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Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future
Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future | Pete Buttigieg
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review
Megabooks
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Mehso-so

I had this wonderful high school government teacher that taught us that all politics starts local, and I like that a small city mayor ran for President…however, this book didn‘t work for me. It just didn‘t inspire any warmth in me nor excite me to action, as I feel candidate memoirs should. I‘m going to round it up to a so-so because I like Pete in general, but I wouldn‘t recommend seeking out this book. One more off #audiobook #MountTBR!

Megabooks #JoysOfJune Finished 1/6 remaining #bookspinbingo squares! @Andrew65 (edited) 3y
Cinfhen Wonderful review ♥️ 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen Thanks! 😘 3y
Andrew65 Well Done 👏👏👏 (edited) 3y
89 likes4 comments
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Nebklvr
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Mehso-so

Insightful and funny. It did bounce a bit in chronology which is harder for me to keep track of on audio. Also, he acts like all of this stuff just happened to him along the way instead of just admitting to a driving ambition to attain goals and get things done.

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actualdisneyprincess
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I finally finished “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” (it ended up being so worth forging through the slow start!) and am moving on to the first of two books that are due Monday. I love Mayor Pete, and this is, already, an engaging and heartfelt and witty and candid read. I could get behind #Pete2028. #shortestwayhome #petebuttigieg #politics #memoir #southbend #indiana #mayorpete #presidentialcandidate

Megabooks I think he‘d be a great first millennial president. 4y
Chelsea.Poole I love Pete! 4y
actualdisneyprincess @Chelsea.Poole he is just so delightful 😭😭😭 4y
12 likes4 comments
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Crinoline_Laphroaig
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I don't read a lot of political stuff. I'd rather escape to fantasy. But ever since this article by R. Eric Thomas https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/amp26963386/chasten-buttigieg-twitt... I've been a fan of Chasten.
Can't wait to read his story. I Have Something to Tell You: A Memoir
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53358818-i-have-something-to-tell-you 📚
#waitingonwednesday
#neverendingtbr
#cheerfulpeoplecheerme

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Leftcoastzen
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Pickpick

Nice audio read by Mayor Pete.He has done so many things in his life & listening to him review his life so far was informative & enjoyable.I was often impressed with his skills on the presidential debate stage ,his general common sense & decency.Public service seems to draw him in similar ways as it did the Kennedy family.Though this book predates his presidential run , it is clear to me he will always look for challenges in the future.

kricheal I was so sad he wasn't able to gain much traction. Hopefully he'll run again. 5y
Leftcoastzen @kricheal yes , I hope so too. 5y
55 likes2 comments
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paulareadsallthetime
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Pickpick

Listened to the audiobook. I like reading books by/about candidates.

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saguarosally
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He‘s engaging and I‘m still listening, but does he not see that white male privilege coming through? It reminds me of a recent Mitch Landrieu memoir. He tries but something is missing. #audiobook #audible #memoir #election

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saguarosally
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I went walking through the forest yesterday listening to this book. I can‘t help it but my first thoughts, and my second, were what a life of privilege he led.
#audiobook

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kricheal
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Pickpick

He has a remarkable story. I'm glad I started of the year with a 5 star read! #1 #2020

goodbyefrancie This is a great book! Really interesting story. 5y
81 likes1 stack add1 comment
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kricheal
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Starting this next on #overdrive #currentlylistening

goodbyefrancie It's good, really interesting. I hope you enjoy it! 5y
49 likes1 comment
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xxjenadanxx
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Pickpick

#wintergames #slaybells #nonfiction2019
TBR
For the Politics box of the nonfiction challenge I chose Mayor Pete's book. I've always liked him but this book cemented it, he's good people. It is probably a pipe dream to believe that America would actually be progressive enough to elect a young gay Democrat for President but I think he would bring a lot to the table. He definitely turned South Bend around. I love his creative use of tech/programs.

Amiable I love Mayor Pete! 5y
MidnightBookGirl Love Mayor Pete! 16 pts! 5y
39 likes2 comments
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MelissaSue81
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I haven‘t updated my #readthecandidates list in awhile, and I apologize! But I realized I successfully read books by all the candidates who qualified for tonight‘s debate (plus a couple who dropped out already). I‘m going to call it a success for now.

BarbaraTheBibliophage Good for you! I have Booker, Klobuchar, and Castro on my “next up” pile. They‘ve been there far too long! 5y
60 likes2 comments
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goodbyefrancie
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I've already listened to this on audio, which is so good, but I wanted a hardcover for my home library. Supporting #PeteButtigieg and my favorite indie bookstore at the same time is a double win!

94 likes3 stack adds
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Howard_L
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The best, so far, of my #readthecandidates.

MelissaSue81 It was my favorite too. 5y
54 likes1 comment
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Peaceful_Reader
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Picked this one up at my local library after a bit of wait. I‘m very excited to find out more about this inspiring man. #politics #iowacaucus

Peaceful_Reader This was one of the best biographies I‘ve ever read. 5y
17 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

So glad I got to "Meet Pete" in his own words and with his own voice narrating a nicely done #audiobook. I've tried to distance myself from politics, but it is high time I chose a favorite for 2020. He makes so much sense, it's scary. Hope he goes places!! #nonfiction

vivastory I know he doesn't stand a chance of getting the nomination, but I really wish he would. He's definitely one of my favorite candidates. 5y
Chelsea.Poole @vivastory sadly, I agree. I don't know enough about most of the others yet, I'm really liking Pete. 5y
64 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
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Buttigieg and tomato sandwich for dinner. 🍅 🥪 #nonfiction #librarybook #readandeat

Readerann Yay, Pete! 5y
81 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Crinoline_Laphroaig
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Pickpick

I don't usually read Politics. I prefer to escape reality. Needed Nonfiction for #goodreadssummerreadingchallenge - Stranger than Fiction. My usual complaint with Nonfiction is that it's boring. This was wonderful! Interesting & Upbeat. Pete & Chasten's Romance would make awesome RomCom. On the political side, I like Mayor Pete's Positive and Practical approach to government. That and I really want Chasten to be First Gentleman.

Crinoline_Laphroaig Normally this early on I wouldn't pay much attention to Election. Mayor Pete came to my attention after reading an article this: https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a26963386/chasten-buttigieg-twitter... 5y
40 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LoverofLit
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Pickpick

I had the impression that since Mayor Pete was a millennial, military serving, openly gay person that he would have strong stances on some of the policies which make up a large part of our country today. And maybe be does, but I wouldn't know it from reading this book. While incredibly educated and eloquent, there was little policy or actions spoken of on what he would do to drive our country forward. I still admire him fully and am glad I read it

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I felt similarly, nice guy, nice book... but maybe he needs more experience so we can have more policies, ideas, passions, etc 🤷‍♀️ then again, maybe that was just me. 5y
LoverofLit @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I'm glad I'm not alone in my impression, though I do think he did a phenomenal job this week during the second round of the Democratic debates! 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @LoverofLit Yes, he‘s very well spoken, and very smart, he‘s always impressed me there...it‘s one of the reasons I originally picked up his book. I‘m thinking he‘ll make someone a nice Secretary of State, and can charm all the allies we‘ve estranged, plus pick up some more broader experience along the way. 5y
Howard_L I appreciated that the book was his story and not a policy statement. I can find that online and, out of necessity it evolves, or should. This was interesting and personal and gave us a glimpse of the man and his life behind political decisions. 5y
37 likes1 stack add5 comments
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cookreadsleep
Mehso-so

I listened to this on audio because i like hearing the author of a memoir tell their own story. Unfortunately, this guy just isn‘t that interesting for some reason. Instead of putting out a book that made me get behind his candidacy, i feel like he revealed that there just isn‘t much there when compared with the women he‘s up against.

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sammisho
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Pickpick

For me, Mayor Pete is the most relatable, down to earth candidate. He has done great things for the city of Great Bend and seems to really, truly care about people.
I enjoyed this audio. I think he did a good job of talking about his personal life and focusing on the issues.
#readthecandidates

LoverofLit I just got this from the library! I'm finishing I Am Malala on Monday and then will be diving in. 5y
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SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime
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Pickpick

"Good policy, like good literature, takes personal lived experience as its starting point."

The first of 6 candidates' books that I plan to read this year. Most importantly this book showed me how Mayor Pete thinks, how he begins to tackle seemingly unsolvable problems, and how he keeps people at the center of all of his work. You can tell that Pete Buttigieg is in politics for the right reason -- to make the everyday lives of Americans better.

jchawkins He has been carrying himself well during this first stretch of campaigning. I hope it continues. 5y
SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime @jchawkins I agree & hope so too. So far I'm liking him & Kamala Harris & Elizabeth Warren... going to get to their books next 🙂 5y
jchawkins @SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime awesome! Yeah KH really knocked it out of the park during the dem debate. And EW has always been a strong liberal, so it's nice seeing her finally get some major screen time. 5y
SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime @jchawkins exactlyy how i feel 5y
49 likes1 stack add4 comments
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TheBookDream
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I‘m sorry, this cover cracks me up. I want a presidential candidate that knows how to fix his cuffs!

Texreader 🤣🤣🤣 5y
saresmoore It is an important life skill. 5y
16 likes2 comments
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AvidReader25
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Pickpick

I read this because this presidential candidate is a mayor in my state. His story is fascinating. He‘s a millennial, went to Harvard, is gay, is a veteran, his father is from Malta, and much more. Somehow none of those elements define him. Each one adds to the way he sees the world which gives him a diverse outlook. The writing was crisp and kept me interested throughout. I loved reading about a politician my own age who has accomplished so much.

22 likes1 stack add
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Sapphire

I found a book in Barcelona that I desperately want to read. Sakura by Matilde Assenci. It doesn't look like it's been published in English though she is popular in Spain. My Spanish is not good enough to work through it (for pleasure reading) and I am not as smart or dedicated as Mayor Pete who learned Norwegian juso read more of an author he liked. How do I track when this goes into translation to English and/or encourage the publisher to do so?

BarbaraTheBibliophage Maybe setting up a Google alert would do it. Otherwise, I‘m not sure. 5y
DivineDiana Contact publisher, perhaps? 🤔 5y
Sapphire Google alerts is a good idea. Never used it before, not sure why. Thanks! 5y
13 likes3 comments
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booklover76
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Well it's not every day that a presidential candidate mentions the two towns on either side of your town in his book. 🙂

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Chiperskee
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Baseball and books

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booklover76
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Really looking forward to this book! Mayor Pete has my vote already but I definitely want to learn more about him.

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goodbyefrancie
Pickpick

Excellent story! Mayor Pete is a smart guy, and he tells his story in a great way - very down to earth, very intelligent, very analytical. Even if he weren't a presidential candidate, this is a book I would have read and enjoyed. He just seems like a good guy who would be great to visit with over lunch. I'll be watching him, for sure.

He also reads the audio.

#Overdrive

64 likes1 stack add
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goodbyefrancie
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Excited to start this one on my drive tonight.

#Overdrive

MelissaSue81 I thought his book was excellent. Really smart guy. 6y
Samplergal I liked it. he‘s on my watch list. 6y
goodbyefrancie @Samplergal I'm about halfway through, and It's really interesting! I'm definitely keeping my eye on him. 6y
71 likes1 stack add3 comments
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bio_chem06
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Being from an economically depressed small town made me relate to this book so much. I'm listening to what this guy has to say, a little more everyday....

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Expandingbookshelf
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I was going to read every presidential candidates‘ memoir, but not even I have enough time to read all 673442 books 🤷🏻‍♀️

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Samplergal
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1. Shortest way home is almost finished. I am also reading The Fisherman. I just finished two yesterday and today. 2. Conversations with Friends. Recommended 3. I love turquoise and aquas. #weekendreads

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Samplergal
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1. Literary Fiction
2. John Boyne.
3. The Heart‘s Invisible Furies or Cutting for Stone
4. Graphic novels. Nope. Also religion.
5. Mayor Pete is great.

wanderinglynn Thanks for playing! 📚 6y
55 likes1 comment
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bookishkai
Pickpick

An eloquent, nuanced take on many many (so many) issues. I admit to skimming a little when he talked about mayoral issues, because while I know that politicians use books to talk issues, I like a little more personal stories in a biography. Especially after his talk at the Human Rights Campaign last week. I have my people that I like in this election, and Mayor Pete is a delightful surprise.

MallenNC I'm on the list for this at the library. I like what I've seen of him so far. 6y
LauraJ Mayor Pete has a lot of promise. 6y
23 likes2 comments
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CocoReads
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And the crowd goes wild! Last one, I promise. Go Pete!

AmyG Yay!!! 6y
krissylovesbooks75 My daughter has been singing his praises for a while now and I finally got the chance to hear him speak. I watched him on Ellen the other day and he brought tears to my eyes ❤❤ 6y
CocoReads @krissylovesbooks75 he was fantastic on Ellen. 6y
39 likes3 comments
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CocoReads
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#classact greeting the overflow crowd out in the cold and rain BEFORE going in to make the announcement.

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CocoReads
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When you can‘t decide which channel to stream Mayor Pete‘s big announcement from, you open all the websites. Really, I‘m just hoping to see my dad—he‘s been there since 9 am as a volunteer. ❤️#PickPete

BarbaraTheBibliophage I ♥️ Mayor Pete! 6y
CocoReads @BarbaraTheBibliophage he‘s pretty great! 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Hope you get to see your dad on the livestream! 6y
CocoReads I don‘t think I will but according to his last Facebook post he‘s with the team greeting the special guests. He‘s as excited as a kid at Christmas! 6y
MelissaSue81 I‘m watching too! Tell us if your dad pops up on screen! 6y
34 likes5 comments
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bookishkai
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Starting this tonight. I‘m going to be reading a lot these next few weeks, I fell yesterday (tripped over the brick edging in our front yard) in the driveway and maybe broke my wrist. I follow up with an orthopedist on Wednesday, but until then (and for 6-8 weeks if it is broken) my right arm is in a splint and I can‘t knit. So, reading.

MaureenMc Yikes! Here‘s to quick healing! 6y
Elizabeth2 Oh no! Hope your recovery goes smoothly! 6y
8little_paws Oh no I hope you feel better soon 6y
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MelissaSue81 Boo broken wrist but yay more reading! And I love Mayor Pete and his book so muchb 6y
rabbitprincess Ouch! Hope you recover quickly. 6y
kspenmoll Glad you can read! So sorry you brake your wrist. 6y
Dragon Hope you heal quickly! 💐 6y
31 likes7 comments
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Samplergal
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My current reads. All so different, all so good. Anyone else liking these?

squirrelbrain I loved Fates and Furies! ❤️ 6y
Redwritinghood What she 👆🏻said! 6y
AmyG I really enjoyed Fates and Furies...the second half more than the first. 6y
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Lindy @AmyG @Redwritinghood @squirrelbrain Another Fates and Furies fan here. Especially the second half. 🙋‍♀️ 6y
Suet624 @AmyG @squirrelbrain @Redwritinghood @Lindy Fates and Furies!! 💕💕💕 6y
EmilyM Loved Fates and Furies! 6y
79 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Jas16
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Pickpick

I signed up for today‘s #readathon before realizing I would have to spend a chunk of the day at work. Luckily I was able to listen to this audiobook most of the time I was there. I picked this one up wanting to learn more about Buttigieg and I am glad I did. He seems to be just as smart and compelling a candidate as I had hoped.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
66 likes1 comment
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ReadingSusan
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Enjoying a delicious #readathon lunch of pad Thai! Yum yum. Reading Mayor Pete‘s book. Intrigued by him but not convinced he has the experience I want. I have to head to my photo session soon so won‘t be able to resume reading until later today.

104 likes1 stack add
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ReadingSusan
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Excited for #readathon tomorrow! Here is my TBR stack! I will also be updating at https://www.readingsusan.com/myreadingadventure-susan/2019/4/5/deweys-24-hour-re...

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BarbaraTheBibliophage
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Pickpick

One of the things I noticed about Buttigieg is his understanding of “otherness.” He was a townie in a university town. At Harvard, he wasn‘t one of the rich kids. In the Navy, he was a politician. Plus, he‘s a married, gay man who goes to church regularly. There‘s something to be said for a Presidential candidate understanding what it feels like to be a true outsider.

Full review www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2019 #readthecandidates

mcipher My coworker was just talking to me about this guy today! I haven‘t been following candidates, it‘s too early for me, but I like that we might finally regularly have some more diverse people on the ballot. 6y
AlaMich Amen!! 🙌 6y
Susannah Mayor Pete is my current Democratic presidential candidate (well, *presidential exploratory committee member*) crush right now. I am entirely enamored of his intelligence and straightforward talk. I was a little disappointed when he spoke negatively about HRC‘s campaign (the 20/20 hindsight made me feel like he was showing his age—or lack of it), but I realize that all new relationships have their bumps. 🥰 Looking forward to reading his book! (edited) 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Susannah I hope you love the book. He‘s so genuine. I also just listened to him on the Ezra Klein Show (podcast). So good! 6y
Susannah Good to know about the Ezra Klein podcast. I‘ll look it up. Thanks for mentioning! 6y
102 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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CocoReads
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Full story on Mayor Pete‘s fb but it‘s things like this that make him so awesome. Long story short, this couple was on their way to the hospital to give birth, decided they really wanted to be married first, had all the paperwork and asked Mayor Pete if he would do the honors. ❤️❤️❤️

wanderinglynn Aw! ❤️ 6y
MelissaSue81 Isn‘t he just the cutest thing? I probably shouldn‘t choose my candidates on level of adorable.. but.. it certainly doesn‘t hurt. 6y
CocoReads @MelissaSue81 no, not the best way to choose but he‘s got the smarts down for sure. And plans. And well, you just can‘t help but love him. He‘s a decent human being. A class act all the way. As opposed to the 💩show that‘s in charge now anyway. 6y
45 likes3 comments
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Apinlibraryland
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Pickpick

I think I love him. ❤️❤️❤️

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

It's refreshing to hear from a smart, creative, thoughtful politician. Can't wait to hear more from him.

Samplergal I can‘t wait to start it. I have end of the month goals first. And library books due soon....😳 6y
SharonGoforth I have that book nerd coffee cup!☕️ 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I ♥️ Mayor Pete! 6y
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JoyBlue @Samplergal So many books.... Hope you like this when you get to it! 6y
JoyBlue @SharonGoforth Yay! Cheers! I have the T-shirt, too; but, the hem started unraveling the 2nd time I wore it and I don‘t have time to fix it. Grrr. 6y
78 likes6 comments
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Samplergal
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My daughter is meeting with her disability counselor twice weekly at the Parkland Florida Barnes and Noble. So much sadness there this week, as two of the victims of the mass shooting at Margery Stoneham Douglas have committed suicide this week.
Whilst there, I decided to purchase Mayor Pete‘s book, as I read the candidates. As much as I think he understands what needs to occur to stem gun violence, I do believe we may have fallen over.

Samplergal I fear our country is lost. #readthecandidates 6y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘m feeling super down about this too today. There was another suicide today, this time a father of one of the Sandy Hook victims. I think it‘s hitting everyone hard as NZ acts so quickly while we do nothing and some still insist Sandy Hook was a hoax. We live in a surreal world right now. 6y
Samplergal @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Oh no! I hadn‘t heard that. Yes, my daughter, a teacher, has accepted that she‘s likely dying from a gunshot. It‘s just sick. 6y
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Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Samplergal I know, it‘s a totally upside down world, and no one even seems to care. And if you do, well then you are the crazy one snowflake.🙄 6y
jpmcwisemorgan If I had kids, I‘d figure out how to homeschool them rather than subject them to school safety drills. Tornado drills, etc. ok. We can‘t stop those. Gun violence, not ok. We can find solutions that don‘t involve traumatizing students and teachers and/or putting police or armed guards in schools. 6y
Susannah I hadn‘t heard about the Sandy Hook parent either. How horrible. I fear that suicide can be a bit contagious, and between seeing what other countries are doing to protect their citizens (NZ) and knowing that the US seems destined to take the most harmful path, I fear the hopelessness will spread. 6y
tpixie Such sadness. Survivals guilt must be tough. Prayers to you and your and your community. We need better treatments for mental illnesses to get these violent offenders treated before they harm. So glad you're daughter is seeking counseling. 🙏🏻🤗♥️ 6y
tammysue 💔 6y
Samplergal @tpixie Thanks but she wasn‘t involved in the Parkland massacre. Her counseling is about job counseling. ❤️ 6y
Jas16 Heartbreaking 6y
tpixie @Samplergal thank goodness! And what a great calling. Hugs 6y
94 likes11 comments