Review: The Road Taken: A Memoir

The Road Taken: A Memoir by Patrick Leahy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this memoir was like reviewing my own life. I re-experienced both of the Kennedy assassinations, the Nixon resignation, 9/11, the reopening of Cuba, the day that marriage was declared equal for all, Vietnam, the joy and pride on Obama's election night…the list is long. There were no surprising revelations. In essence, this book is about ethics and being honest, sincere, and honorable. 

I most enjoyed the sections about his personal life: his childhood, marriage, and family life. His law career as a prosecutor was very interesting. His conversations with Vermonters and his tales from different parts of the state were very familiar. He always established and maintained open communications between legal and political opponents and himself. 

The book ends on a scary note, however: the insurrection of January 6, 2021. Leahy is clear about what happened before and after that day. The nation is having serious problems, but somehow Leahy, by just being himself, reassured me that we can make it through to the other side with a secure democracy — if we are vigilant and truthful with ourselves and value our country. There are other Leahys out there; he is not the only honorable person in Washington or the country, so it is possible that we will be okay in the end. 

We are proud of Senator Leahy in Vermont. I have never met the senator, but his soft-spoken voice is as familiar as my own father's. It is a shame that he is retiring now when the country needs his high character and calm demeanor. 

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