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Taken for Granted: How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed
A deeply personal book from Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell about how the status quo of American politics, culture, and self-identity has failed those who need it most.
Gianno Caldwell, raised by his grandmother on the south side of Chicago, saw firsthand how lawmakers have failed African American voters on issues like poverty, welfare, and education. As someone who beat the odds of growing up in poverty under a fear-based mentality that limits what people can achieve, Caldwell believes there's another way.
Throughout the book, Caldwell weaves his personal journey into a cultural exploration about how the status quo came to be in America and casts a hopeful vision for a nation that is no longer beholden to identity politics. Trapped within the expectations and traditions of our community, family, political party, faith, race, and gender, we fail to challenge our politicians and ourselves to create real change. Now more than ever, we need to challenge preconceived notions about the two parties, public policy, and American history.
From the obstacles facing urban communities today on issues such as crime, education, and social mobility, Caldwell digs beneath the statistics, showing the moments that defined his rise to success and the steps that can help more people overcome the odds--whether through policy reform or the heroic efforts of men and women who are already working to make a difference in their communities.
Gianno Caldwell, raised by his grandmother on the south side of Chicago, saw firsthand how lawmakers have failed African American voters on issues like poverty, welfare, and education. As someone who beat the odds of growing up in poverty under a fear-based mentality that limits what people can achieve, Caldwell believes there's another way.
Throughout the book, Caldwell weaves his personal journey into a cultural exploration about how the status quo came to be in America and casts a hopeful vision for a nation that is no longer beholden to identity politics. Trapped within the expectations and traditions of our community, family, political party, faith, race, and gender, we fail to challenge our politicians and ourselves to create real change. Now more than ever, we need to challenge preconceived notions about the two parties, public policy, and American history.
From the obstacles facing urban communities today on issues such as crime, education, and social mobility, Caldwell digs beneath the statistics, showing the moments that defined his rise to success and the steps that can help more people overcome the odds--whether through policy reform or the heroic efforts of men and women who are already working to make a difference in their communities.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
77 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Gianno Caldwell
5 books42 followersGianno Caldwell is a TV host, political analyst for Fox News, and the founder of Caldwell Strategic Consulting, a bipartisan firm in Washington, D.C., that provides strategic advice and consulting in the areas of public affairs.
Raised on the southside of Chicago, Gianno got his first job in politics at fourteen when he walked into the local alderman’s office in the hopes of making the world a better place. For the next seventeen years, Gianno has held various leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels. His work in politics and consulting eventually led to becoming an on-air analyst and host for radio and television.
Gianno’s first book, TAKEN FOR GRANTED: How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed largely recounts his childhood in streets filled with violence, poverty, and drugs (including his own mother’s addiction) and the way in which conservative values helped him achieve his dreams in reaching DC and Los Angeles. His hope is that other Americans will be motivated by his journey and focus again on faith, hard work, and self-determination.
In addition to his TV work, Gianno has been an opinion contributor for The Hill, providing commentary on political, financial, and cultural issues. He is also a special correspondent for Extra TV, where he coverings red carpets in Hollywood and Washington, D.C. He is also a noted public speaker, appearing at events across the country discussing everything from federal politics and policy and drugs addiction in America to the conservative movement or the steps of living outside the box and being unrealistic with your life’s work.
Raised on the southside of Chicago, Gianno got his first job in politics at fourteen when he walked into the local alderman’s office in the hopes of making the world a better place. For the next seventeen years, Gianno has held various leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels. His work in politics and consulting eventually led to becoming an on-air analyst and host for radio and television.
Gianno’s first book, TAKEN FOR GRANTED: How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed largely recounts his childhood in streets filled with violence, poverty, and drugs (including his own mother’s addiction) and the way in which conservative values helped him achieve his dreams in reaching DC and Los Angeles. His hope is that other Americans will be motivated by his journey and focus again on faith, hard work, and self-determination.
In addition to his TV work, Gianno has been an opinion contributor for The Hill, providing commentary on political, financial, and cultural issues. He is also a special correspondent for Extra TV, where he coverings red carpets in Hollywood and Washington, D.C. He is also a noted public speaker, appearing at events across the country discussing everything from federal politics and policy and drugs addiction in America to the conservative movement or the steps of living outside the box and being unrealistic with your life’s work.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 20, 2019
Read this book in four days. It is very obvious Gianno cares about Chicago. His story is riveting and I find it so refreshing that he listens to all sides - that is so hard to find these days. I find that is the best way to realize our true potential and become our real selves, just as Gianno states in his book. I think every African-American living in poverty in so many forgotten areas of our country should read this book. I realize not every one can be as lucky as Gianno is, but they certainly can be as blessed if they really look within themselves and ask for God's help in their journeys.
Congratulations, Gianno. Hoping for more to come in your great future.
Congratulations, Gianno. Hoping for more to come in your great future.
December 28, 2019
A refreshing view of the Conservative movement through the eyes of an African-American young Republican. Caldwell comes from the inner-city in Chicago, Il. His mother dealt with drug addiction and he was raised by his grandmother. He comes with a level of street cred you don't get from other authors.
Although I do not agree with 100% of what he writes, I do consider it and can agree to disagree. Regarding Charlottesville, I cannot in good faith, broadly paint all protesters as racists or anti-racist gods. I do believe that I can protest the taking down of a Civil War statue and not be a White Supremacist. As a matter of fact, I do not agree with White Washing history. But make no mistake, if KKK and Real White Supremacists has their way, me, the black person and the Jew would all be hanging from the same tree. I never get how that can be. Candice Owens, a Black Woman is called a racist because she supports Trump. I have a friend of mine that is married to a beautiful dark skin, black woman. He is white. He is also a Trump supporter. I am shocked to see how quick they call him a racist. It's preposterous.
Regarding Kaepernick, I say he has the right to take a knee if he wants. I support his right to do it, however I am disrespected by it because I served in the military. Maybe if he was a vet I would see it differently, although I doubt it. I choose not to watch or attend the NFL games. I also have taken my own stance against Nike. I will not spend a single cent on anything Nike. They have decided to take a politics stance. Ironically, the left rail about "Citizens United" yet is fine with Nike taking a stance politically as long as it's advancing their agenda. Chick-Fil-A did not get afforded the same level of free thought and 1st amendment.
I found the book refreshing and very apropos. I recommend this book to anyone with an open mind willing to listen to someone outside of your echo chamber. Caldwell calls out Democrats, Republicans, Whites and Blacks. Caldwell is a smart, tenacious and driven individual. He definitely motivated me.
Although I do not agree with 100% of what he writes, I do consider it and can agree to disagree. Regarding Charlottesville, I cannot in good faith, broadly paint all protesters as racists or anti-racist gods. I do believe that I can protest the taking down of a Civil War statue and not be a White Supremacist. As a matter of fact, I do not agree with White Washing history. But make no mistake, if KKK and Real White Supremacists has their way, me, the black person and the Jew would all be hanging from the same tree. I never get how that can be. Candice Owens, a Black Woman is called a racist because she supports Trump. I have a friend of mine that is married to a beautiful dark skin, black woman. He is white. He is also a Trump supporter. I am shocked to see how quick they call him a racist. It's preposterous.
Regarding Kaepernick, I say he has the right to take a knee if he wants. I support his right to do it, however I am disrespected by it because I served in the military. Maybe if he was a vet I would see it differently, although I doubt it. I choose not to watch or attend the NFL games. I also have taken my own stance against Nike. I will not spend a single cent on anything Nike. They have decided to take a politics stance. Ironically, the left rail about "Citizens United" yet is fine with Nike taking a stance politically as long as it's advancing their agenda. Chick-Fil-A did not get afforded the same level of free thought and 1st amendment.
I found the book refreshing and very apropos. I recommend this book to anyone with an open mind willing to listen to someone outside of your echo chamber. Caldwell calls out Democrats, Republicans, Whites and Blacks. Caldwell is a smart, tenacious and driven individual. He definitely motivated me.
April 12, 2021
In the introduction to this book, Caldwell comments that many people likely won’t read his words because he’s conservative and sadly, though unfortunately, this is likely true. Unfortunate because Caldwell, an African American south side Chicago native put out a really good book. Part memoir, part political and cultural commentary/observation, Caldwell details his upbringing in poverty stricken Chicago, with a drug-addicted mother and surrounded by crime, drugs and ultimately hopelessness. He shares how he was raised in a community that was 95% generational Democrat, discovers that most hold conservative values, and evolves his own views to identify as conservative (and receives heart breaking responses from his closest family and friends). In a time when politics is so insanely divisive, I have intentionally veered from from overly politically “them-bashing” books (books that seek to hate on the other side, or spend 400 pages trying to convince you of someone’s evilness- I see no value in that other than to intentionally divide). So I found that Caldwell navigated this well. Though conservative, his political stance is that there’s more benefit in understanding and working with the other side, not telling you why they are wrong or evil. He admits to not toeing the party line and how that’s been tough too. I believe that his views, his tone and his perspective mirror most of the conservatives I know, not the “conservatives” portrayed on the nightly news of the pages of the NYT. Overall I enjoyed this quick read.
January 23, 2020
Enlightening
My first awareness of Mr. Caldwell was when he appeared on Fox News to "pitch" his book. I was impressed , not only with his demeanor, but with his aspirations for the future. I wanted to read his story, and I'm truly glad I did. He is such an inspiration to all people - young and old alike - coming from a severely disadvantaged childhood and accomplishing so much in such a short time. And he gives God the credit for leading him down the right path. I pray for the very best for him in the future.
My first awareness of Mr. Caldwell was when he appeared on Fox News to "pitch" his book. I was impressed , not only with his demeanor, but with his aspirations for the future. I wanted to read his story, and I'm truly glad I did. He is such an inspiration to all people - young and old alike - coming from a severely disadvantaged childhood and accomplishing so much in such a short time. And he gives God the credit for leading him down the right path. I pray for the very best for him in the future.
July 29, 2020
Conservative by choice
Very good book written by an African American man raised in south Chicago. There are personal stories along the way to help the reader understand why he is conservative.
Very good book written by an African American man raised in south Chicago. There are personal stories along the way to help the reader understand why he is conservative.
April 23, 2024
This is an incredible and impressive story of a person with an extremely difficult childhood who clearly developed a personal set of sound and solid values that not only does he "talk" about having, but in fact even with his life challenges, he actually "lived" his values and principles in making decisions in life - as well as allowing them to guide his relationships with others. It is a rare but incredibly valuable concept to actually live our values. More of our "leaders" in today's world should read this book - and then hold up a mirror to assess whether or not they are doing the same.
March 27, 2020
Gianno Caldwell makes some really good points about being a Republican vs being a Democrat. Again, I am of the belief that everything should be about ideas and not parties but if ever there was a person who defended being a Republican when he could so easily be a Democrat, it is Caldwell.
I read this book, surprisingly, because President Trump tweeted about it and recommended it. You see, I'm still trying to learn about the differences and political parties and such.
In this book, I particularly liked the progression of his antagonist, Democratic Richard Fowler, and how their fiery debate on a FoxNews panel went viral and they used that to go speak in schools together (and I love how Caldwell later noted that he and Fowler are now friends)
Caldwell's book was well thought out and nicely presented. It was storytelling interspersed with facts to keep the reader engrossed. Some of the content was harsh and absurdly subjective but as far as convincing people to see things more his way, I think that it would be somewhat more successful, if the right people read it. I gave it only four stars because of some of the saturated Republican and God praising that I felt did not add to his story.
Another reason I felt it only was worth four stars was his use of shocking his readers with explicit details. Shock factor may work for some of his audience but I think it's time to go beyond the shock factor: yes, our world is fucked up. Stop telling us how fucked up it is and tell us more about how to fix it.
I'm sad to say that Caldwell's book was the first I'd heard of The First Step Act. I have since started reading up about it and the First Step Act and it's criminal justice reform as well as its bipartisanship support.
On the other side of the coin, I was impressed when Caldwell was upset about the way President Trump handled the tragedy in of Charlottesville, Virginia where "massive gathering of neo-Nazis, neo-Confederates, southern nationalists, and alt-right militias from across the country."
"But now the president of the United States had just given a group whose sole purpose and history have been based on hate and the elimination of blacks and Jews moral equivalence with the genuine counterprotesters. My grandfather was born and raised in Helena, Arkansas, where the KKK sought to kill him and other family members. You can imagine this issue was very personal to me. In Chicago, the day before Trump’s press conference, my grandfather and I had had a long conversation about Charlottesville, and his words to me were fresh in my mind.
"So, yeah, I was hurt. Angry. Frustrated. Sad."
Yes, I was too. I cried. I knew, I knew 100% heart and soul that President Obama would have handled it beautifully.
"But as I reflected on what the president could have done or said differently, I also remembered what it felt like in the weeks following 9/11. When, for a few glorious weeks, we were all united as Americans. For a brief time, it didn’t seem to matter if you were black, white, or brown. We were all brothers and sisters because we were Americans. We shared certain values, a certain past, a certain goal.
"We haven’t really seen that since.
"Charlottesville, I knew, had the same potential to unite us.
"But Trump’s response derailed that opportunity. America didn’t need a stock statement. The country was pleading for a serious discussion about race, about our fundamental need to completely stamp out the Klan and neo-Nazis. I couldn’t help but think of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and the Charleston church shooting. Emmett Till and Jimmie Lee Jackson. Black Codes and the Southern Manifesto.
"Trump, I felt, had betrayed black America.
"And Jewish America. And American decency."
Caldwell was on a talk show the following day. He threw away his planned points of discussion and spoke from his heart.
"The words just came out: “I come today with a very heavy heart. Last night, I couldn’t sleep at all because President Trump, our president, has literally betrayed the conscience of our country…the very moral fabric in which we’ve made progress when it comes to race relations in America….He’s failed us.”"
Caldwell is beyond the parties, if only there were no parties, he would get a lot more support. I have to believe that maybe, just maybe, his ideas and ideals would gain the support of millennials and GenZers.
"Only when people feel comfortable discussing race or gender or creed or socioeconomic status honestly will true change occur. When Americans can freely talk to one another, and listen, and allow for those uncomfortable moments that happen in a free society. Such communication does not come from the position that what came before me must be wrong; that what my opponent is proposing must be wrong; that only my team’s words are correct and all others are racist, sexist, micro-aggressive, threatening…"
"Our future is of our own making.
And I know that it will be extraordinary."
Mister Gianno Caldwell, if you ever run for president, no matter what party, you have my vote.
March 27, 2020
3.5 stars. I'm likely in the minority of readers in that I wasn't familiar with Gianno Caldwell prior to downloading the Audible version of Taken for Granted. I'm not a conservative, nor a Fox-TV viewer, but I get frustrated with Democrats and Republicans who aren't open to listening to other points of view. Therefore, I like to expand my horizons by reading or listening to a variety of perspectives.
I appreciate a good success story, and Caldwell obviously overcame many obstacles to achieve his success. Hard work, determination, adherence to core values, and the ability to network seemingly effortlessly all contributed to that. He's a proud Chicagoan and it's clear he cares deeply about his city and his country. I enjoyed the first half (or so) more than the second. It seemed early in his career Caldwell focused more on the value of eliminating partisanship. He waxes nostalgic (like many do) to a time when Republicans and Democrats disagreed on issues, but still worked together for the greater good of the country.
Later on, I didn't get the same feeling. He battled Trump on issues of race (Charlottesville) but seemed to fall in line with the President on many other points. I'm not a religious person. But for someone such as Caldwell, who holds God and religion and equality in such high regard, and who credits a higher power for much of his good fortune, I couldn't get past the fact that he still seems to largely support our current President and the current cast of Republican lawmakers.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed hearing his point of view and thought it was decently written, though there were clunky passages here and there.
I appreciate a good success story, and Caldwell obviously overcame many obstacles to achieve his success. Hard work, determination, adherence to core values, and the ability to network seemingly effortlessly all contributed to that. He's a proud Chicagoan and it's clear he cares deeply about his city and his country. I enjoyed the first half (or so) more than the second. It seemed early in his career Caldwell focused more on the value of eliminating partisanship. He waxes nostalgic (like many do) to a time when Republicans and Democrats disagreed on issues, but still worked together for the greater good of the country.
Later on, I didn't get the same feeling. He battled Trump on issues of race (Charlottesville) but seemed to fall in line with the President on many other points. I'm not a religious person. But for someone such as Caldwell, who holds God and religion and equality in such high regard, and who credits a higher power for much of his good fortune, I couldn't get past the fact that he still seems to largely support our current President and the current cast of Republican lawmakers.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed hearing his point of view and thought it was decently written, though there were clunky passages here and there.
January 24, 2020
Gianno
An anecdotal telling of his life so far. I first became aware of Gianno when he appeared on Fox news channel. A black Republican with an Italian first name. Who is this guy? Well, I bought this book to.find out. An relatively easy and enjoyable read with several heartbreaking scenes which helped to make and build this man that he is today. I had most of my questions answered except one, how did he get his first name. LOL
An anecdotal telling of his life so far. I first became aware of Gianno when he appeared on Fox news channel. A black Republican with an Italian first name. Who is this guy? Well, I bought this book to.find out. An relatively easy and enjoyable read with several heartbreaking scenes which helped to make and build this man that he is today. I had most of my questions answered except one, how did he get his first name. LOL
November 28, 2019
Excellent Read
This book was filled with negative events & people, but Gianno didn’t allow that to make him stumble. With the help of Father God, His mentors and not being afraid to step out in faith into the unknown is a lesson for young & old alike to follow. My faith in Scripture & prayer has been reinforced by this wonderful book. Good writing.
This book was filled with negative events & people, but Gianno didn’t allow that to make him stumble. With the help of Father God, His mentors and not being afraid to step out in faith into the unknown is a lesson for young & old alike to follow. My faith in Scripture & prayer has been reinforced by this wonderful book. Good writing.
October 3, 2020
AMAZING INSIGHT INTO THIS YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO. HOW HE OVERCOME THE ODDS NOT ONLY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE POLITICAL AND HIGHLY COMPETIVIE MEDIA/NEWS WORLD BUT TO BECOME A MOUTH PIECE FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AS IT RELATES TO CONSERVATISM AND WHY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS FAILED THE BLACK COMMUNITY.
December 30, 2019
Good read. As a Chicagoan, I found it easy to understand. I didn't agree with everything this young man had to say, but I don't have to. I respect him and learned a lot from this book.
Thank you Gianno.
Thank you Gianno.
April 26, 2020
This book was so inspiring and a true example of how conservative values, faith, family, and self determination can work to change things for those in need in our inner cities. An amazing insight into how to work hard and achieve your dream!
November 24, 2019
What an incredibly uplifting book. A great read, especially for those who feel put upon. This man has a fantastic future ahead of him!
January 25, 2020
Hoped for more detail on what he found truly persuasive or appealing about conservative values.
April 5, 2020
Loved this man’s story and how he articulated his political journey and ideals. Good book!
July 18, 2020
Uplifting and very informational!
July 23, 2020
Excellent and very insightful.
Read
May 17, 2021Great book, very interesting perspective. I would be interested to hear what Gianno's perspective is now on Trump.
November 13, 2023
Every person who votes in the USA (most especially if you do it legally and once- and are an honest person) would do themselves a favor by reading this book. It is the most real context (politico or otherwise too) in every sense that I've read in years and years. Memoir is just the top of the iceberg what he defines and also FEELS here.
If not open enough for a total read (I would say at least half of the Goodreads crowd is not open minded enough to do so), the Introduction itself (7 stars, I'm not kidding) is super worth the effort. And this is coming from a person who states the truth because I often mention skipping the Intros until after reading the proper whole. In nearly every genre of non-fiction, absolutely true. So I totally recommend this Introduction, if nothing else is read.
In truth and in outcomes, I have viewed the exact same as Gianno. Also in primarily the same exact places. His in much later decades- but mine is not all that different. If anything it was BETTER in 1950 or 1960 than it is now for numerous logistics he has experienced. And many more wonderful and much happier people worked then, as well. Had jobs, had family, had much more joy in these exact places.
If you are a Southside Chicagoan, this is the only spot on book in fiction or in non-fiction that I've ever come across from the horse's mouth. Gianna had his bike stolen within 10 blocks from where mine was at 7. And I never got another one either. And one of his first incidents mentioned is 10 or 12 blocks south of one of my most intense memories during the year I was 17-18. Mine was harder, as it ended in a hospital. Total stranger assault. One of three I can recall.
The chapter "Bruh, You're From Evanston" is priceless. It's the same phrase I used once, right here. Did I laugh when I read that title!
Do I agree with him always. Not at all. But I applaud his immense values and eyes to speak the truth. As the great body of Southside Black Americans do NOT enjoy or believe in anyway for the policies of the "empathizers". In fact, quite the opposite. Family, structure, church, cultural habits are IMPORTANT in legacy to them.
If you have any interest in real life urban. This is the one to read. Politics and political outcome truth. That he has developed this thick enough of a skin- endless kudos. I've had to do so too but not anywhere near the levels he has maintained and reigned within himself.
If not open enough for a total read (I would say at least half of the Goodreads crowd is not open minded enough to do so), the Introduction itself (7 stars, I'm not kidding) is super worth the effort. And this is coming from a person who states the truth because I often mention skipping the Intros until after reading the proper whole. In nearly every genre of non-fiction, absolutely true. So I totally recommend this Introduction, if nothing else is read.
In truth and in outcomes, I have viewed the exact same as Gianno. Also in primarily the same exact places. His in much later decades- but mine is not all that different. If anything it was BETTER in 1950 or 1960 than it is now for numerous logistics he has experienced. And many more wonderful and much happier people worked then, as well. Had jobs, had family, had much more joy in these exact places.
If you are a Southside Chicagoan, this is the only spot on book in fiction or in non-fiction that I've ever come across from the horse's mouth. Gianna had his bike stolen within 10 blocks from where mine was at 7. And I never got another one either. And one of his first incidents mentioned is 10 or 12 blocks south of one of my most intense memories during the year I was 17-18. Mine was harder, as it ended in a hospital. Total stranger assault. One of three I can recall.
The chapter "Bruh, You're From Evanston" is priceless. It's the same phrase I used once, right here. Did I laugh when I read that title!
Do I agree with him always. Not at all. But I applaud his immense values and eyes to speak the truth. As the great body of Southside Black Americans do NOT enjoy or believe in anyway for the policies of the "empathizers". In fact, quite the opposite. Family, structure, church, cultural habits are IMPORTANT in legacy to them.
If you have any interest in real life urban. This is the one to read. Politics and political outcome truth. That he has developed this thick enough of a skin- endless kudos. I've had to do so too but not anywhere near the levels he has maintained and reigned within himself.
July 6, 2025
This was a really good read. The author was very good in describing how he got out of the cycle that his family was stuck in and made a life he wanted. He did not shy away from hot button ideas. He discussed the need for the community to take responsibility for issues and to work with the police to make changes to their community. I liked the fact that he was hopeful throughout the book that change can occur but it isn't going to be one thing that fixes it. There needs to be consistent works on both fronts to make these changes. I recommend reading it.
You know it's a good book when you are still thinking about the book weeks later and adding more information.
There is a section where he calls out both parties for focusing on the "words" instead of the issues that spoke so clearly. He was brutal on the democratic party for focusing on being against trump more than working with him to solve issues that the black community has. Nothing that gives Trump a win should be done even if it benefits the people they seem to represent. He wasn't above calling out Trump either. He represented his community and his beliefs regardless of which party was seeking to help. I really liked his clear and focused process on the issues and finding ways to deal with them.
I loved the last two sentences:
Our future is of our own making.
And I know that it will be extraordinary.
You know it's a good book when you are still thinking about the book weeks later and adding more information.
There is a section where he calls out both parties for focusing on the "words" instead of the issues that spoke so clearly. He was brutal on the democratic party for focusing on being against trump more than working with him to solve issues that the black community has. Nothing that gives Trump a win should be done even if it benefits the people they seem to represent. He wasn't above calling out Trump either. He represented his community and his beliefs regardless of which party was seeking to help. I really liked his clear and focused process on the issues and finding ways to deal with them.
I loved the last two sentences:
Our future is of our own making.
And I know that it will be extraordinary.
April 17, 2023
Excellent! Informative, great read and you don't want to put it down. Lots of twists and turns. Ups and downs, but overall real-life experiences. I think that most people when they are honest with themselves can relate. Gianno is very transparent in this book and I appreciate his honesty in sharing his experiences in such a profound way. I was blown away by his candid approach in sharing his story.
I really appreciated his expressing his love for God and His power over his life decisions. I commend him for allowing God to be the head of his life and knowing when to lead and when to follow. We could all get some take away pointers about never allowing your circumstances to define you or your choices because of someone else's preconceived biases. This young man has been blessed. His accomplishments are a tribute to never bowing out gracefully and giving up whenever an adversity comes along in spite of your doing everything correctly. In my opinion, this is true patriotism as he uses his platform to unify and not divide our country. Humbled!
I really appreciated his expressing his love for God and His power over his life decisions. I commend him for allowing God to be the head of his life and knowing when to lead and when to follow. We could all get some take away pointers about never allowing your circumstances to define you or your choices because of someone else's preconceived biases. This young man has been blessed. His accomplishments are a tribute to never bowing out gracefully and giving up whenever an adversity comes along in spite of your doing everything correctly. In my opinion, this is true patriotism as he uses his platform to unify and not divide our country. Humbled!
May 11, 2023
Excellent and inspiring to all genders, races, religions and political affiliation. Caldwell has a genuine spirit of love that is obvious in his character. We all have a story but special people use their story to help others. It is easier to fall into self pity and a victim mentality than to stand up and out of your situation. Caldwell shares how he succeeded with hard work, perseverance, faith and hope.
May 12, 2023
I enjoyed listening to this unusual audiobook. I like that the author read it himself, with his very own South side voice. Was it a little too Portrait of the Lobbyist as a Young Man in spots? Yes. Do I share his trust in a benevolent Creator? No. Do I hope his conservative viewpoints spread throughout Chicago? Yes.
November 10, 2023
I just couldn’t put this down.
I’m old school. Raised in poverty in the 50s and 60s but nothing like what this man endured. He made things so clear to me about our current generation and helped me understand how they think. Thank you!
I’m old school. Raised in poverty in the 50s and 60s but nothing like what this man endured. He made things so clear to me about our current generation and helped me understand how they think. Thank you!
January 23, 2023
arroz con mango!
March 30, 2023
True understanding of it doesn’t matter where you start, you can control your outcomes. Life is a continuous journey.
June 6, 2025
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Taken for Granted:
How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed
by Gianno Caldwell, published in 2019.
About the book & author:
"A Fox News political analyst tackles some of our communities’ toughest challenges with timely insight from his own life: the story of how conservative values helped a kid from the South Side of Chicago find a life of opportunity.
Born to a mother consumed by drugs and raised by his grandmother in poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Gianno Caldwell saw firsthand how lawmakers from both parties have failed African American voters on issues like poverty, welfare, and education. But as someone who beat the odds growing up under a fear-based mentality that limits what people can achieve, Caldwell believes there’s another way.
[He] describes his personal journey while detailing a hopeful vision for a nation no longer beholden to identity politics and self-limitations. Trapped within the expectations and traditions of our communities, families, political parties, faith, race, and gender, we fail to challenge our politicians and ourselves to create real change. Now more than ever, we need to confront preconceived notions about the Democrats and Republicans, public policy, and American history.
Looking at the obstacles facing urban communities, such as crime, education, and social mobility, Caldwell digs beneath the statistics. By spotlighting the moments that enabled his rise to success, he proffers steps that can help more people overcome the odds—whether through policy reform or the heroic efforts of men and women who are already working to make a difference in their own communities."
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Taken for Granted:
How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed
by Gianno Caldwell, published in 2019.
About the book & author:
"A Fox News political analyst tackles some of our communities’ toughest challenges with timely insight from his own life: the story of how conservative values helped a kid from the South Side of Chicago find a life of opportunity.
Born to a mother consumed by drugs and raised by his grandmother in poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Gianno Caldwell saw firsthand how lawmakers from both parties have failed African American voters on issues like poverty, welfare, and education. But as someone who beat the odds growing up under a fear-based mentality that limits what people can achieve, Caldwell believes there’s another way.
[He] describes his personal journey while detailing a hopeful vision for a nation no longer beholden to identity politics and self-limitations. Trapped within the expectations and traditions of our communities, families, political parties, faith, race, and gender, we fail to challenge our politicians and ourselves to create real change. Now more than ever, we need to confront preconceived notions about the Democrats and Republicans, public policy, and American history.
Looking at the obstacles facing urban communities, such as crime, education, and social mobility, Caldwell digs beneath the statistics. By spotlighting the moments that enabled his rise to success, he proffers steps that can help more people overcome the odds—whether through policy reform or the heroic efforts of men and women who are already working to make a difference in their own communities."
..
.
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