America: Our Next Chapter

by Chuck Hagel, Peter Kaminsky

Senator Chuck Hagel has long been admired by his colleagues on both sides of the Senate floor for his honesty, integrity, and common-sense approach to the challenges of our times. The Los Angeles Times has praised his "bold positions on foreign policy and national security" and wondered, "What's not to like?" In Our Next Chapter , Nebraska-born Hagel offers a hard-hitting examination of the current state of our nation and provides substantial, meaningful proposals that can guide America back onto the right path. In Our Next Chapter , Hagel speaks the truth as he sees it—in a direct and refreshingly unvarnished manner. Basing his suggestions on thorough research and careful thought, as well as on personal insight from his years as a political insider, successful businessman, and decorated war hero, he discusses domestic issues—including the health care crisis, immigration, and Social Security and Medicare reform—and global climate change. He confronts foreign policy problems that the current administration has bungled or ignored, including China's growing economy; control of U.S. debt; India's and Pakistan's nuclear capabilities; and Iran's aggressive political, ideological, and nuclear stances. He decries the pervasive disease of third world poverty, arguing convincingly that this is where the real fight against terrorism must begin. Always true to the beliefs instilled in his childhood on the prairie, he speaks passionately about service—to one's country and to one's fellow citizens—as the path toward a renewed America. And, of course, he gives a candid examination of the debacle that is the Iraq War. A staunch Republican yet a "hero to liberals" ( Time ), Hagel asks the tough questions and delivers straight answers to America's most pressing problems. Our Next Chapter is a serious, honest, and, ultimately, optimistic look at our nation's future, from an American original.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

306 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 2008

Reviews

[Susan Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chuck Hagel takes a few minutes at the beginning of the book to acknowledge that he was in favor of and voted to authorize the Iraq war. Then he spends time throughout the remainder of the book laying sole blame on George W. Bush. For me, this ruined his credibility and made the rest of the book useful solely for historical interest.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmmm. . . I wonder what my old boss has to say.

Hagel for Secretary of State!!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have given it a 3.5 if possible.

[Stephen Schmelz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appreciated an insider's views on our government and the people that run it.

[Todd McQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look at issues facing our current country through the eyes of Senator Hagel, also thoughts about leadership from Chuck. B+

[Athan Tolis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously, I did not read this book for the content, but to get a feel about the man who might become defence secretary.

Just as well, because the book is overall unimpressive. If you are looking for the definitive source of conventional wisdom on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran, China, the war on terrorism, then this is an OK book. At least the man dares voice the things that most often go unsaid on all these topics for fear of falling out of line. But it's really cliche after cliche. If you are learning from here, God help you.

However, the purpose of reading the book was to find out about Chuck Hagel. Clearly, he is no renaissance man. He knows his stuff from having the privilege of access to the people who run the world, but you get the impression he's never done any research of his own. A bit like a hedge fund manager who visits central banks to meet the guys who run them but has never bothered to read a report on the economies to be discussed. And it's painful to see him boast that he's met Assad and Mubarak. Also, he feels compelled to pass judgement on stuff he evidently knows nothing about. Like finance. The bit where he starts discussing the crisis only serves to show he does not understand finance. And the whole thing is very poorly fact-checked. Like, he states somewhere in all seriousness that two thirds of all people ever born are still alive. I mean, please.

And yet, I ended up loving Chuck Hagel. HIs personal story is moving, he puts his mom on his Mount Rushmore and, most importantly, the chapters about the military and about leadership are AWESOME. It's as if a different author wrote them. Clearly, that's what the man is all about.

So after reading the book I really hope he gets the job!

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was using this as reference material for college essay. The more I read, the more I liked it. The senator seems ready to admit earlier mistakes under the Bush Administration yet is humble enough to explain how they happened. He had good insight into many of the tensions between Congress and the President yet doesn't come across too holier than thou, like other Republicans, I had to return book before finishing it completely, but on the strength of what I read, I give it a strong 4/5. Will borrow again in the near future and finish with a proper review...

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to know more about Sen. Hagel considering his nomination for SecDef. I've always read good things about the Senator from smart people so I picked his book up when I happened across it at a thrift store. Moderate Republicans seem to have become an extinct species and after reading Hagel's book, I'm more sad that the GOP has lurched so far to the right. Senator Hagel has a lot of good ideas on foreign and domestic policy and I think he's going to make a fine Secretary of Defense.

[Douglas Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I can understand why President Obama choose him for Secretary of Defense. His philosophy is very similar to that of the President. He has very good understanding of America's role in the world and how America should proceed. He has good ideas. He is very candid. The book is timely and easy to read.

[Jug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm almost done with it but I'm a big fan. Chuck Hagel has a good head on his shoulders. He does an excellent job explaining his moderate views on various issues with sound reasoning. It's a great read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and I agree with Senator Hagel on a lot of points, but his opinions on immigration have got to go. Bring all the scientists you want from other countries, but get them naturalized!

[John McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, brilliant straight talk from a Republican...! Chuck Hagel will open up a yeller-dog Democrat's mind; he did mine.

[Toesnorth's mom]

excellent until he talks taxes and immigration then he turns Rep in full force

[John]

Still working on this one - thank the universe for traitors like Chuck Hagel.