by Karl Rove
First published 2010
Karl Rove opens his memoir by confronting the attacks that have followed him throughout his political career. From running the College Republicans at twenty-two to transforming Texas from Democratic stronghold to Republican territory, Rove built his reputation as "the Architect" through a series of unlikely victories. He guided George W. Bush from Texas governor to president, engineering upset wins that confounded political observers. Now Rove fights back against his critics, defending his methods and philosophy while taking aim at Democratic leaders like Harry Reid and Tom Daschle. He addresses controversial accusations, from allegations about his family background to claims he bugged his own office. Rove reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of Bush's campaigns and presidency, including the contested 2000 election, the tension aboard Air Force One during 9/11, and the decisions to invade Afghanistan and Iraq. This is ultimately about a man's dedication to conservative politics, accepting the personal costs of a life spent in political combat.
Genres: political-science, politics, autobiography, biography-memoir, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Afghanistan, Iraq, Texas, United States
Period: 2000s, 9/11
567 pages · Hardcover · Threshold Editions