Square Peg

by Orrin G. Hatch and Orrin Hatch

Book Overview

From Orrin Hatch, one of the most widely respected and best-known legislators in America, comes a deeply personal book: part essay on how politics should be practiced, part memoir of how he has tried... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465028675
• ISBN13: 9780465028672
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Plain and Simple

First things first....I am not an Orrin Hatch fan, I don't live in his state, and I have never really paid him much attention. Ultra-conservative friends of mine have always thought he was the greatest however. When I saw this book (75% off mind you) I couldn't resist seeing what he had to say. My wife and I began reading this book aloud to one another on a long cross country trip. Both of us are moderate conservatives and we wanted to see what the far right was thinking. On several occasions during this book we found ourselves pondering deep philosophical issues and wrestling with our emotions regarding a myriad of subjects (stem cell research is most vivid in my memory). Yes Senator Hatch does glance over some issues that were major black eyes to the GOP, instead opting for more words on democratic blunders (of course he would, as this is to be expected). In the end, I found myself unable to disagree with Senator Hatch's position on nearly all the issues he presents in the book -- something I know I will not be able to say after reading Clinton's book. In short, this is a very thought provoking book which is excellently written. Senator Hatch shows guts and a surprising sense of humor. If you want to take some time and learn about the inner working of government, this is a very readable, insightful book.

The Best New Book On The Market

What a book! This book is funny and captivating - A real page-turner. Hatch writes at a level that readers can enjoy. He assumes that you are a legislative novice and takes the time to explain the players and the environment in a non-dry fashion. He has a great sense of humor, shows wit and has a phenomenal storytelling manner. If I seem as though I am trumpeting this book, I am. I truly came away smiling and didn't feel as if conquering the next page was going to be an arduous task. This book is political, without being political. A Democrat can read the book just as joyfully as a Republican because Hatch is not pushing an agenda, unlike Goldberg's Biased, but rather is telling the reader the "how" of his career, and less of the "why you should be a republican." --- All I can say is that I enjoyed it, and there is no reason you wouldn't also.

A Devout Public Servant Showing The American Republic Works!

When we think about Republicans and Democrats running our country it is easy to exchange barbs, call each other names and make fun of each other. What few bear in mind is we elect our political leadership to make thoughtful decisions for the good of the Republic. Sometime this means being yourself, using your own judgment and explaining why you work with each other for the good of America in the end.This is what The Honorable Senator Hatch has brought to Washington and America since 1976 and reveals in this new book. Senator Hatch provides many details in this book showing how Washington can work for the benefit of all citizens through the give and take of social justice on labor and civil rights. Senator Hatch is a devoted believer in the Pro-Life movement but he knew the benefits of stem cell research and help create a compromise for the good of all. He divulges the worst mistake he ever made in his political career was not voting for Martin Luther Kings' Holiday because he thought it costs too much. Now upon reflection he admits the benefits in the pride African-Americans now teach to other races about M.L.K. Holiday is worth the billion dollars it costs every time. The author is considered a Right Wing Republican but he has voted on finding the middle ground for many bills that often reflect his friendship with The Honorable Senator Ted Kennedy too. In the book he explains how Senator Kennedy has been persuasive on many occasions that actually made Senator Hatch change his opinion from his heart and using his head, not just for political advantages.I felt very comfortable after reading this book that our nation is in good hands with Public Servants like Senator Hatch and Kennedy. No matter what you think of them in public, how the media or political opponents have labeled them, I can assure you they truly try and make the best decisions for the American people and our institutions. He admits he often prays for guidance on voting for important legislation. It is a prime example how one can use his own religious values to increase secular goodwill without preaching or being intolerant to others.This is a great book on how to be a truly dedicated Public Servant serving the people and having to change your political views sometimes for the good of the senate and homeland. All readers will come away respecting this man from Pittsburgh even more based on what you read in the book. The book is full of revealing tidbits you seldom seen written about in public. I not only recommend this book but salute the senator for writing it is such a forthright and easy manner to read for all!

My Christmas shopping is now complete.

This insightful political memoir takes the reader through Senator Hatch's fascinating experiences in the Senate, ranging from the Clarence Thomas hearings, his run for the Presidency, and his unlikely friendship with Ted Kennedy. In a style refreshingly atypical of politicians, he does not present the material through rose-colored glasses. Rather, he is highly self-critical and addresses his mistakes head-on. In one particularly compelling chapter, he describes the vicious personal attacks he faced during the BCCI scandal. His description was written with such brutal honesty that I found myself feeling deeply saddened by the way he was treated. Overall, I think this book is a great read for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at a legendary Washington power-broker.

A Complete Surprise

I found this book to be a complete and pleasant surprise. Contrary to what one might think, the book is actually an interesting, instructive, and revealing look at the political process. Senator Hatch makes legislating seem real and more thoughtful than one would ever guess from the evening news. I never thought I would read a book by Orrin Hatch and laugh out loud. I still don't agree with all of the positions he takes, but you do grasp that there are actual humans hiding behind their political stereotypes. It's a quick, easy, but surprisingly fun read.