Review of Shortest Way Home
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Qualities
- Eloquent
- Engaging
- Insider's Take
Review
Despite running a little-known city in flyover country, since announcing his presidential candidacy, Pete Buttigieg, the Democratic, openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has emerged as a real contender in the national political scene. This memoir details Buttigieg’s varied résumé, including his time as a Harvard undergraduate, a tour as a Rhodes Scholar, a stint at consulting firm McKinsey and six months on active duty in Afghanistan. Along the way, Buttigieg lays out his vision for America – a vision which has, clearly, resonated with many Democratic voters. As of June 2019, oddsmakers had him trailing only Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders among the 20-plus Democratic contenders.
Buttigieg takes pains to position himself as a pragmatic leader rather than an ideological one in his engaging and surprisingly well-written book. His explanation of why he chose to return to South Bend and of the thoughtful, practical steps he took to help revitalize the “dying” rust belt city aim to highlight the ways in which he differs from the typical, slogan-spewing Washington politician. While Buttigieg’s liberal views likely won’t sway sworn conservatives, his analyses of how his experiences in South Bend and Afghanistan translate to the challenges the nation faces today offer food for thought to voters of all political stripes.
About the Author
Pete Buttigieg is the two-term mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, he is a Navy veteran and a former consultant at McKinsey.