Mark Salter (2)

I doubt anyone, even John McCain, can talk about something like courage without having the hollow ring of Hallmark platitudes...What sizzle that does exist in this book is the vividly told real-life stories of courage, generally in a framework of organized violence.

Though I was critical of some of McCain's political views in my more detailed discussions of this book, in the end I think it actually raised my opinion of him as a presidential candidate. More of a light philosophical tract than political commentary, Why Courage Matters is a series of twelve narrative stories and associated commentary of various historical events and the courageous people involved, which McCain uses to systematically explore the nature of courage as a virtue.

Generally show more McCain addresses three main topical points, what courage is as a definition, what importance is has both individually and socially, and the sources from which courage is obtained. With each topical and sub-topical area, a story of relevance is carefully presented, highlighting the particular points McCain is making.

Though my preconceptions were that this would be a mostly martial book in nature, detailing various and sundry war stories, the fact is that McCain placed more prominently and with more importance narratives concerning a Gandhian style pacifist activism. Holding up the values of social responsibility for change through passive resistance and civil disobedience. Some might argue that this is pandering to people outside of McCain's core political demographics, and there may be some small truth to that, but I think any such attribution can only be a small part of what is a well thought out and written position on the virtue of courage.

The toughest question to answer is would I recommend reading this book, and if so, to whom? This work is really best fit for those interested in McCain's politics at more than a policy positional level. Those that want a deeper understanding of the principals that underlie his positions. People from his senatorial state, Arizona, or those supporting his presidential candidacy would be advised to pick up a copy. Aside from that I would not actively recommend it as general reading, but for those who have for some reason been drawn to it topically or by general interest in its authorship, I would encourage them to pick it up as it manages to be entertaining, educational and enlightening. Even if you disagree with some of the material, you will need to thoughtfully analyze your own ideas to respond to those put forth by McCain. show less

As an apolitical observer of the American political scene, John McCain used to fascinate me, to the point that when I saw his book at a library sale a few years ago, I snatched it up, wanting to learn more about the "maverick" of the U.S. Senate. I think I may have been looking for his first memoir [b:Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir|99965|Faith of My Fathers A Family Memoir|John McCain|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348755680s/99965.jpg|390110], but this one also sufficed. While show more describing his life since his return to the States after being a Vietnam War POW, McCain takes the reader through his political education, including the Keating Savings & Loan disaster (bad) and his brokering of efforts to improve the relationship between Vietnam and the United States (good).

Since I've never quite figured out how the radical Republican Party of Lincoln and Thaddeus Stevens became the Tea Party of today (can't even connect the dots), McCain always seemed as though he would somehow be the difference maker, until his submission to the extreme right in his efforts to secure the Presidency made him just another politician from a conservative state. Actually, McCain reminds me most of Cato from the Roman Republic. It's clear he believes in his American Republic and wants others to uphold the same values (not 100% certain what they are, but Americans do have values). I must say I also can't figure out the Democrats, which may explain why I'm apolitical.

In reading this memoir, one thought did strike me quite clearly...how the Americans always seem to come up with leaders who change the world (not McCain, just saying he made me think this). Washington, Lincoln, two Roosevelts, Truman...even Reagan. Is it in their blood? Fascinating country and a decent read.

Book Season = Winter (because that seems to be the Republicans' discontent) show less

The three-star rating is supposed to mean "I Liked It". In this case, it means I liked half of it - the first half. After that it got a bit repetitive and lingered on points that I didn't find compelling. If McCain gets elected President today, I'd recommend you read this book (and probably his other for more of his biographical background). If not, then don't worry about it, because he'll just be the maverick senator from Arizona again.