Positively American

April 15, 2007
These two books by Democratic Party players assess the state of America today. Schumer's exults over the 2006 Democratic victories (and his role in them); Bradley's was evidently written before the election and offers a balanced approach to securing Democratic gains in the future. Bradley, the former U.S. senator, presidential candidate, and NBA star, argues that the Red state-Blue state divide projected by the media is not an accurate depiction. He proposes a "new story" to counter misperceptions regarding the major issues facing Americans, from Social Security, healthcare, and education to the environment, the economy, and foreign policy. He urges more bipartisanship and challenges status-quo Democratic responses that protect special interests. Bradley concludes with a thoughtful, well-researched analysis of the current political landscape, looking at the shortcomings of both parties while urging more citizen participation and use of the Internet for communication and community building. In his book, Senator Schumer explains that since his earliest days in politics he has visualized a typical middle-class family in a New York City neighborhood and uses them to focus his campaigns and legislative initiatives on issues that are important to middle-class voters. After introducing his imaginary constituents, Joe and Eileen Bailey, and explaining in an inviting narrative how they have helped him keep his focus through his 30-plus years in government, Schumer spells out his "50% Solution," a guide to winning back the middle class for the Democratic Party. Both of these books will have national appeal, Bradley's for most public libraries and Schumer's for large public libraries.Jill Ortner, SUNY at Buffalo Libs.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2007
Schumer, Democratic U.S. senator from New York, offers a positive message for middle-class Americans--just in time for the presidential elections of 2008. The timing will prick readers' curiosity about Schumer's ambitions. Whether he's a candidate or not, his book presents an interesting perspective by an influential member of a party that has recently regained control of Congress. Schumer conjures an imagined composite American family, the Baileys, a family that he says inspires his legislative efforts. Schumer then outlines 11 goals to be achieved in 10 years to improve the lives of the Baileys: increase reading and math skills by boosting federal spending in schools, reduce illegal immigration and encourage legal immigration by creating a biometric national employment card, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and lower cancer mortality. Interspersed throughout is Schumer's own life story, from his involvement in politics as a Harvard undergrad canvassing for Senator Eugene McCarthy to the triumph of Democratic leadership in the 2006 elections. Whatever readers may think of Schumer and his policies, he has found an effective way to convey his political positions.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)