Jean Chrétien

When I heard Jean Chrétien was publishing a second book of stories, I was reminded that I hadn't yet read the first one. Chrétien, the most popular of Canada's prime ministers, won three terms of Liberal majority government. His stories are a concoction of memories and reflections written in an informal grandfatherly way without ever self-aggrandizing. As they were written in French and translated into perfect English, what I missed was his charming unpolished English, although I'm not sure how this would have worked in print. This is a lovely book, filled with humour, his love of Canada, and regard for others. He reserves his greatest admiration for his wife, Aline. The foreword was written by Joe Clark, former prime minister and political opponent from the other side of the house, and a close friend. It is a reminder of how much more can be achieved with cooperation and respect.… (meer)

Written with simplicity and humorous tone, My Years As Prime Minister summarizes Jean Chrétien's and the Liberal Party's accomplishments during his year in power. This book is also a good backgrounder on Canadian and World politics during the 1990s and early 2000s, providing an insider's perspective on the events that marked the last decade.

Having taken a Canadian Politics course last winter, I found this book to be a great summary/practical example of the various facets of our parliamentary system.… (meer)

Having written another book on his early life, and life as a Cabinet Minister, Jean Chretien has confined this book to his years as Prime Minister of Canada. Mr. Chretien portrayed himself, and was widely perceived, as the "litte guy from Shawinigan" and his book is written very much in that style -- folksy -- like he was telling you stories around the kitchen table. He admits that he never kept a journal or copies of correspondence, and is writing from memory. He admits that, human nature being what it is, he is more likely to remember moments when he shone than moments when he was less than brilliant.

His admissions aside, it was still a bit of a disappointment to read what amounted to a collection of anecdotes with little analysis. What background information there was seemed pitched at a high school level -- not at public policy "junkies" like me! Guess I'll have to wait for a biography.… (meer)