Al Franken, Giant of the Senate

This is a very honest and informative look at how our government operates and why electing people who are "anti-establishment" generally backfires. The problem is not that there are differences of opinion; the problem is when our representatives refuse to talk, negotiate, work together to achieve things that may not be perfect, but are ultimately of benefit for our country. Al Franken is a serious politician and a great Senator as well as being a very funny and hugely insightful person! This book is not a partisan polemic (as some of his others can rather be, much as I love them). It is a really great look at how to make government work. We need many more people like him in our Congress. Great book, great person!

Best book I've read in a long time. Inspires me to get involved in community. Explains Senate workings. Very very funny.

It's Al Franken, it's gonna be amusing, engaging and thoughtful. It's also gonna be liberal and warm. If you like that kinda thing, read and enjoy. If you don't, don't pick it up. I had a great time with this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

A candid insight into one of the more sane members of the senate. Well written, interesting and useful to gain an understanding of the inner workings of the Washington 'swamp'.

A humorous, entertaining, and at times heart breaking story ... Full of hope, doing the right thing in an enjoyable and easy read.

Still dipping in to it for reading pleasure.

Love Al Franken and his honesty, also the insights into SNL is fun to know!

I've bought all of Al Frakens previous books so I am already a fan and this book just reinforces that. Although not quite as funny as his other books because he has to reign in some of his broader commentary his sense of duty to his job and his frustration at how things are in the States right now makes me wish there more politician's like him in the world.

A must read for anyone who still has faith that the world can be a better place with Al Franken playing a giant part in that. Pleae come for dinner next time you are in Australlia Al!

Amusing, informative, great reading. RUN FOR PRESIDENT! Recommend without reservation and with great enthusiasm. Most excellent in all ways. Hallelujah!

This is a great book, not often is there a chance to laugh out loud in a non-fiction book about politics. I love his cynical humorous style and his amazing insight into American politics. Hadn't paid a lot of attention to politics at all until the advent of Donald Trump, am not even American, so it was a real eye-opener to me about getting elected to the Senate. How difficult it must have been for Mr. Franken to curb his ever present humour when in session, what it's alright to say, what to avoid. To have spent many years of his life in writing for comedy and then finding himself in a situation where a lot of it was real life comedy except it was important to remember you are representing your supporters and dealing with real problems. I certainly recommend this book, it's interesting, entertaining and informative.

Good book for a disturbing time in American history but the disturbing is sure to pass....right? Looking forward to 5he next book, suggested title “Liars and the lies they tell from behind bars”

Overall a wonderful and entertaining read, especially if you share Mr. Franken's political views. Having read the book after Mr. Franken's resignation from the U.S. Senate, there is definitely a bittersweet, melancholy mood infusing his words. It is clear that he truly enjoyed serving as a senator representing the people of Minnesota, and he took his responsibility seriously and passionately. After years as an comedy writer, entertainer, and political pundit, he at last found a higher calling, one that motivated him to reinvent himself and provided him great job satisfaction. As a U.S. Senator, he learned to be more serious and respectful in order to avoid being cast as the clown of the Senate. Despite his desire to make flippant remarks (as his previous self), he discovered the concept of "dehumorization" which is mentioned throughout the book. His political observations are razor sharp and laugh-out-loud hilarious as in his previous books as a political pundit, but this time with more credibility as he was writing as a full-fledged U.S. senator. He sheds interesting light on the inner workings of the U.S. Senate, as well as the day to day grind he went through. His observations of his fellow senators are enlightening. His stories about Ted Cruz are particularly funny. But rather than just blasting the Republicans as he did in previous books, he also illustrates the importance of working across the aisle with fellow senators. I particularly enjoyed reading which senators he liked working with, and which ones he would rather avoid at all costs. The descriptions and anecdotes he shares are not to be found in most newspapers or magazines. It is bittersweet that he had to resign from the job that has given him the greatest satisfaction of his life. But his words, often funny, and always insightful, make "Giant of the Senate" a worthwhile read for progressives.