by Marco Rubio
First published 2012
Marco Rubio opens his political memoir by tracing his family's Cuban roots and his parents' arrival in America. The future senator describes growing up as the son of immigrants who worked ordinary jobs while dreaming of better opportunities for their children. Rubio recounts his early political awakening, his climb through Florida politics, and the challenges he faced as a young Republican leader. He shows how his heritage influenced his worldview and political positions. The book follows his path from local offices to his surprising victory in the U.S. Senate race at age 39. Rubio examines the tension between honoring his family's immigrant experience and advancing conservative principles. This 288-page memoir captures one politician's version of achieving success in American politics while staying connected to his cultural identity.
Genres: american, political-science, politics, autobiography, biography-memoir, american-history
Vibes: fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, fish-out-of-water
Setting: America, Cuba, Florida
Period: 21st-century
320 pages · Hardcover · Sentinel