1. The System: The American Way of Politics at the Breaking Point

by Haynes Johnson and David S. Broder

Rating: A

• Wonderful, thorough, intellectually stimulating and intriguing, unique. A must read for those who want to understand how Clinton's Health Care Reform never made it into law books.



• I praise the authors for their holism, attention to detail, and research methodology. The anthropological technique of qualitative, in-depth interviewing reveals the intracies of health care policy making from a variety of perspectives such as the Adminstration, Interest Groups, Lobbyiests, Press, Democratic and Repulician politicians and governmental organizations.



• In addition, the authors provide a commentary on our legislative policy system, aka The System. Like the authors, I agree that The System continues to limp along like a wounded solider determined to make it home.



• However, until the most disenfranached (the mis/un/represented) unite in a common cause to change The System, it will continue to be hounded, bombarded and battered. This is an A book!

2. All too Human: A Political Education

by George Stephanopoulos.

Rating:B

• A fascinating glimpse into George Stephanopoulos's choatic life with Bill Clinton's campaign and Adminstration.



• At first glance, the title of the book: All Too Human: A Political Education, seemed to be an obvious dig at Clinton's Lewinsky "troubles". However, after reading the book it's obvious that the title is an apt description of Stephanopoulos's political and personal experiences.



• It was suprising, and at times shocking, to learn of the depths of his naivete, insecurity, obbessive devotion, and compulsivity that ruled him during his White House tenure. This book serves as a confessional for Stephanopoulos; perhaps he asks us to forgive him. After all he's only human, isn't he?



• I was dissappointed at the lack of analytical depth and partial discussions of policy making. Unfortunately, this book left me intellectually hungry. It was a nice appetizer but it certaintly wasn't the main course! I will look forward to reading his "new" autobiography in about ten years. Perhaps it will be more meatier!



• Don't spend your money at the book store - check it out at the library. It's good plane reading. His obsessive nature will keep you occupied during the flight.

3. The Testament

by Johnathan Grisham

Rating: A

• He is back on track! Excellent!

A Note from Anne:

Well, how's that for meaty reading...?

I've just had an idea- Let's do a "comment on Anne's reviews". If you've read the same books, drop me a line and I'll post a rebuttal page! How's that, for insight?!