The Courage to Survive

Former Cleveland mayor, current Congressional representative and Democratic presidential candidate Kucinich presents an absorbing, fluid memoir of his first 21 years. Coming of age in inner-city Cleveland in the 1950s, Kucinich was the eldest child of a large Catholic family that often struggled to stay afloat. His early experiences taught him to persevere, to utilize all available opportunities, to work hard and to reach out: “It is in extending your hand that you affirm your existence.” Working from a young age to help pay the family bills, Kucinich was inspired by John F. Kennedy and other politicians, “developing a powerful sense of mission, to be of service to God and humanity.” Kucinich's is a familiar but engaging story of lessons learned and obstacles overcome (poverty, family illness and his notably short stature), set in a carefully observed time of great social change. Taking readers through numerous family moves, multiple schools and neighborhoods, several jobs and his first, unsuccessful campaign for city council with lyrical finesse and a sure voice, Kucinich is a natural writer; moreover, he wisely avoids any kind of preaching, judging or politicking, allowing the story to speak for itself. This view on youth in the 1950s and the making of a conscientious leader should be of interest to a wide audience, regardless of personal politics. (Nov.)