Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life

by Bill Richardson, Michael Ruby

The governor of New Mexico and four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee describes his background as the son of an American businessman father and Mexican mother, his hostage negotiations with Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro, and his relationships with such government figures as Colin Powell and George Stephanopoulos. 150,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, History, Memoir, Philosophy

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

William Blaine "Bill" Richardson III is an American politician who was 30th Governor of New Mexico, from 2003 to 2011. He was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Energy Secretary in the Clinton administration and has also served as a U.S. Congressman, chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and chairman of the Democratic Governors Association.

Reviews

[Vivek · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read this book, one thing you won't be able to deny is that Bill Richardson has lived a very interesting life. He spent his childhood in Mexico before going to the Northeast from middle school to grad school. He entered politics as a congressional aide, before becoming a Congressman himself. He served in two cabinet-level positions (UN Ambassador and Sec. of Energy) during the Clinton Presidency before becoming Governor of New Mexico. Along the way he was involved in several negotiations with dictatorial governments around the world, including Cuba, Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea.

The book is written with journalist Michael Ruby, and for the most part is written fairly well. The story of Richardson's life is really interesting, and throughout we hear his view of various events. He also offers advice through the book, different bits that he compiles into a list called "Richardson's Rules." As a current college student, I found the parts of the book leading up to his Congressional seat especially interesting, although his personal accounts of interacting with President Clinton as well as with various dictators was great too.

In the later parts of the book, he describes conversations that he has with Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry as Richardson is being considered as a possible Vice Presidential candidate. At the end of a conversation, after Richardson has definitively decided he doesn't want to be considered, Kerry asks him if he would want to be President. He answers "Maybe someday."

That day has come. My opinion is that Richardson has a great body of experience, and certainly wouldn't make a bad head of state. It also becomes abundantly clear that Richardson is a career politician. I'd recommend this book to anyone that is intrigued by Richardson's diplomatic and political experiences.

[Julie Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read. I was on my way out of NM when Bill Richardson hit the scene in the mid 1980's and, although familiar with his name, did not know much about him before reading this book. By his own description, he sounds like a determined, hard-nosed person who is also a straight shooter. I enjoyed reading the stories of his travels and diplomatic excursions. His desire to be in public service seems sincere and, based on what he has accomplished in New Mexico, I look forward to having Bill involved in US politics in the very near future!

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The American public really should know more about this man. Highly intelligent, athletic, driven, he's lived a life in service to his country (Congressman, presidential envoy, UN ambassador, Dept. of Energy Secretary, Governor of New Mexico) while maintaining a strong link to his mother's Mexican heritage.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life story of one of the most qualified Presidential candidates in recent memory. It is interesting not only from a biographical point of view, but also on the lessons that diplomacy has for our world and ourselves today.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in 2005 upon publication, and recommend it.
Really interesting, from 2005, this campaign book positioned him for the 2008 election. I thought then that Richardson would be around for awhile.
His strongest voice is for negotiating, and negotiations, as well as multiculturalism.

[Nicole]

I know he's got next to no chance of winning the Democratic ticket, but I feel that his ideas, experience and genuine interest in the good of America make him the best candidate out there.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very much like the governor himself- direct and to the point. It's just like having a conversation with him.

[Nancy Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating guy, but his autobiography reads like an endless stream of "Dig me!"

[Toesnorth's mom]

interesting but not presidential material to me