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Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage

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Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE RANDY SHILTS AWARD “I [once] said [to Frank] I was sorry I would never be able to vote for him as the first gay president of the United States. After reading this book, I am sorrier than ever.”―Garry Wills, The New York Review of Books Growing up in Bayonne, New Jersey, Barney Frank made two vital discoveries about himself: he was attracted to government, and to men. He resolved to make a career out of the first and to keep the second a secret. Now, his sexual orientation is widely accepted, while his belief in government is embattled. Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage is his account of America’s transformation―and the tale of a truly momentous career. From the battle over AIDS funding in the 1980s to the 2008 financial crisis, Barney Frank played a key role, and in this feisty and often moving memoir, he candidly discusses the satisfactions, fears, and grudges that come with elected office. He recalls the emotional toll of living in the closet while publicly crusading against homophobia. He discusses painful quarrels with allies; friendships with public figures, from Tip O’Neill to Sonny Bono; and how he found love with his husband, Jim Ready, becoming the first sitting member of Congress to enter a same-sex marriage. The result is the story of an extraordinary political life, an original argument for rebuilding trust in government, and a guide to how change really happens―composed by a master of the art. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Picador; Reprint edition (March 1, 2016)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250083265


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 65


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.92 x 8.5 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #3,922,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1,342 in U.S.Congresses, Senates & Legislative #5,018 in LGBTQ+ Biographies (Books) #17,116 in Political Leader Biographies


#1,342 in U.S.Congresses, Senates & Legislative:


#5,018 in LGBTQ+ Biographies (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • An absolute must for those interested in American politics and government!
Anyone expecting a juicy tell-all might be disappointed, as will those seeking snarky new quips. But this book should be required reading for anyone interested in American Government or LGBT history. I was fascinated and learned a great deal about how our government actually works. It is an excellent exposition of pragmatic politics and of fighting for the good in a system dominated by self-serving politicians and those beholden to the highest campaign contributors. It is also very funny, as Frank recounts some of his now legendary counterattacks on opponents. In general, it is sweet-spirited despite Frank's rep as an old curmudgeon and full of praise for those on both sides of the aisle who have won his admiration. He also takes the time to explain some of his controversial decisions and how he came to them. Brilliant, beautifully written and never boring. HIghly highly recommended. Fans of the American version of House of Cards should read this just to see how far the series departs from the reality of American government. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2015 by Skyhawk

  • A reformer not a radical
I once published a letter in the Washington Post defending Barney Frank from charges that he was rude to the point of meanness. I argued instead that he was honest and not willing to engage in all the polite niceties that make civilization possible, "not one of those oily people who grease the gears of the system." But I was wrong, In this book, Barney shows that he knew exactly how to do that, how to compromise when necessary, how to make allies across the aisle, how to work within the system. In fact, despite Barney's reputation as the most left of the lefties, his is a conservative argument for working within the system rather than confronting it from the outside. Beginning with his working the Civil Rights movement in the 60's to his LGBT activities, he has, he shows us, argued for the system, a reformer rather than a radical. Given that, the book is a wonderful introduction to the workings of government and politics, from the Mayor's office in Boston to Congress. He shows us how the system works with clarity and his usual humor. The book is not itself funny. The author rarely jokes, but he lightens the text with accounts of his past jokes. His main emphasis is on the economic crisis of 2008 and the LGBT rights movement, but he includes a lot of other campaigns, some perhaps he would rather not recall. Back when he was in Boston, he argued for a stop to police harassment of Boston's combat zone. I remember reading the the press his argument,"Dirty old men have rights too," and thinking that belonged up there with Voltaire. I have loved him from afar ever since. He discusses being Jewish but leaves out anything about Israel, of which there is only one passing reference in the book. Yet his occasionally emotional support for Israel is one of those quirks I would have liked to learn more about. I highly recommend this for any budding politician or social scientist who would enjoy an engaging inside tour of the way things really work. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2015 by David Williams

  • Great Read, Received in perfect condition
Highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023 by Carra

  • An excellent account of an excellent public servant.
An excellent account of Barney Frank's professional life, before becoming a Representative, but especially of his many years in the House. The book is very well written (and is not without humor) and without bragging displays his leadership roles on many occasions. Of special interest is Franks activities--while a closeted gay person and after coming out--in behalf of the LGBT population, climaxing with his success in ending the dubious period of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The House could use more members like Barney Frank. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2015 by Rudolph H. Weingartner

  • He Should Have Had a Skilled Writer Help Him Write This
I am a great admirer of Barney Frank and truly wish he were still in Congress. I am even hoping Hillary Clinton might select him (or Tammy Baldwin) as her running mate. However, this is really not a very interestingly written book. Yes, it is Barney Frank's voice all through. And, yes, it is filled with information. But he would have been well served had he employed the services of someone with a more unique writing voice to help him, someone like Scott Simon, for example, who wrote a very moving memoir about his mother ("Unforgetable"). I am an avid reader and delighted to see some great new memoirs including Richard Blanco's. But the Barney Frank autobiography falls far short if you, the potential reader, want something that sustains itself. This doesn't. At least it didn't for me. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2015 by Eric Selby

  • Frank discussion and no blarney...
I read this wonderful biography when it first came out, but reviewing it now is timely after the recent airing of his recent documentary. Long an admirer or Mr. Frank, I found his book (and the documentary) full of exactly what you would expect from him -- "frankness," and his ever-present humor. The title of the book says it all. In it you will find a wealth of historical information along with the honest perspective of his commentary. It is a "frank" discussion of policy decisions, political strategies and personal choices made with great courage during tumultuous times. It is also a love story that warms the heart and rekindles the hope that, amid seeming congressional infertility, there may just be a few seeds germinating. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2015 by Mary

  • frankly, it is a good read!
As a former colleague of Barney's I was not surprised to note that people interested in history, politics and the progress in LGBT Rights would find interesting reading in this book. I am, however, pleased with the additional impression that Barney's "voice" resonates throughout. His honesty, clarity of thought, humor and intellectual rigor are captured and thus most engaged citizens should enjoy and benefit from reading it-even if they disagree with his political views. Who knows, with such clear and rational thought perhaps some might even be coaxed over to his philosophies. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2015 by Jtierney

  • Upside surprise, entertaining and wise
Even if you think you have followed Barney Frank's career closely, this is an entertaining and insightful read. His perspectives on the different phases of his life and the issues he has confronted are fascinating and wise. He also presents a well-considered understanding of the banking system. He writes as if he is speaking to the reader thoughtfully and personally. This book definitely exceeded my expectations. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2015 by Laocoon143

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