Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage

Frank—who recently retired after four decades in Congress—chronicles his rise to political power as his homosexuality became increasingly more compatible with his political career, while at the same time his core liberal principles surrounding the virtue of activist government fell more and more out of favor. Frank confesses that elocution and diction have never been his strong suits, but he has played on his quick wit and masterful debating skills during his time in the public spotlight. His performance demonstrates the matter-of-fact authenticity that over the years has helped him score points with allies and adversaries alike. The expository portions of the narrative may not always flow smoothly, but Frank’s gift for reciting memorable barbs offers pure entertainment. He delivers his critique of the unruly aspects of the 1993 gay-rights march on Washington in the manner of a somewhat gruff sage figure who shares wisdom from his own experiences. [em]A Farrar, Straus and Giroux hardcover. (Mar.) [/em]