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Jim Himes

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James Andrew Himes is an American businessman and U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 4th congressional district, serving since 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party and Chair of the New Democrat Coalition.
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These Truths book cover
These Truths
A History of the United States
Jill Lepore - 2019-10-01 (first published in 2018)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the American past through a new lens with this groundbreaking history book. Renowned author Jill Lepore places truth itself at the heart of the nation's story, examining its three founding ideas of political equality, natural rights, and sovereignty of the people. But has America lived up to these truths? Lepore takes a deep dive into the state of politics, slavery, inequality, and technology. Engaging and thought-provoking, this book will forever alter your understanding of American history.
Jim Himes
2020-11-13T00:11:43.000Z
Oh man. This is taking rate my room into slightly creepy territory. But yes, I do love those books.      source
Leadership book cover
Leadership
In Turbulent Times
Doris Kearns Goodwin - 2018-09-18
Goodreads Rating
Explore the nature of leadership and the qualities that make a great leader through the lens of four of America's most iconic presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. In this insightful book, Goodwin examines the factors that contribute to leadership, including ambition, adversity, and morality. By delving into these presidents' personal and professional journeys, she shows how they overcame obstacles and used their talents to make a positive impact on history. Discover the secrets of effective leadership and be inspired by the stories of these legendary figures.
Jim Himes
2020-11-13T00:11:43.000Z
Oh man. This is taking rate my room into slightly creepy territory. But yes, I do love those books.      source
Bobby Kennedy book cover
Bobby Kennedy
The Making of a Liberal Icon
Larry Tye - 2016-06-05
Goodreads Rating
This biography delves deep into the multi-faceted life of Robert F. Kennedy, painting a multilayered portrait of a man who played many roles throughout his career in American politics. From his days as Joseph McCarthy's counsel to his enshrinement as a progressive icon, this definitive biography traces the complex and controversial arc of Kennedy's life. With access to unpublished memoirs, unreleased government files, and interviews with RFK intimates, including his widow Ethel and sister Jean, Larry Tye delivers a gripping and thorough account of one of America's most important political figures.
Jim Himes
2020-11-13T00:11:43.000Z
Oh man. This is taking rate my room into slightly creepy territory. But yes, I do love those books.      source
1944 book cover
1944
FDR and the Year That Changed History
Jay Winik - 2015-09-22
Goodreads Rating
1944 was a pivotal year that determined the outcome of World War II and tested President Roosevelt's leadership. In this gripping New York Times Bestseller, Jay Winik captures the epic events of the year with cinematic force. From FDR's re-election to the liberation of Paris to the decision to prioritize winning the war over saving Europe's Jews, Winik paints a complex history with great color and sympathy. This compelling account underscores the need for moral clarity and sheds light on how America could have done more to thwart Nazi aggression.
Jim Himes
2020-11-13T00:11:43.000Z
Oh man. This is taking rate my room into slightly creepy territory. But yes, I do love those books.      source
Recommended by
Keith Rabois
The Path to Power book cover
The Path to Power
Robert A. Caro - 1990-02-17 (first published in 1982)
Goodreads Rating
This political biography covers the life of an American president at a time when many witnesses are still able to share previously untold stories. Book One chronicles the rise of Lyndon Johnson, delving into the origins of his almost superhuman drive to succeed. The book follows his life from his childhood in Texas through his time in Depression-era Washington, revealing his fierce ambition and endless capacity for hard work. Through Caro's detailed account, readers see Johnson's ability to mesmerize and manipulate powerful men, and his radical relationships with fellow politicians. We also see the country that bred him: the harshness of rural life, the Depression, and the sudden hope of the New Deal. Through all of it, one thing remains in the foreground: LBJ, on the move and unrelenting in his pursuit of power.
Jim Himes
2020-11-13T00:11:43.000Z
Oh man. This is taking rate my room into slightly creepy territory. But yes, I do love those books.      source
Recommended by
Stuart McMillan
A Bright Shining Lie book cover
A Bright Shining Lie
John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam
Neil Sheehan - 1989-09-19 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
This book is a passionate and epic account of the Vietnam War, focusing on Lt Col John Paul Vann. His story exposes America's failures and disillusionment in Southeast Asia. As a field adviser to the army when US involvement was just beginning, Vann became appalled by the corruption of the South Vietnamese regime and their incompetence in fighting the Communists. Finding his superiors too blinded by political lies to understand the truth of the war, he secretly briefed reporters such as Neil Sheehan. This book won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Non-Fiction.
Jim Himes
2020-11-13T00:11:43.000Z
Oh man. This is taking rate my room into slightly creepy territory. But yes, I do love those books.      source
The Back Channel book cover
The Back Channel
A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal
William J. Burns - 2019-03-12
Goodreads Rating
Explore the riveting career of one of America's most distinguished diplomats in The Back Channel. In this memoir, Ambassador William J. Burns draws on his experiences serving five Presidents and ten Secretaries of State, and argues for the renewal of diplomacy as the primary tool for American statecraft. With newly declassified cables and searing memos, Burns takes readers behind the scenes of some of the most significant diplomatic moments of our time, from the end of the Cold War to post-9/11 Middle East turmoil, and the secret nuclear talks with Iran. Ultimately, The Back Channel is a compelling reminder of the importance of diplomacy in today's turbulent world.
Jim Himes
2019-10-20T22:50:06.000Z
This is enormously disappointing. Bill Burns may very well be the least “crazy” person in Washington. His book “The Back Channel” is a must read for those interested in foreign policy.      source
Recommended by
Michael McFaul