Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith, and Dreams of a Mexican President

by Vicente Fox, Rob Allyn

Traces the rise and career of the charismatic former president of Mexico, from his youth as the son of immigrants from the United States and Spain and his achievements as the youngest CEO in the history of Coca-Cola to his presidential efforts to reduce poverty, address corruption, and reform key social programs. 100,000 first printing.

Genres: Politics, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Memoir

375 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Mexican politician and former President of Mexico from 2000 to 2006.

Currently he serves as co-President of the Centrist Democrat International, an international organization of Christian democratic political parties.

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox is hard not to like - passionate, charismatic, funny, and motivated by love of God's people. No, I didn't agree with him on everything, but found his determination to improve the lives of as many people as possible inspiring and energizing. It made me take a closer look at my opinions on immigration as well, and address the core issue at hand (human lives) as opposed to the rest of what you hear from the media: politics, jobs and racial bias... made me think about what I can do in Peoria to improve the lives of my brothers and sisters to the south... and *that* makes for a good book.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a (mostly) interesting and informative book by and about the first Mexican President to break through the one-party corruption that had strongholded the nation for decades.

The cons of this book were: it felt a bit long, especially since the same several points were made over and over and over again. It is obviously a book intended For America (did he really have to call Mexico's Presidential plane "Mexican Air Force One" over and over again?) and in many places is less of an autobiography and more of a pitch for guest worker legislation.

All in all, though, Vicente Fox is a likeable guy who made a real difference. And it was about time I learned a little more about our neighbors (prior to reading this book, my knowledge about Mexican politics was zilch).

A few Quotes to ponder:

Of the many myths about Mexican immigration, this is the greatest: People in the United States actually think that everyone here wants to leave all we love and seek economic refuge 2000 miles away in what seems, to a boy of fourteen, to be the cold, forbidding land of El Norte.

I admired nearly everything in Barack Obama's thoughtful and well-written book The Audacity of Hope -- except his critque of globalism ... I admire Barack Obama -- he reminds me of Bobby Kennedy -- but he is flat wrong about trade with Mexico
I would love to find out just how he reminds him of Bobby, but he didn't elaborate.

It was then that I learned, in the face of great adversity, the key to solving problems is to tackle even more of these challenges. You must challenge yourself to new heights, make yourself so busy climbing the next peak that today's hill does not loom as high.

We [heads of state from over the world:] were all completely united behind President Bush back then [at the first post-9/11 summit:] -- it is amazing to think how different things were in the world just a few short years ago.

When people ask me, "Why does the world hate America?" I answer that we don't hate America. But at times we do wonder whether America hates the world -- or at least does not respect us.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. Despite not believing EVERYTHING Fox writes (some of it is naive as hell; some of it sounds too disingenuous for my taste), he's charming, hopeful (there's a LOT of that, loyal to the book's title), funny, entertaining, and way more intellectual and smart than I remember him being when he was president (to be fair, I was too young then to be paying close and informed attention).
What strikes me most is that this book is 100% intended for a United States audience. Written originally in English (you can see the ghostwriter's thumbprints all over). Explaining Mexico for non-Mexicans. It's a bit weird and at odds with his dedication ("To the people of Mexico, with love"). I don't know how many Mexicans have read or will read this memoir/political-philosophical statement/manifestation-for-world-peace/desire-for-human-beings-to-be-better, but I'm guessing not much at all. Which is interesting. It's patent that he's selling himself to the US and the rest of the world. Guess he was trying to remain relevant after being prez. Can't blame him.
And I like him more than I did before reading this, so he's really good at selling (like he himself acknowledges), even though I don't believe his every word or intention.
I'd vote for him again, that's for sure.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about Mexican history from this book. I had no clue about the corruptness of Mexico's leadership that lasted for many years. This book contained humor, history, and inspiration. I also liked the blunt truth about the strengths and weaknesses of Mexico and its culture that Vicente explains by stories and U.S. comparisions. I learned so much from reading it plus I was very entertained so I had to give it 5 stars.

[Inna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Inna's husband, Mike. Anyone who knows me, please read this as if I'm not the one writing the review. This is perhaps one of the most important books anyone could read...a perspective of the American dream from a former Mexican president. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and suggest anyone check it out from the library or borrow it. It discusses the hopes and dreams of someone just like us, just from a different country. Very uplifting and funny, too. So...read it.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

calling it - eventually his north american union will come into being. & you heard it here first from Vicente Fox

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing, funny, and thoughtful review of Mexico in a historical and political sense along with unbelievable memoirs of a modern political crusader. I gained an appreciation for Fox's merging of ideals with practicality and his commitment to basic freedoms (i.e. of the press, the right to protest, etc.) even when it hurt his image. I liked the focus on Mexico's poor and his treatment of the immigration issue from the Mexican point of view.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

His first job after college was working for Ford in Mexico City. However, he quit this job to become a Coke Cola Driver. He did not like being trapped in office all day at Ford.

It was interesting to read about his opinion on Barack Obama's - he believe he is similar to a Robert F. Kennedy. However, he does not approve of Barack Obama's stance on NAFTA.

He also wants to see a United Americas. It would be similar to the European Union.

[Dena Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether or not you like Vicente Fox and his performance during his presidency, the book gives the reader an excellent understanding of the Mexican political landscape and the enormous challenges that still face the country.

[Xavier Vargas]

I may not agree with all of his politics, but this is a very readable book and makes me think of my great-grandparents' experience in the Mexico of yesteryear and reminds me how grateful I am that, as the Mexican Revolution waned, my great-grandparents traveled to El Norte to find a better life.

[Susan Y, · Rating 4 out of 5]

This explained a lot about this Mexican president and answered a lot of my questions. He does take a rather hemispherical view f the future, which makes sense considering his heritage as well as his career. an interesting figure.

[Erick Gutierrez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Una autobiografía del ex presidente Fox en el que nos informa su vida desde la emigración de su abuelo a México desde Cincinnati, Ohio, su papel en la transición democrática de México, es decir, el romper con los 71 años del PRI hasta su "maravillosa" gestión como presidente.

[K-dawg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book if you are interested in politics and history. It was sometimes a little difficult to understand it jumped around from flashbacks and the present time. It has some great lessons to be learned and it was quite inspirational

[Mario Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

And this one give me a good perspective about political life in Mexico. It is a good read for those who likes history. And he is only the second president not to end in jail or in court after his presidency.

[Gina]

I met him today at his book signing. I only had about 15 seconds with him but he seemed genuine.

[John Moore]

I wrote a post about part of the introduction today at http://nonviolentmigration.wordpress.com.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book that outlines President Fox hopes and dreams for a better Mexico as well as a better world. I think most people would profit by reading it.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting to hear Vicente Fox's perspective. I like him more after reading the book. He made some really good points, but came across as a little pompous at times.

[jcdevivero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox is American, interesting facts on Madero and Fox's point of view on NAFTA.

[Shirley beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so enlightening about Fox's life and his views of the world today, a must read for all North Americans(USA) concerning immigration and the border fence.

[Jessy Ouellette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, showed me you can do anything if you really want to. Also made be learn quite a bit about Mexican culture.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too bad Mexico has only one-term presidencies. This man did wonderful things for Mexico, even though he was working with severe corruption.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first biography I've ever completely read....from cover to cover!! An EXCELLENT book. Well worth your time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Vicente Fox. I think he did a good job during his short stint as president of Mexico. Although I don't agree with all his ideas, his book is worth the read.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written and i think truthful. he was a good president. the part of mexico where i live, got much better while he was president.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this before hearing the author speak at Boston,s Speaker Series. Provided good background and gave me a good perspective about his country,s relationship withthe US.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. His thoughts and ideas on North America are "spot on" and I wish more people (especially politicians) would "get it" as President Fox does. Bravo!

[Shawn Riegsecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED it! Great history on Mexico.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though written in 2007, this book rings true in 2017. Even without the strongly passionate tone of President Fox's twitter account, it provides a moving look into Fox's life and his world views.

[Guillermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked him as President. Liked him a bit less as an author. Still, tells quite a few stories...