Worthy Fights
A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace
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4.0 • 66 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
The New York Times–bestselling autobiography of a legendary political and military leader
It could be said that Leon Panetta has had two of the most consequential careers of any American public servant in the past fifty years. His first career, beginning as an Army intelligence officer and including a distinguished run as one of the most powerful and respected members of Congress, lasted thirty-five years and culminated in his transformational role as budget czar and White House chief of staff in the Clinton administration. But after a brief “retirement,” he returned to public service in 2009 as the CIA director who led the intelligence war that killed Osama Bin Laden and then became the U.S. secretary of defense, inheriting two troubled wars in a time of austerity and painful choices. Like his career, Worthy Fights is a reflection of Panetta’s values. It is also a testament to a lost kind of political leadership that favors progress and duty to country over partisanship.
Leon Panetta calls them as he sees them in Worthy Fights. Suffused with its author’s decency and common sense, the book is an inspiring American success story, a great political memoir, and a revelatory view onto many of the defining figures and events of our time.
Customer Reviews
Nothing New
I am not an Obama fan, but I find it disgusting
that a former high ranking official criticizes a president who is still in office and under whom he served.Up to this point I liked Leon Panetta and therefore was in disbelieve that he would lower himself just to sell a mediocre book.Besides the critique of Obama (albeit quite possible justified) there is nothing in this book which is new or profound.Read the critique in the NYT from Oct 7,2014 and you know everything which is to know.Save your money.
Self Serving
This book provides useful historical context but, unfortunately, Panetta was unable to present an objective, non-partisan view of that history. He clearly has a self-serving perspective of events throughout his life in government. There was a subtle thread of partisanship throughout that detracts from the quality of his efforts. In the end, he proves to just be another typical Washington insider.
Not worth it
Disappointment. Book is not worth it in terms of cost or time to plough through a lengthy history of his life and self congratulation. Another example of the arrogance of many life long government officials and their belief in their intelligence and contributions that exceed reality. The press made a big deal of the alleged criticism of Obama when in reality there were only a couple of minor examples, ie Obama's reluctance to make decisions and surrounding himself with a small group of like minded political cronies that reinforce his biases, both well known facts. Mostly a view through rose colored glasses and that glossed over the pettiness and infighting that exists.