Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics

First, the book is poorly written. It wanders endlessly at some points, coasting over spans of years where Biden had very little going on in his personal life or political life. Elements of his personal life are captivating and moving, but for the most part it is just a chronicle of a wealthy man's adventures. World travels, fine parties, elite clubs... stories that just turn me off since I can't relate to that level of wealth or lifestyle. A biography can impress in two ways. One, it can be well written and enjoyable to read for its language. Two, it can relate a story that is inspiring, impressive, and full of accomplishment. This book misses on both accounts. A poorly written book on a wealthy man's career which has had very little impact on America or the world. I would not recommend this to a friend since reading it or relating to his life is painful at times.

This is a great memoir about Biden's life. He discusses everything from his early days growing up in an Irish Catholic family (and the strong influence of the nuns) to his early adult life, where his first marriage was cut short by the tragic loss of his wife and daughter.

The book is not self-promoting political soliloquy, and is written in an unusually modest and self-reflective tone. You don't get the sense that this book was written as a means to further his political career, but rather that it was a memoir of an ordinary man. I've always respected Biden and I found that this book depend my understanding of him, his character, and his foreign policy acumen.

Two Five-star reviews by two absolutely great reviewers (Mr. Bill Emblom, a fellow Yankee fan. His reviews made me add to my list, Ed Barrow: The Bulldog Who Built the Yankees' First Dynastyand a Bobby Kennedy fan (much more than JFK)) The Last Campaign: Robert F. Kennedy and 82 Days That Inspired America. I read books about each of the three oldest Kennedy brothers. The lost prince (died in WWII), JFK and Bobby. Bobby was head and shoulders above and the best of the three. Bobby was the push behind the Civil rights,crime fighting and almost everything else. Ted must have been adopted, I have no respect for him at all. Look at Bill Emblom's 460 reviews, they are very helpful.

Also Mr John Drury convinced me to add to my list, The Prince of the City: Giuliani, New York and the Genius of American Life and [[ASIN:0061734950 Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir] John McCain]. His 85 reviews are to-the-point and insightful. We need articulate and brief reviewers with integrity like Mr Emblom and Mr Drury to lead us to great books, and honestly state why we should read them.

This was the first time we didn't connect. The two great reviewers have over 550 reviews between them. Strangely, the other 30 Five-star reviews only have 6 other Books, combined in their reviews. How can I trust a Non-reader? Twenty seven of the 30, have no other books reviewed. This doesn't fit. Too many of the reviews are spurious, and they sound like it also. Confirming my reliance on Qualitative not Quantitative reviews. I hope my analysis is of some help. Thank you for leading me to good books.

Though I have long been a Joe Biden fan (since 1984), this book exceeded all expections. Not your typical partisan political read in an election year, it is instructive and personal.
A compelling read that did not allow me to sleep!

Promises to Keep is an excellent read! This is a book you do not want to put down! Mr. Biden explains how his life; with its' "ups and tragedic downs" shaped his thinking and his actions. His understanding of how fragile life is; how important family and faith is; why we are obligated to help each other, to get up and go forward together; in service to one another and so many more life principles was learned while 'living his life'. With his great honesty we learn of his life; both personal and in political service. The title says it all: Joe Biden intends to keep his promises! Mr. Joe Biden has not forgotten his past, where he "came from", what events made him the man he is today. I would recommend this book to everyone. It will touch your spirit. Thanks Mr. Joe Biden for a fine read!