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We're Better Than This
With a foreword by Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings was known for saying “We’re better than this.”
He said it in Baltimore, a city on the verge of explosion over police treatment of citizens. He said it in Congress when microphones were shut down, barring free speech. He said it when the President flaunted his power and ignored the Constitution. He said it when the President resorted to bullying, name-calling and feeding racial divisions. We are better than this. He continued to say it until his final days last October. He said it because he believed we must call out what is wrong and call on our better selves to make things right.
In We’re Better Than This, Cummings details the formative moments in his life that prepared him to hold President Donald Trump accountable for his actions while in office. Cummings powerfully weaves together the urgent drama of modern-day politics and the defining stories from his past. He offers a unique perspective on how his upbringing as the son of sharecroppers in a South Baltimore neighborhood, rampant with racism and poverty, laid the foundation of a life spent fighting for justice.
Cummings was known for his ability to referee contentious members of Congress and reach across the aisle for the sake of justice. Since his early days in politics, Cummings proved his abilities as a leader and legal mind who could operate at the highest levels of democracy, always working with – and for – the underserved.
Part memoir, part call-to-action, the book goes behind the scenes with the House Democratic leadership, offering an eye-opening account of the relentless and unprecedented obstructionism by both the President and GOP. Cummings’ final words present a vital defense of how government oversight defines our collective trust and makes the case that, even in the face of our nation’s most challenging times, we must remain rooted in the politics of optimism.
Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings was known for saying “We’re better than this.”
He said it in Baltimore, a city on the verge of explosion over police treatment of citizens. He said it in Congress when microphones were shut down, barring free speech. He said it when the President flaunted his power and ignored the Constitution. He said it when the President resorted to bullying, name-calling and feeding racial divisions. We are better than this. He continued to say it until his final days last October. He said it because he believed we must call out what is wrong and call on our better selves to make things right.
In We’re Better Than This, Cummings details the formative moments in his life that prepared him to hold President Donald Trump accountable for his actions while in office. Cummings powerfully weaves together the urgent drama of modern-day politics and the defining stories from his past. He offers a unique perspective on how his upbringing as the son of sharecroppers in a South Baltimore neighborhood, rampant with racism and poverty, laid the foundation of a life spent fighting for justice.
Cummings was known for his ability to referee contentious members of Congress and reach across the aisle for the sake of justice. Since his early days in politics, Cummings proved his abilities as a leader and legal mind who could operate at the highest levels of democracy, always working with – and for – the underserved.
Part memoir, part call-to-action, the book goes behind the scenes with the House Democratic leadership, offering an eye-opening account of the relentless and unprecedented obstructionism by both the President and GOP. Cummings’ final words present a vital defense of how government oversight defines our collective trust and makes the case that, even in the face of our nation’s most challenging times, we must remain rooted in the politics of optimism.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2020
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879 people want to read
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November 3, 2020
I embarked on a mission to read a number of books on subjects that were of great importance to the 2020 US Presidential Election. Many of these explored actors intricately involved in the process, in hopes that I would understand them better and, perhaps, educate others with the power to cast a ballot. I was open to serious recommendations from anyone who has a book I might like to include in the process, though none who have felt my past sentiments on the current Administration has been too tough. I see this as a sign in and of itself that the truth has shone stronger than any serious tomes with the ability to justify the acts of the 45th President of the United States
This is the final, Book #36, in my 2020 US Election Preparation Challenge.
I chose to end my reading challenge with a book that would fire me up a bit, penned by recently deceased Congressman Elijah Cummings, a stalwart in the House of Representatives. Cummings’ passion for his work and a desire to equal the playing field shines through on every page and, while he died before the final product came to print, his voice remains strong in his fight to bring America back from the quagmire in which it has slipped.
Born to parents who could trace their ancestry to sharecroppers, Elijah Cummings knew the struggles of inequality from a young age. While his family never had much money, they had love and respect for one another. Cummings talks regularly about growing up on the rough side of Baltimore, an area he would eventually represent when he won a seat in the House of Representatives. While he saw blatant racism and was the victim of attacks because he was Black, Cummings never let that deter him from believing that Martin Luther King Jr.’s message would bring change.
After making his way through public school, Cummings went off to college and earned a law degree, choosing to give back to his community. He returned to serve those he called neighbours before being chosen to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates. It was there that Cummings learned about the formal political process and how representing others could do much in his fight to bring the people of his district the services they so badly needed. When a seat opened up in Baltimore to serve as a congressman, Cummings tossed his hat into the ring and won, sending him out to Washington, with new constituents and a country to protect.
The narrative is peppered with vignettes about Cummings’ time in the House, with a strong focus on his last two terms. When Cummings accepted the invitation to attend the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, he leapt at the opportunity, once it was green lighted by another stalwart in the civil rights movement. A one-on-one conversation with the new president yielded Cummings with a great deal of hope, as he tried to get prescription medication discounted for all Americans, something he was sure could help make Trump a great president. While lip service was paid to the idea, President Trump misattributed something that Representative Cummings said in their meeting and ignored his promise to work on the initiative. This soured Cummings to the Commander-in-Chief, and would be a harbinger of things to come.
After his numerous years in Congress, Cummings became the ranking (senior minority) member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, one of the most powerful in the House. He began asking the tough questions of his Republican colleagues, many of whom were using the Committee to bandy around their own personal concerns about tax breaks for right-wing non-governmental organisations. However, President Trump had begun his unravelling of the American fabric, something that Cummings could not watch without comment. He knew that the public would notice and had to bide his time until the mid-term elections, hoping that it would bring about a change. November 2018 did bring the Blue Wave and the Democrats regained control of the House, pushing Cummings into the chairmanship of Oversight and Reform.
The narrative of much of the book explores Cummings’ role as Chairman and how he brought numerous witnesses before the Committee to explore a handful of issues. From Trump’s former personal attorney—Michael Cohen—admitting he lied and revealing all the plans the president had while still a Republican candidate, to the treatment of those who were detained on America’s Southern border, and even the veiled use of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census that would ‘help with the Voting Rights Act’, Cummings used his gavel to get to the bottom of many Administration plans to dismantle much of what was in place and purposely disenfranchise those who were not in the Trump Camp. There are many gripping moments the reader will likely enjoy, though they can be difficult to stomach.
The pushback by Chairman Cummings would not go unnoticed, eventually finding him the victim of the presidential billy club, a series of tweets about him and his home district. Cummings admits they were hurtful comments and incorrectly vilified those he represented, though Trump has yet to learn how to apologise, so the mistakes hung in the air. Cummings cites many who came to his defence on both sides of the aisle, but the damage was done.
A poignant part of the narrative comes in discussion preparations to explore impeachment of Trump and how Cummings was central to the push. While he did not lead the change, Oversight and Reform had uncovered a great deal that could be used. The fine balance about how to handle this information and the repeated shunning of requested documents would prove to be too much to ignore. All the while, Cummings was losing his mobility to a recurring medical condition and ended up hospitalised for the latter part of his life. As recounted by his wife, Maya in the book’s final chapter, Cummings did not leave this world without making his final push to ensure democracy and justice would have their time in the limelight, for the America he wanted needed them both to be strong.
While he was happy to serve as a quasi-ghost writer for the project, James Dale broke his silence in the book’s introduction. He offered some wonderful backstory, taking the reader behind the curtain to explain how he amassed many of the stories Elijah Cummings wanted used in the book. These conversations were both frank and, at times, tough for both men to discuss. However, it led to the superior quality of this book. While Elijah Cummings passed away before this book could be published, he was an active player in his development, vetting vignettes and anecdotes up to the day of his death, as Dale describes. The realism of that admission makes me feel all the closer to Elijah Cummings as I read this quasi-memoir.
The passion for truth and calling America to account for the actions of its president cannot be missed by the attentive reader. There are moments of hope throughout, as Cummings recounts how he was able to surpass the expectations of many, but also many times when the ugliness of racial divide makes itself known. Cummings seeks not to candy coat what he witnessed or the actions emanating from the West Wing, but he does challenge the reader, as the title suggests, that this is not the best America has to offer. A president who feasts on division, violence, xenophobia, degradation, and mockery is not a uniter or one who speaks for the country. This is one reason Cummings spoke so vociferously from the House floor or in committee. He could see where things were going and could not ostrich himself in hopes that they would get better on their own.
In a book that sought to offer hope amongst much struggle, Cummings (through James Dale) lights a candle. His stories are on point and his passion drips from every page. While health concerns sidelined him on occasion, Elijah Cummings would not let it neutralise him as he sought a better America. Each chapter is full of rugged determination to show the progress that has been made since he was a boy, as well as some of the regression that has taken place. Cummings pulls no punches, but neither does he espouse violence to have his voice heard. The writing is clear and concise where it can be, educating the reader on a number of important topics that relate to one another and show ho one man can make a difference. A deeply religious man, Elijah Cummings found solace in his god and a loving family, who were there until the very end.
Kudos, Representative Cummings and Mr. Dale, for relating this essential story to everyone. While you are no longer with us, let the people speak loud and clear on November 3rd!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
This is the final, Book #36, in my 2020 US Election Preparation Challenge.
I chose to end my reading challenge with a book that would fire me up a bit, penned by recently deceased Congressman Elijah Cummings, a stalwart in the House of Representatives. Cummings’ passion for his work and a desire to equal the playing field shines through on every page and, while he died before the final product came to print, his voice remains strong in his fight to bring America back from the quagmire in which it has slipped.
Born to parents who could trace their ancestry to sharecroppers, Elijah Cummings knew the struggles of inequality from a young age. While his family never had much money, they had love and respect for one another. Cummings talks regularly about growing up on the rough side of Baltimore, an area he would eventually represent when he won a seat in the House of Representatives. While he saw blatant racism and was the victim of attacks because he was Black, Cummings never let that deter him from believing that Martin Luther King Jr.’s message would bring change.
After making his way through public school, Cummings went off to college and earned a law degree, choosing to give back to his community. He returned to serve those he called neighbours before being chosen to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates. It was there that Cummings learned about the formal political process and how representing others could do much in his fight to bring the people of his district the services they so badly needed. When a seat opened up in Baltimore to serve as a congressman, Cummings tossed his hat into the ring and won, sending him out to Washington, with new constituents and a country to protect.
The narrative is peppered with vignettes about Cummings’ time in the House, with a strong focus on his last two terms. When Cummings accepted the invitation to attend the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, he leapt at the opportunity, once it was green lighted by another stalwart in the civil rights movement. A one-on-one conversation with the new president yielded Cummings with a great deal of hope, as he tried to get prescription medication discounted for all Americans, something he was sure could help make Trump a great president. While lip service was paid to the idea, President Trump misattributed something that Representative Cummings said in their meeting and ignored his promise to work on the initiative. This soured Cummings to the Commander-in-Chief, and would be a harbinger of things to come.
After his numerous years in Congress, Cummings became the ranking (senior minority) member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, one of the most powerful in the House. He began asking the tough questions of his Republican colleagues, many of whom were using the Committee to bandy around their own personal concerns about tax breaks for right-wing non-governmental organisations. However, President Trump had begun his unravelling of the American fabric, something that Cummings could not watch without comment. He knew that the public would notice and had to bide his time until the mid-term elections, hoping that it would bring about a change. November 2018 did bring the Blue Wave and the Democrats regained control of the House, pushing Cummings into the chairmanship of Oversight and Reform.
The narrative of much of the book explores Cummings’ role as Chairman and how he brought numerous witnesses before the Committee to explore a handful of issues. From Trump’s former personal attorney—Michael Cohen—admitting he lied and revealing all the plans the president had while still a Republican candidate, to the treatment of those who were detained on America’s Southern border, and even the veiled use of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census that would ‘help with the Voting Rights Act’, Cummings used his gavel to get to the bottom of many Administration plans to dismantle much of what was in place and purposely disenfranchise those who were not in the Trump Camp. There are many gripping moments the reader will likely enjoy, though they can be difficult to stomach.
The pushback by Chairman Cummings would not go unnoticed, eventually finding him the victim of the presidential billy club, a series of tweets about him and his home district. Cummings admits they were hurtful comments and incorrectly vilified those he represented, though Trump has yet to learn how to apologise, so the mistakes hung in the air. Cummings cites many who came to his defence on both sides of the aisle, but the damage was done.
A poignant part of the narrative comes in discussion preparations to explore impeachment of Trump and how Cummings was central to the push. While he did not lead the change, Oversight and Reform had uncovered a great deal that could be used. The fine balance about how to handle this information and the repeated shunning of requested documents would prove to be too much to ignore. All the while, Cummings was losing his mobility to a recurring medical condition and ended up hospitalised for the latter part of his life. As recounted by his wife, Maya in the book’s final chapter, Cummings did not leave this world without making his final push to ensure democracy and justice would have their time in the limelight, for the America he wanted needed them both to be strong.
While he was happy to serve as a quasi-ghost writer for the project, James Dale broke his silence in the book’s introduction. He offered some wonderful backstory, taking the reader behind the curtain to explain how he amassed many of the stories Elijah Cummings wanted used in the book. These conversations were both frank and, at times, tough for both men to discuss. However, it led to the superior quality of this book. While Elijah Cummings passed away before this book could be published, he was an active player in his development, vetting vignettes and anecdotes up to the day of his death, as Dale describes. The realism of that admission makes me feel all the closer to Elijah Cummings as I read this quasi-memoir.
The passion for truth and calling America to account for the actions of its president cannot be missed by the attentive reader. There are moments of hope throughout, as Cummings recounts how he was able to surpass the expectations of many, but also many times when the ugliness of racial divide makes itself known. Cummings seeks not to candy coat what he witnessed or the actions emanating from the West Wing, but he does challenge the reader, as the title suggests, that this is not the best America has to offer. A president who feasts on division, violence, xenophobia, degradation, and mockery is not a uniter or one who speaks for the country. This is one reason Cummings spoke so vociferously from the House floor or in committee. He could see where things were going and could not ostrich himself in hopes that they would get better on their own.
In a book that sought to offer hope amongst much struggle, Cummings (through James Dale) lights a candle. His stories are on point and his passion drips from every page. While health concerns sidelined him on occasion, Elijah Cummings would not let it neutralise him as he sought a better America. Each chapter is full of rugged determination to show the progress that has been made since he was a boy, as well as some of the regression that has taken place. Cummings pulls no punches, but neither does he espouse violence to have his voice heard. The writing is clear and concise where it can be, educating the reader on a number of important topics that relate to one another and show ho one man can make a difference. A deeply religious man, Elijah Cummings found solace in his god and a loving family, who were there until the very end.
Kudos, Representative Cummings and Mr. Dale, for relating this essential story to everyone. While you are no longer with us, let the people speak loud and clear on November 3rd!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 24, 2020
Elijah Cummings’ book, We’re Better Than This is one of my best reads this crazy year (2020). The title he chose doesn’t shame us, it carries his heartfelt testimony of encouragement, conviction and humility. We are better than the current situation in which we find ourselves.
Now’s the time to reflect and choose which side we want for ourselves and our families, communities and the world. Too many of us feed our loyalties on the same prejudices, preferences, behaviors and customs of past generations without clearly reviewing if those are functional, helpful or relevant to our time. Change is forever and always, and guarding our traditions is worthy work, but tradition’s place is better kept to holiday celebrations, food and fashion rather than cementing them to the ever-changing vehicles and vessels that contain current politics, religion and custom. On any given day of a centuries past battle, many of us most likely would not find our feet in the same battlefield as our beloved ancestors’.
Elijah Cummings invites you to walk with him, read through his whys and wherefors, his reasoning for actions taken throughout his life. He invites you to think, consider and join him. His rallying cry is to never give up, even if you lose, or feel there is no purpose to continue the good fight for freedom for all. Fight to the very end, the very last moment. Someone, he promises (and shows where it has happened in his road), will pick up your sword and shield and will carry on. It may be someone you know, or a like-minded stranger who becomes the one who carries your power forward, just as he knows someone will carry his on now that he has left the battlefield.
Now’s the time to reflect and choose which side we want for ourselves and our families, communities and the world. Too many of us feed our loyalties on the same prejudices, preferences, behaviors and customs of past generations without clearly reviewing if those are functional, helpful or relevant to our time. Change is forever and always, and guarding our traditions is worthy work, but tradition’s place is better kept to holiday celebrations, food and fashion rather than cementing them to the ever-changing vehicles and vessels that contain current politics, religion and custom. On any given day of a centuries past battle, many of us most likely would not find our feet in the same battlefield as our beloved ancestors’.
Elijah Cummings invites you to walk with him, read through his whys and wherefors, his reasoning for actions taken throughout his life. He invites you to think, consider and join him. His rallying cry is to never give up, even if you lose, or feel there is no purpose to continue the good fight for freedom for all. Fight to the very end, the very last moment. Someone, he promises (and shows where it has happened in his road), will pick up your sword and shield and will carry on. It may be someone you know, or a like-minded stranger who becomes the one who carries your power forward, just as he knows someone will carry his on now that he has left the battlefield.
September 22, 2020
Thank you to Harper Audio for the complimentary audiobook of We're Better Than This by Elijah Cummings.
If I could pick one quote from this book that captures it's essence it would be this:
"This is a fight for the soul of our democracy." - Elijah Cummings
We're Better Than This is both a memoir and a call to action. Beyond that though it is also a work cut short due to Elijah Cummings' death, so it is also an homage to Cummings and the important and powerful man that he was.
In Cummings' words we hear about his life growing up in South Baltimore. We see where he gets his strength and values from as well as his religious faith. We learn about Cummings' professional life as a lawyer who eventually segues into politics at the local, state and national level. And we learn about Elijah Cummings as a leader of the House of Representatives.
In the call to action portion of the book Cummings' outlines his interactions with Donald Trump and how Cummings went from attempting to work with Donald Trump in the early days of his presidency to actively investigating Trump and his administration for a whole list of misdeeds.
The final part of the book is made up of eulogies delivered at his funeral from prominent political figures as well as from the Cummings family.
I found the story of Cummings' life to be fascinating. I really appreciated the behind the scenes look at the man and political machine that he was a part of. I think the book is an important work in capturing the perspective of a man who played a critical role in the impeachment of Donald Trump when he was literally on his death bed.
If the book has a weakness it is that it is a bit disjointed because Cummings passed away before it could really be completed. This causes parts of the book to be mildly repetitive as we get his wife, Maya's perspective of Cummings. As for the eulogies, I found some of the speeches to be works of oratory art. I'm not sure if they would have been quite as powerful in written word. If eulogies are not something you are interested in it would be easy to just skip that portion of the book.
Although by no means conventional, I do think this is an important work that people should read.
Audiobook comments: The audiobook is top notch. The majority of the book is narrated by Laurence Fishburne, who does an excellent job of capturing Cummings' passion for public service to the people. Other portions of the book include parts with Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Nancy Pelosi, as well as eulogies delivered by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Harry Spikes, Kweisi Mfume, and others.
If I could pick one quote from this book that captures it's essence it would be this:
"This is a fight for the soul of our democracy." - Elijah Cummings
We're Better Than This is both a memoir and a call to action. Beyond that though it is also a work cut short due to Elijah Cummings' death, so it is also an homage to Cummings and the important and powerful man that he was.
In Cummings' words we hear about his life growing up in South Baltimore. We see where he gets his strength and values from as well as his religious faith. We learn about Cummings' professional life as a lawyer who eventually segues into politics at the local, state and national level. And we learn about Elijah Cummings as a leader of the House of Representatives.
In the call to action portion of the book Cummings' outlines his interactions with Donald Trump and how Cummings went from attempting to work with Donald Trump in the early days of his presidency to actively investigating Trump and his administration for a whole list of misdeeds.
The final part of the book is made up of eulogies delivered at his funeral from prominent political figures as well as from the Cummings family.
I found the story of Cummings' life to be fascinating. I really appreciated the behind the scenes look at the man and political machine that he was a part of. I think the book is an important work in capturing the perspective of a man who played a critical role in the impeachment of Donald Trump when he was literally on his death bed.
If the book has a weakness it is that it is a bit disjointed because Cummings passed away before it could really be completed. This causes parts of the book to be mildly repetitive as we get his wife, Maya's perspective of Cummings. As for the eulogies, I found some of the speeches to be works of oratory art. I'm not sure if they would have been quite as powerful in written word. If eulogies are not something you are interested in it would be easy to just skip that portion of the book.
Although by no means conventional, I do think this is an important work that people should read.
Audiobook comments: The audiobook is top notch. The majority of the book is narrated by Laurence Fishburne, who does an excellent job of capturing Cummings' passion for public service to the people. Other portions of the book include parts with Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Nancy Pelosi, as well as eulogies delivered by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Harry Spikes, Kweisi Mfume, and others.
December 1, 2020
Biography written for YA readers at Elijah Cummings request. It’s very moving and is framed by his own words. I think it’s most appropriate for adults only because the topics are really sophisticated and might not grab younger readers’ minds. He doesn’t break things down easily and assumes knowledge that others might not have. Still fir a sophisticated young adult who knows more about government probably have no problem. I loved it.
November 21, 2020
Congressman Elijah Cummings writes about his life with such a steadfast belief in democracy and equality, it makes me want to turn up the dial on my hope again. He was a Good Person and light in our world. May we all continue to shine for him as we march on.
Read
February 15, 2021Representative Cummings was a giant among men in the House of Representatives, and this book proves it. He presents his story about growing up in a poor family in Baltimore as a parallel to the events (up to October of 2019, at the time of his death) that are currently congealing like expired green Jell-O into one of the most tumultuous periods in our country's history.
Mr. Cummings describes a family that loved and supported him when he was growing up, and he shares many personal anecdotes that made me think. My favorite was one about how pain fuels passion, which in turn feeds purpose. I loved that idea because it’s so true. If we can train ourselves to take the pain that hurts us and transform it into a passion that drives us, we find our purpose. Simple but incredibly powerful.
Mr. Cummings also set the record straight on a number of issues. He says he was the first democrat to extend an olive branch to the 45th president, and he gave the president the benefit of the doubt regarding his request for help with lowering prescription drug costs. Mr. Cummings had heard from many of his Baltimore constituents that they often had to forego expensive, life-saving medicines in favor of feeding their families. The president said he would get someone on it. History shows how that went. The president also twisted Mr. Cummings’s words to craft more lies on numerous occasions, not the least of which was to hear what he wanted to hear when Cummings told him if he helped congress lower the price of prescription drugs, he would go down as one of history’s greatest presidents. Naturally, 45 boasted to everyone who’d listen that Representative Cummings called him the greatest president in history. Don’t even get me fucking started on this joke of a president. I don’t have the bandwidth for anymore of his bullshit, which is part of the reason I waited until after the election to listen to this book. Fuck’s sake!
Suffice it to say, Representative Cummings didn’t live to see prescription drug costs lowered, nor did any of his other agenda items take off under the thumb of a narcissistic, obstructionist ignoramus, and our country has suffered for it. Imagine how much he could’ve accomplished if he’d lived through another couple of terms. Such a waste. Fuck cancer, man. Just fuck it.
Mr. Cummings didn’t get to finish this book, but his wife, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, wrote the final chapter with him in her heart. The book wraps up with a selection of speeches/eulogies from his funeral presented by Maya, his daughters Jennifer and Adia, former Maryland Representative Kweisi Mfume, former presidents Clinton and Obama, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and many others. They presented a beautiful, heart-warming tribute to a man who loved his country and whose life was cut way too short.
Bookended by narration from Nancy Pelosi and Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Laurence Fishburne voices this must-read/listen to autobiography. As always, Fishburne was the BOMB. Give this one a listen. You won’t regret it.
Mr. Cummings describes a family that loved and supported him when he was growing up, and he shares many personal anecdotes that made me think. My favorite was one about how pain fuels passion, which in turn feeds purpose. I loved that idea because it’s so true. If we can train ourselves to take the pain that hurts us and transform it into a passion that drives us, we find our purpose. Simple but incredibly powerful.
Mr. Cummings also set the record straight on a number of issues. He says he was the first democrat to extend an olive branch to the 45th president, and he gave the president the benefit of the doubt regarding his request for help with lowering prescription drug costs. Mr. Cummings had heard from many of his Baltimore constituents that they often had to forego expensive, life-saving medicines in favor of feeding their families. The president said he would get someone on it. History shows how that went. The president also twisted Mr. Cummings’s words to craft more lies on numerous occasions, not the least of which was to hear what he wanted to hear when Cummings told him if he helped congress lower the price of prescription drugs, he would go down as one of history’s greatest presidents. Naturally, 45 boasted to everyone who’d listen that Representative Cummings called him the greatest president in history. Don’t even get me fucking started on this joke of a president. I don’t have the bandwidth for anymore of his bullshit, which is part of the reason I waited until after the election to listen to this book. Fuck’s sake!
Suffice it to say, Representative Cummings didn’t live to see prescription drug costs lowered, nor did any of his other agenda items take off under the thumb of a narcissistic, obstructionist ignoramus, and our country has suffered for it. Imagine how much he could’ve accomplished if he’d lived through another couple of terms. Such a waste. Fuck cancer, man. Just fuck it.
Mr. Cummings didn’t get to finish this book, but his wife, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, wrote the final chapter with him in her heart. The book wraps up with a selection of speeches/eulogies from his funeral presented by Maya, his daughters Jennifer and Adia, former Maryland Representative Kweisi Mfume, former presidents Clinton and Obama, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and many others. They presented a beautiful, heart-warming tribute to a man who loved his country and whose life was cut way too short.
Bookended by narration from Nancy Pelosi and Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Laurence Fishburne voices this must-read/listen to autobiography. As always, Fishburne was the BOMB. Give this one a listen. You won’t regret it.
January 30, 2021
A truly great American. He had a front row seat to Trump’s high crimes and misdemeanors, and his recitation of them in the context of his work as the Chairman of the Congressional Oversight and Reform Committee reminds us succinctly that we must work endlessly tirelessly to protect our democracy. He was as Speaker Pelosi says, our North Star for this fundamental principle of our nation.
October 1, 2020
You know there is true talent when even with James Dale helping in the compellation of it, the entire time I could HEAR Elijah Cummings voice in my head. I really miss that voice.
I think this book is one to have an keep and read again in 20 years. There are many things he discusses that feel too raw and too soon. Over the past 4 years I have become much more politically aware, and often have C-Span on so there is this line I am walking of reliving hearings that I very distinctly remember from just a year or so ago, and I felt a bit bogged down by the replay. But for anyone who does not watch these hearings, I think this will be very effective, and I am looking forward to reading this years in the future when I don't really remember things so vividly.
The intertwining of his family life, and his growing up is done well, and gives a lot of insight into who Cummings was. I want to criticize him for being a bit too rosy glasses, and a bit too "pull your self up by the bootstraps" but I do think he was completely honest, and his sincerity comes across well.
I think this book is one to have an keep and read again in 20 years. There are many things he discusses that feel too raw and too soon. Over the past 4 years I have become much more politically aware, and often have C-Span on so there is this line I am walking of reliving hearings that I very distinctly remember from just a year or so ago, and I felt a bit bogged down by the replay. But for anyone who does not watch these hearings, I think this will be very effective, and I am looking forward to reading this years in the future when I don't really remember things so vividly.
The intertwining of his family life, and his growing up is done well, and gives a lot of insight into who Cummings was. I want to criticize him for being a bit too rosy glasses, and a bit too "pull your self up by the bootstraps" but I do think he was completely honest, and his sincerity comes across well.
February 15, 2021
A good man is hard to find. Here’s an inside look at one! This book tells Elijah Cummings’ life and career in his own voice, with emphasis on Trumps first 2 years in office and Cummings’ righteous outrage at his presidency. Sadly, the congressman died in Oct of 2019 and was not able to witness Mr. Trump’s defeat. I listened to this book. Voiced I believe by the journalist James Dale who helped him write it.
I highly recommend all Americans and others to read it!!
I highly recommend all Americans and others to read it!!
October 13, 2020
A must read for all Americans
January 5, 2021
If you read this do the audiobook! The farewell address is embedded at the end thus making it longer but so worth the listen.
He was an amazing person.
He was an amazing person.
March 5, 2021
What an American hero! Selfless, hopeful, passionate, generous -- we need more Elijahs in this world!
December 8, 2020
This was great, but not what I expected. Although there was a lot of autobiographical information, the bulk of the book was a tirade against #45. Not that I blame him. The information in this book gave me more ammunition against my own Congressman (Jim Jordan). The book was written with the help of James Dale. He was able to document that Cummings looked at a message from Dale hours before he died. After Elijah died, his wife finished followed by speeches from his funeral which included Nancy Pelosi, his wife, his daughters, one brother, President Clinton, and President Obama.
The eulogies ended being on twice. Most were good enough to listen to twice.
The eulogies ended being on twice. Most were good enough to listen to twice.
December 6, 2020
What an impressive life!
"I have a recurring dream where I see myself running down a street lined with people. As I run down that street, I hand each person what they need. I just keep running and running. To help others rise up-- to find food shelter, clothing, hope, and truth. That is my purpose."
"I have a recurring dream where I see myself running down a street lined with people. As I run down that street, I hand each person what they need. I just keep running and running. To help others rise up-- to find food shelter, clothing, hope, and truth. That is my purpose."
October 8, 2020
Inspirational reading, great narration.
February 3, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
A very well-written memoir from a Congressional legend, Mr. Elijah Cummings (RIP). A fantastic story of a life well lived & full of important accomplishments. It would be amazing to have more people like him (and John Lewis, RIP) in Congress. Read this, you won’t regret it.
A very well-written memoir from a Congressional legend, Mr. Elijah Cummings (RIP). A fantastic story of a life well lived & full of important accomplishments. It would be amazing to have more people like him (and John Lewis, RIP) in Congress. Read this, you won’t regret it.
October 8, 2020
Highly recommend this- especially as an audiobook. Hearing all the eulogies at the end- so powerful!
I realized I didn't know much about Elijah Cummings, so I'm so thankful for this book! What a great man! A great American! So so thankful for his leadership.
I realized I didn't know much about Elijah Cummings, so I'm so thankful for this book! What a great man! A great American! So so thankful for his leadership.
October 1, 2020
Phenomenal book! Everyone must read it! It's inspiring, informative, and very poignant.
October 9, 2020
This caught my eye after the passing of Cummings this year and it seemed like an interesting pickup. I had read that he was still working while he was dying, as in actually signing subpoenas from his deathbed. And I couldn't help but think of the work he and others such as John Lewis had been put in and how they might not see the change they had worked so hard for.
This is not quite a memoir, but reads like a series of recollections of his life and times, both in Congress and before. The Trump era understandably gets a lot of focus, but if you were curious about his upbringing and earlier career, there's certainly something in here too.
That said, it's always tough when there's a ghostwriter. I was initially really interested, but to me the book feels like it was pieced together from interviews, notes, conversations with his family, friends and colleagues, etc. Sometimes this can work but sometimes it can be too difficult to reconstruct a book like this as a memoir written by the subject vs. a biography, which might have been a better route.
There's a bit of a sense that this was perhaps rushed in time for the election season, and maybe a way for Cummings to "campaign" for his colleagues now that he is no longer with us, as well as an answer to Trump to give his own side. I certainly don't regret reading it but in a time of lots of political books that range from really fantastic to the mediocre, I'd have to say this might have been better if written as a biography instead.
Do recommend this if you're at all interested in his life and times and this is certainly a book to have on the Trump era. Library might be best, though, as it was for me.
This is not quite a memoir, but reads like a series of recollections of his life and times, both in Congress and before. The Trump era understandably gets a lot of focus, but if you were curious about his upbringing and earlier career, there's certainly something in here too.
That said, it's always tough when there's a ghostwriter. I was initially really interested, but to me the book feels like it was pieced together from interviews, notes, conversations with his family, friends and colleagues, etc. Sometimes this can work but sometimes it can be too difficult to reconstruct a book like this as a memoir written by the subject vs. a biography, which might have been a better route.
There's a bit of a sense that this was perhaps rushed in time for the election season, and maybe a way for Cummings to "campaign" for his colleagues now that he is no longer with us, as well as an answer to Trump to give his own side. I certainly don't regret reading it but in a time of lots of political books that range from really fantastic to the mediocre, I'd have to say this might have been better if written as a biography instead.
Do recommend this if you're at all interested in his life and times and this is certainly a book to have on the Trump era. Library might be best, though, as it was for me.
September 16, 2021
I really enjoy biographies. Listening to someones history that made them the way they are is so interesting to me. But this book didn't do it for me. I couldn't finish it. Most of the book is spent talking about how much he hated Trump as president.
The book is written as if it is a bunch of interviews woven into a book. Interesting concept but every story ends with how it relates to his strong dislike of Trump. Actual quote for the book "I am the child of sharecroppers, I didn't work my way from the farm to be faced with the racism of this man." What!? That connection makes no sense.
Anyway, if want to listen to someone talk about how much they dislike the former president, this is a book for you.
The book is written as if it is a bunch of interviews woven into a book. Interesting concept but every story ends with how it relates to his strong dislike of Trump. Actual quote for the book "I am the child of sharecroppers, I didn't work my way from the farm to be faced with the racism of this man." What!? That connection makes no sense.
Anyway, if want to listen to someone talk about how much they dislike the former president, this is a book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
A precious, special read as a Marylander. Truly written in his voice (up until the last chapter where it’s Maya) — it was as if I could hear it while I read. As a political memoir it’s quite short, since he only focused on this presidency. The memories and lessons from his earlier time in congress, the state legislature, and before that are sprinkled in, are moments to be cherished.
I didn’t understand the depth and longevity of his sickness until reading this. To say he has “beat the odds” is true in more ways than one; he was a pusher. All while keeping a solid moral compass.
I didn’t understand the depth and longevity of his sickness until reading this. To say he has “beat the odds” is true in more ways than one; he was a pusher. All while keeping a solid moral compass.
February 15, 2021
Elijah Cummings did a lot of good and was a great man - someone who owned his humanity and extended his acceptance and care to others. I simply am not a memoir/biography person and think this book is less a memoir than a rehashing of the political events of the past 4 years which I didn't need or want to read - since there wasn't an analysis other than: we're better than this. I would have rather known more about Cummings' life - those sections were the most interesting. (I didn't choose to read this; I'm reading it for work).
November 14, 2020
You feel the loss of this voice in the House.😢
December 2, 2024
I am ashamed to admit that I had no idea who Elijah Cummings was, prior to reading this. I remember hearing the name, when he died. But I knew nothing of his life before this book. That said, part of the purpose of this book appears to be to proclaim not only the life that he lived, but what was most important to him.
It SOUNDS like he had devoted his life to the cause of the civil rights movement and that is touched on, from time to time, throughout the book. But the focus of the book is the Congressman's involvement with and conflict with Donald Trump, principally over the last couple years of his life. While this is clearly important to the author, dwelling on this detracts from all that had come before it.
I started reading this just prior to the recent presidential election, which resulted in the re-election of Donald Trump. So one counter-point to the book is that apparently, we are NOT better than THIS. On the other hand, would agree with the author that we NEED to be better than this. Most of the time, we cannot control all of the things that happen around us. On most issues that divide us, there will be people on the other side who do not agree on how things should be handled or resolved. If we focus on the fight and where the "other side" is wrong or insane or crooked or "fill in the blank," then there is little chance of any meaningful improvement.
I would like to think that ALL of us can and WILL be better than we have demonstrated so far. We need to get beyond calling names and vilifying each other and focus on making things better for all of us. While that may not actually be possible, the aspiration of striving to do so is worth the effort.
I would like to think that most of us share the same hopes and dreams for our nation and our world. While we disagree on the path to get there, focusing only on that disagreement sometimes makes enemies of our neighbors. That does not help any of us. So we need to be better than this.
It SOUNDS like he had devoted his life to the cause of the civil rights movement and that is touched on, from time to time, throughout the book. But the focus of the book is the Congressman's involvement with and conflict with Donald Trump, principally over the last couple years of his life. While this is clearly important to the author, dwelling on this detracts from all that had come before it.
I started reading this just prior to the recent presidential election, which resulted in the re-election of Donald Trump. So one counter-point to the book is that apparently, we are NOT better than THIS. On the other hand, would agree with the author that we NEED to be better than this. Most of the time, we cannot control all of the things that happen around us. On most issues that divide us, there will be people on the other side who do not agree on how things should be handled or resolved. If we focus on the fight and where the "other side" is wrong or insane or crooked or "fill in the blank," then there is little chance of any meaningful improvement.
I would like to think that ALL of us can and WILL be better than we have demonstrated so far. We need to get beyond calling names and vilifying each other and focus on making things better for all of us. While that may not actually be possible, the aspiration of striving to do so is worth the effort.
I would like to think that most of us share the same hopes and dreams for our nation and our world. While we disagree on the path to get there, focusing only on that disagreement sometimes makes enemies of our neighbors. That does not help any of us. So we need to be better than this.
December 3, 2020
Do something. What do you mean, do something? I mean make an effort. Do something small.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard Elijah Cummings had passed. That one hurt. Elijah was someone who always stood for what's right, had a lot of faith, never gave up and saw the best in everyone.
This book kinda ripped at my heart strings from the start. In the prologue, the writer that worked with Elijah on the book explained that he died before the book was completely finished. That he was working on both the book and congressional matters up until the very last second of his life.
It covers everything from Elijah's childhood, his health and his work in Congress, but especially his role in Trump's impeachment.
There need to be more people in the world like Elijah Cummings. He is so remarkable as a person and a politician, always going above and beyond, giving what he didn't have and working even when his health didn't permit it.
I highly recommend this book to any politics junkie or fan of Elijah Cummings out there. It's a pretty quick read, too.
September 24, 2020
Thank you to #NetGalley, the publisher and the authors for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my review. We're Better Than This by Elijah Cummings and James Dale is a wonderful book. The book was not complete when Cummings died so it is both a memoir and a tribute to him and his life of service. After reading it, I came away with the overwhelming feeling that if more people followed Cummings lead, the world would be a much better place. He truly believed that this country and the people in it are "better than this" and that we all need to speak out when something is wrong and that we each need to work individually and collectively to make things right. The eulogies at the end of the book range from one given by his pastor to ones from former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and they are worth reading, so do not skip over them. I highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2021
This book can work as a reasonably thorough while still brief bio of Elijah Cummings.
It may be more important as a demonstration of ethical governing, setting priorities, making choices, and the communication that goes on behind the scenes. There are valuable lessons in that.
The reading style is easy, if at times repetitious. Cummings acknowledges that as one of his techniques, picked up from preacher parents from whom he also learned faith, persistence, and integrity.
The book also reminds us of things that were (and remain) wrong with Trump, but there was always so much that it was easy to miss things, and some of the sections here provided good clarification.
It is awe-inspiring to realize how much Cummings did while hampered by serious medical problems.
It may be more important as a demonstration of ethical governing, setting priorities, making choices, and the communication that goes on behind the scenes. There are valuable lessons in that.
The reading style is easy, if at times repetitious. Cummings acknowledges that as one of his techniques, picked up from preacher parents from whom he also learned faith, persistence, and integrity.
The book also reminds us of things that were (and remain) wrong with Trump, but there was always so much that it was easy to miss things, and some of the sections here provided good clarification.
It is awe-inspiring to realize how much Cummings did while hampered by serious medical problems.
October 23, 2020
Unfortunately Congressman Cummings passed before completing this book. But others finished it for him. Most interesting were his personal moments, particularly his childhood lessons from his parents.
However, I did sometimes skim over the preceding against Trump. I understand the purpose for including these events. (It's what motivated Cummings to start this book.) But the whole impeachment process was exhausting, and I did not want to revisit.
But from this book it is easy to see what made Elijah Cummings such a respected member of Congress. Our country will be better served with more Leaders like him.
However, I did sometimes skim over the preceding against Trump. I understand the purpose for including these events. (It's what motivated Cummings to start this book.) But the whole impeachment process was exhausting, and I did not want to revisit.
But from this book it is easy to see what made Elijah Cummings such a respected member of Congress. Our country will be better served with more Leaders like him.
January 24, 2021
At a time when our opinion of politicians is particularly low, along comes a life story of someone like Elijah Cummings. Not perfect, as none of us are, but executing his role in a manner that is incredibly admirable.
Just imagine a world where all elected leaders served in this manner and demonstrated this level of humility, integrity and genuine care. Then add to it the fact that he pushed himself physically, through enormous pain and trails, to get things done.
Written with great care and insight, this book is a must read for political junkies and frankly, for anyone who is interested in reading about a life lived well and the possibilities of the human spirit. I really enjoyed it.
Just imagine a world where all elected leaders served in this manner and demonstrated this level of humility, integrity and genuine care. Then add to it the fact that he pushed himself physically, through enormous pain and trails, to get things done.
Written with great care and insight, this book is a must read for political junkies and frankly, for anyone who is interested in reading about a life lived well and the possibilities of the human spirit. I really enjoyed it.
January 25, 2021
Cummings mixes his own personal story with the recent events that happened before his death in 2019. I hadn't known any of his personal story so it was interesting to see how his childhood, his family, his home in Baltimore, his schooling all influenced how he looked at legislature and his own role in this country. He places all of us in the center: we're better than this because we all can do something. We can all reach our hands out to people who need a helpful hand. Now more than ever is this true. He was obviously loved by his friends and those who worked with him, but he was also a complicated man. This book doesn't address all of this, but does show us his humanity.
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