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The Restless Wave

Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations

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The Restless Wave

By: John McCain, Mark Salter
Narrated by: Beau Bridges, John McCain
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About this listen

 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“History matters to McCain, and for him America is and was about its promise. The book is his farewell address, a mixture of the personal and the political. ‘I have loved my life,’ he writes. ‘All of it.’ The Restless Wave is a fitting valedictory for a man who seldom backed down.” —The Guardian (US)

“A book-length meditation on what it means to face the hard challenges of long life and the sobering likelihood of imminent death…A reflection on hardship, a homily on purpose, a celebration of life — and a challenge to Americans to live up to their values and founding principles at a time when both are in jeopardy.” —The Boston Globe

In this candid political memoir from Senator John McCain, an American hero reflects on his life and what matters most.

“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here. Maybe I’ll have another five years…Maybe I’ll be gone before you read this. My predicament is, well, rather unpredictable. But I’m prepared for either contingency, or at least I’m getting prepared. I have some things I’d like to take care of first, some work that needs finishing, and some people I need to see. And I want to talk to my fellow Americans a little more if I may.”

So writes John McCain in this inspiring, moving, frank, and deeply personal memoir. Written while confronting a mortal illness, McCain looks back with appreciation on his years in the Senate, his historic 2008 campaign for the presidency against Barack Obama, and his crusades on behalf of democracy and human rights in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Always the fighter, McCain attacks the spurious nationalism and political polarization afflicting American policy. He makes an impassioned case for democratic internationalism and bi-partisanship. He recalls his disagreements with several presidents, and minces no words in his objections to some of President Trump's statements and policies. At the same time, he tells stories of his most satisfying moments of public service and offers a positive vision of America that looks beyond the Trump presidency. The Restless Wave is John McCain at his best. Americas Civics & Citizenship Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government United States World Middle East Iran Russia French Revolution Refugee Memoir Soviet Union War American Foreign Policy

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All stars
Most relevant
If you thought he was a maverick, an original and I, you haven't seen anything yet. Just read this.

I Loved Obama but McCain would have been good too

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What a powerful book charting the life of a principled man. God rest his soul.

Powerful

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Interesting insights from a life of dedication and service. He treats opponents fairly but is correctly hard with enemies of free people. I find JM an honorable man and straight shooter and I sorely wish other elected representatives would listen to his words of wisdom and seek the art of the compromise, looking to solve problems, not tout partisan ideas. America and the world needs it. Beau Bridges narrates it excellently so that you quickly think it is JM himself speaking directly to you.

A reasonable man

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I first became aware of John McCain as he ran for the 2008 GOP nomination. Following his defeat I started to read more about him and his background and I followed his senate work until he died. He certainly was one of a kind and his dedication to working for America and across the aisle is a template for others to follow. This book provides a great deal of background of him and his work. It’s very well written and read. I recommend it!

This is a fantastic book and very well written

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This is a fantastic book, I strongly recommend it.
I am not someone who shares the same political views as McCain, however, this book gave me a lot of food for thought and reinforced how important bipartisanship is in this truly divisive age. It was interesting a moving. When Barrack Obama won the presidency I was glad, I was young and thought McCain would be the worst President ever! I was proved wrong by this book, McCain is a thoughtful and honourable man.

Moving

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