Frank

Starred review from January 26, 2015
This detailed and accessible memoir certainly lives up to its title, as former Massachusetts Congressman Frank offers a warts-and-all portrait of his life in public service. His achievements in a wide range of areas, from financial reform to fighting discrimination against gays and lesbians, validate his belief that “pragmatism in the pursuit of my ideals was morally compelled.” Frank’s own struggles with revealing his homosexuality are interwoven with his time attempting to make the government work better, and he freely admits mistakes he made both in his private and public life. Frank effectively separates himself from well-intentioned liberals who—in his opinion—are sometimes not in touch with the real world, such as those in the 1960s who criticized the architectural design of low-income housing. He is unsparing, however, in his critique of Republicans, describing George W. Bush’s war in Iraq as “the worst single policy decision any U.S. President has ever made.” His experiences in Congress illustrate his approach to making progress: never letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. Agent: Eric Lupfer, WME.

Starred review from February 1, 2015
Now that the fiery, occasionally dyspeptic congressman has left office, he lets the air out in a memoir that feels like it's just the thing the long-serving politician has wanted to publish.Frank tracks the nuances of two intriguing movements during his more than four decades in public life. When he was a novice politician in the late 1960s, the author had to hide his homosexuality, although nowadays-in a trend that owes some of its success to Frank's becoming the first member of Congress to come out of the closet in 1987-same-sex marriage is increasingly prevalent. But while some personal freedoms are more possible now than when Frank entered politics, the concept that government can actually help citizens is decidedly on the wane. Nonetheless, the author has never stopped fighting the battle to pillory the idea that big government is inherently problematic. He writes movingly about issues of public housing and fairness that he has espoused throughout his career, but he also proves to be a barbed, exacting, witty thinker. On the topic of the "competent, uncharismatic" George Bush's now infamous "read my lips: no new taxes" mishap, Frank writes, "[s]emantically, the phrase bothered me because it is illogical-you tell people to read your lips when they cannot hear you, and this does not apply when you are speaking to them through a microphone." In addition to his personal story, parts of the book read like a manual for young politicians: "I think it is both legitimate and politically helpful to make my ideological opponents look not just wrong but also foolish, especially if I can use humor to do it." Much more entertaining than most political memoirs, Frank's story isn't just revealing; it may be the most fun you can have reading about the United States Congress.

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Starred review from March 1, 2015
Since adolescence, Frank grew up with a love of public policy but an assumption he could never be elected to office because he was gay. Through serendipity and determination, he was able to have a career as an elected official (five decades as a congressman from Massachusetts) but, ironically, during a period when public confidence in the government substantially eroded. In this memoir written with his characteristic wit and sharpness, he ponders how politics has evolved, offering a long view of liberal politics and the need to balance realities against ideals. Early on, through his involvement with the voting rights campaigns in the South and antibusing demonstrations in Boston, he learned that emotionally driven ideological tactics were less effective than political action. He won a bid for the state legislature, picking up more gritty political lessons while supporting progressive causes, including gay rights. He was on the brink of coming out when a congressional seat opened. As he grew in stature and power in Congress, a major player in the financial reforms in the aftermath of the crisis of 2008, Frank became the first member of Congress to come out of the closet. This is an illuminating look at behind-the-scenes politics and larger societal changes and one man's struggle with sexual politics and identity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

Starred review from March 15, 2015

In every generation there are congressmen and women who stand out for their leadership and legislative accomplishments. In the last 40 years, none has left a greater mark on the House of Representatives, and by extension the United States, than Barney Frank of Massachusetts. This is his political memoir, beginning with his working-class origins outside New York City and covering his journey to becoming a distinguished congressman. Frank eventually took the position as point person for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) topics as the first member of Congress to come out voluntarily and he, of course, played a large role in repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as well as in many other LGBT issues. He was also instrumental in defending and promoting liberal causes across the board as a visible member of Congress. These included a wide variety of civil rights, social justice, and economic subjects, from affordable housing to financial regulation. While Frank has a reputation for being pugnacious, it is clear from this book that he takes integrity and collegiality very seriously. VERDICT Anyone interested in contemporary history or politics will definitely want to read this highly accessible memoir. [See Prepub Alert, 9/21/14.]--David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014

Frank represented the Fourth Congressional District of Massachusetts for nearly five decades, chaired the House Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2013, and also became the first member of Congress to enter a same-sex marriage while serving in office. Here he recounts his life story while urging his colleagues in the Democratic Party to rebuild faith in government.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2015

In every generation there are congressmen and women who stand out for their leadership and legislative accomplishments. In the last 40 years, none has left a greater mark on the House of Representatives, and by extension the United States, than Barney Frank of Massachusetts. This is his political memoir, beginning with his working-class origins outside New York City and covering his journey to becoming a distinguished congressman. Frank eventually took the position as point person for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) topics as the first member of Congress to come out voluntarily and he, of course, played a large role in repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as well as in many other LGBT issues. He was also instrumental in defending and promoting liberal causes across the board as a visible member of Congress. These included a wide variety of civil rights, social justice, and economic subjects, from affordable housing to financial regulation. While Frank has a reputation for being pugnacious, it is clear from this book that he takes integrity and collegiality very seriously. VERDICT Anyone interested in contemporary history or politics will definitely want to read this highly accessible memoir. [See Prepub Alert, 9/21/14.]--David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 27, 2015
Frank—who recently retired after four decades in Congress—chronicles his rise to political power as his homosexuality became increasingly more compatible with his political career, while at the same time his core liberal principles surrounding the virtue of activist government fell more and more out of favor. Frank confesses that elocution and diction have never been his strong suits, but he has played on his quick wit and masterful debating skills during his time in the public spotlight. His performance demonstrates the matter-of-fact authenticity that over the years has helped him score points with allies and adversaries alike. The expository portions of the narrative may not always flow smoothly, but Frank’s gift for reciting memorable barbs offers pure entertainment. He delivers his critique of the unruly aspects of the 1993 gay-rights march on Washington in the manner of a somewhat gruff sage figure who shares wisdom from his own experiences. A Farrar, Straus and Giroux hardcover.