The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations

This is John McCain and his co-writer, Mark Salter’s, fourth book together. Except for an unfortunate typo on page 286, it is well written and readable. They do a great job of explaining the Arab Spring to someone like me who never understood what had happened. He laments the end of collegiality in the Senate, but, at the same time, takes many members to task. He saves the worst castigation for the current administration and is quite outspoken. For me, it was eye-opening to learn of his many travels and wide-ranging acquaintances, both foe and friend. It was delightful to read about his rivalry with Ted Kennedy and their mutual mirth and friendship. It is to McCain’s credit to speak so well of a rival.

As to why he was saddled with an impossible vice presidential choice during his run for the presidency, his first choice was an impossibility for his party. It is too bad he listened to them. McCain is a genuine hero and public servant. While I don’t agree with many of his policies, I have respect for what he continues to do for his country and the fact that even with his diagnosis, he calls himself “the luckiest man on earth.”