John F. Kerry

April 19, 2004
Last year, Boston Globe
reporters working on a multipart series uncovered the stunning news that John Kerry's paternal grandfather was Jewish. This book, an expansion of that series, doesn't find any smoking guns about the presumptive Democratic candidate for president. But it does offer a detailed and at times critical biography of the Massachusetts senator. Relying on years of reporting, the authors trace Kerry's itinerant boyhood as the son of a Foreign Service officer and his later years at prestigious St. Paul's, where early on he demonstrated intellectual seriousness and ambition. This ambition is one of the themes of Kerry's life as presented here. The biography shows Kerry's somewhat bumpy ride as a politician and his strength more as an investigator—on Iran-Contra—than as a legislator. The book, written in the lucid, straightforward prose one expects from a newspaper writing team, is especially strong on Kerry's college and Vietnam years, detailing the sense of service felt by Kerry and his fellow Skull-and-Bonesmen at Yale, and Kerry's doubts about the Vietnam War even before he went over to serve. The authors take critical issues head-on: they explore questions over Kerry's first Purple Heart and his leaving Vietnam before his service was over, as well as the Nixon administration's targeting him as an enemy. Kerry supporters may find the tone a bit harsh, but all who are interested in the 2004 election will benefit from this major serious examination of a man who would be president. 27 photos. (Apr. 27)

Correction
:
The ISBN for
Defending Diversity (Univ. of Michigan), noted in the March 22 issue, was given incorrectly. It is 0-472-11307-0.

June 1, 2004
Campaign biographies should always be accompanied by a warning label. Those by campaign insiders are usually little more than fawning propaganda; those by independent authors may have hidden motives. This book about John F. Kerry, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for President, is an exception noteworthy for its balance and thoroughness and for addressing both the positive and the negative aspects of its subject. On the negative side is Kerry's tendency to come off as a political opportunist and self-promoter; on the positive side are his intelligence, personal courage, and heroic war record. Those unfamiliar with Kerry will find his personal journey illuminating-especially the courage he displayed in Vietnam. And while there are few big surprises here, many will be fascinated by the Nixon administration's newly revealed efforts to destroy Kerry when he became leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Most striking is what the authors leave unsaid: the inevitable comparison between the life stories of Kerry and George W. Bush. This excellent and thoroughly researched book by Globe reporters Kranish, Brian C. Mooney, and Nina J. Easton, who have known Kerry long term, is likely to become one of the most authoritative sources on the candidate and should be read by a wide audience. Recommended for all libraries.-Michael A. Genovese, Loyola Marymount Univ., Los Angeles

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