I loved this candid, entertaining memoir by the great Jon Tester--America's last great "real man" politician. He knows farming, he knows "red states," he knows Rural America. He also comes across as a patently decent human being. A man of humble beginnings, his story is one of persistence and hard work. The book encompasses not just the current political landscape, but also the story of Tester's remarkable life.

I'm a Montanan who has voted for Jon Tester more than once. I've always liked him and felt he genuinely cares about people. I didn't know much about him personally though, which is why I was so eager too read his memoir. This is a casual, honest account of his life both in and out of politics.

I loved how Jon's personality came through in his writing. I appreciated learning about his family history, which also taught me things about the state I live in. What I didn't care for was how much Trump came up in this book. I understand why he told those anecdotes - I am sure most people want to hear from someone who has been a subject of Trump's wrath without being destroyed - but I could have done without all the details. The same goes for the name dropping of Jeff Ahmet and other celebrities/politicians. While the overall tone of the book is genuine, there were a few parts that felt shallow.

The book is dense at times with details about history and political events. While I found it to be interesting and uplifting as a whole, sloooow at times.

As a third generation voter from Montana, I thought I knew about politics in the Big Sky state. Boy, was I wrong! Tester's book is illuminating, refreshingly candid and easy and enjoyable to read.

This is not your average political book about inside the belt way machinations. Tester has included insightful information about being a family farmer in a corporate farming world.

Wow, here’s a political book and its NOT about Trump. Tester, a Democratic senator from the conservative state of Montana. After reading this book, Tester’s down-to-earth style, I’d love to have him come to dinner and share more, although he can leave that story out about childhood encounter with a meat grinder in which he lost several fingers, doesn’t need to be retold. His former press secretary is the co-author and has made Tester voice come through clearly. Its not a long book, but shares so much about why this Montanan is a valued senator who understands the rural lifestyle.