks and dirty tricks. It’s clear that this man thrives on the adrenaline rush of campaigning.
It’s disheartening to read the behind-the-scenes instances of political games, which are common to both parties. He notes that it is always easier to defeat an idea that to pass it. Of introducing an alternate tax plan, he reports that Democrats “who had at first supported or shown interest in the idea received instructions from their party leadership to begin attacking it, and retreated to their default position of opposing it….playing the usual Tallahassee game of seizing major house initiatives as a hostage to use in negotiations over the senate’s legislative priorities.”
Rubio seems like someone in a hurry to get to next job - he gets elected and almost immediately begins running for the next job. He talks a lot of his longing to see his family more, and yet it’s hard to see how he’s actually doing the work for his employer when he was a part-time state legislator, or doing work for his constituents when in office.
Such is the nature of politics and our lengthy campaign season, and it’s disgraceful. It was excruciating to read the final chapters describing competing for the U.S. Senate seat – it’s all about who raised the most money. In the end, this book had more impact reinforcing the need for campaign reform, than in illuminating the ideas of Marco Rubio.
This book is all about his family history, and campaigning. I was disappointed that it really didn’t contain his ideas, other than general platitudes about how, as the son of an immigrant, he is proof that America is a land where dreams come true, and hopes it still will be. Early on, he sets a humble tone, telling stories that depict himself as a self-centered youth and a poor student. Given that, it's surprising he became a lawyer and a politician?
At 150 pages in, came the first mention of a policy or idea to help real people. As incoming speaker of the Florida house, he printed book jackets titled “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future.” The pages inside were blank. He passed them out to opening session of legislators, and said the pages would be filled after enlisting the help/ideas/priorities of constituents. What a great idea; unfortunately the rest of the book barely dealt with ideas or policies. It was simply the endless detail of all the campaign tactics, fundraisers, staff changes, competitive strategy and complaints about leaks and dirty tricks. It’s clear that this man thrives on the adrenaline rush of campaigning.
It’s disheartening to read the behind-the-scenes instances of political games, which are common to both parties. He notes that it is always easier to defeat an idea that to pass it. Of introducing an alternate tax plan, he reports that Democrats “who had at first supported or shown interest in the idea received instructions from their party leadership to begin attacking it, and retreated to their default position of opposing it….playing the usual Tallahassee game of seizing major house initiatives as a hostage to use in negotiations over the senate’s legislative priorities.”
Rubio seems like someone in a hurry to get to next job - he gets elected and almost immediately begins running for the next job. He talks a lot of his longing to see his family more, and yet it’s hard to see how he’s actually doing the work for his employer when he was a part-time state legislator, or doing work for his constituents when in office.
Such is the nature of politics and our lengthy campaign season, and it’s disgraceful. It was excruciating to read the final chapters describing competing for the U.S. Senate seat – it’s all about who raised the most money. In the end, this book had more impact reinforcing the need for campaign reform, than in illuminating the ideas of Marco Rubio.
August 6, 2012
This book is very [VERY] interesting. I enjoyed learning about Mr. Rubio's family coming to America in hopes of finding the American dream we cherish. I also enjoyed learning about what he was like going from a young boy to a young man. I find I have similar attributes, which is what prompted me to read this book in the first place. Of course, it was not the only. The pages then began to run pretty dull as he started in on the race between himself and an incumbent, Charles Crist. More and more, it seemed things were getting very repetitive, which did not motivate me to pick up the book for a few days; or even want to finish certain chapters. I began thinking the majority of this book is about this race, and nothing more. (I believe it is) I don't think a [memoir] is best fitting for this type of book. Although, with Mr. Rubio still being very young, to me, that was expected. The book did pick up as he got more into crucial times during campaigning, debates, and the "media" madness that comes from being a public servant running in any almost any election. However, I feel the purpose of Mr. Rubio going in to so much detail about that, has to deal with showing people he can work well under pressure, stand by his principles, even when they are not the most popular, and letting the people know how determined he is, even when he is looked upon as the "under-dog," while still trying to maintain a balanced life at home with his wife and kids. I admire everything Marco Rubio stands for, even if I have some different beliefs dealing with social issues, which he does not go into detail in this book. I pray he is the VP pick from Governor Mitt Romney. And I also pray that that is another purpose of this book. One can only hope.
August 14, 2012
Why anyone would want to enter politics is a mystery to me. The media and party leaders seek to destroy some of these politicians and their families...not sure why but I will assume both party leaders and the media have their own agenda. Marco Rubio had a humble childhood. His parents were hard working immigrants who wanted their children to have it all. Marco himself was a lacklustre student until he reached college. When he applied himself he was a stellar student and went on to Law School. Rubio served in the Florida State House for 8 years. He made the decision to run for the U.S.Senate and had the misfortune to run against Charlie Crist, who acted like a bully and was politically despicable. This book is a success story..a fulfillment of the American Dream...and proof that each of our votes really does count. Marco Rubio is a hard-working man who believes in what his country stands for...he adores his family...he realizes the gift he has been given to serve in the Senate. Marco Rubio has just begun.
April 15, 2015
I think he'll make an amazing Vice President.
This book was surprisingly honest. He talks about falling short sometimes as a husband and a father, a son and a politician.
He acknowledges he didn't get much done as Speaker of the Florida State House, which he blamed on Charlie Christ.
Later on he blurted out he was running for US Senate in a moment of anger, which he later regretted because he was still considering whether he should run or not against a popular sitting governor, and almost dropped out if it wasn't for his wife and God.
He also repeated the same themes over and over again in the book to the point where I kept getting bored with it. I get it your Dad was a bartender!
Despite his flaws I find he is a sincere man driven by conviction over greed. He also has the right vision for the country and you can tell he is passionate about conservative and bipartisan ideas to get America working again.
This book was surprisingly honest. He talks about falling short sometimes as a husband and a father, a son and a politician.
He acknowledges he didn't get much done as Speaker of the Florida State House, which he blamed on Charlie Christ.
Later on he blurted out he was running for US Senate in a moment of anger, which he later regretted because he was still considering whether he should run or not against a popular sitting governor, and almost dropped out if it wasn't for his wife and God.
He also repeated the same themes over and over again in the book to the point where I kept getting bored with it. I get it your Dad was a bartender!
Despite his flaws I find he is a sincere man driven by conviction over greed. He also has the right vision for the country and you can tell he is passionate about conservative and bipartisan ideas to get America working again.
July 8, 2012
I supported and had decided to vote for Marco Rubio even though it looked like he had no chance to win against Charlie Crist in the Republican primary race. So, this story was particularly of interest to me. I quite enjoyed his tribute to his parents and grandparents by telling their stories - as well as his own. What I absolutely disliked about this audio book was the abridgment. I thought it was horrible. At times I felt like I had missed listening to half the book as it jumped all over the place with no real transitions or explanations (flashbacks??? I'll never know). Hence three stars instead of four.
February 10, 2013
I was deciding between a 3 or 4 star rating. So I rounded up. I would have I preferred to learn more of his philosophies than his facts of life. I was very interested in his early years and how his grandfather influenced him. Some parts of this book were very boring and some parts held my attention. He touched on immigration and how media can give negative impact. It's one of those books that once you start you're afraid you may miss something good of you quit before the end. Autobiography is not one of my favorite genres but since I have an interest in history and politics I chose to read it.
June 30, 2012
Whatever your politics Marco Rubio has an inspiring story. My parents were not immigrants but I think they would have related very closely to the Rubio family - a love for this country and appreciation for the opportunities it provided them and their children. It is nice to read something positive about our heritage and see how it influenced someone to fight hard for what he believes even at great personal cost and risk.
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