Al Franken, Giant of the Senate Hardcover – Illustrated, May 30, 2017

“Al Franken, Giant of the Senate” by Al Franken is 405 pages in length and sold on Kindle for $14.99This book is an anecdotal, autobiography by democratic Senator Al Franken from Minnesota. It contains brief snippets of his childhood, his time with Saturday Night Line (SNL), both his campaigns for Senatorial office and finally some revelations surrounding the 2016 Presidential Election and its aftermath; things that have resulted in some unpredictable and unprecedented consequences.Al Franken was first and foremost a comedian, and this trait comes shining through in this book. No matter the point in time being discussed or the seriousness of any given situation, humor in the form of a witty retort or funny thought is never far from his mind.Is the book well written... well, yes and no. It is an basically an extensive anecdotal account of events that have occurred, plus some side remarks that may add some detail or color (often humorous). So this limits the ability and opportunity to write skillful prose. And in truth, if this had a professionally quality to the writing it probably would have lost some of its appeal and the honesty that I came to feel towards this book, and by association, this man.One got the feeling that while reading this book that either Al Franken was continually tooting his own horn OR he was the rarest of all breeds, a politician that had some moral conviction, and the desire and stamina to fight for what he believes is right. My instincts and hopes lean me towards the latter.I came away feeling that the Democratic Party could do a lot worse than having Senator Al Franken as their party’s Presidential nominee in 2020.The book is informative and entertaining... 5 Stars.Ray Nicholson@ralannicholson

I bought this book while Al Franken was still in the Senate, set it aside due to routine distractions, and read it in 2020 after he left the Senate. It still reads as well as it ordinarily would have, although evoking a slight feeling of regret that he is not still there.First, it should be acknowledged that this is the only book in the English language that features firsthand anecdotes of interactions with both Dan Ackroyd and Ted Cruz, although not at the same time. And, no disrespect to Dan Ackroyd, the Ted Cruz anecdotes are (unintentionally) funnier.The book takes us from Franken’s time at SNL to an intermediate period where he authored such books as Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot, to the Democratic primaries for the US Senate seat in Minnesota, to the unbelievably close first election, to his time in the United States Senate.The most notable tales from the Senate include bonding with Republican lawmakers with whom he still strongly disagrees, and, amazingly enough in the age of Trump, working with them to get things done in areas where there is common ground.Despite this, the best lines are reserved for the entire chapter devoted to Ted Cruz, including, “I like Ted Cruz better than do most other Senators. And I really hate Ted Cruz,” and, summing up the extreme dislike felt by most of his fellow senators, “Ted Cruz is the Dwight Schrute of the Senate.”In short, a great read, even though it’s author has sadly moved on to other things.

I loved this book. I listen to my books when I go to bed and put them on sleep timer. However, I probably never slept. This book was great. And as a 70 year old white gal who was subjected to all kinds of sexual harassment during my life, we really lost a great asset to the Congress when our Democrats made him resign. Wow, what were we thinking? I know the person who really pushed it, but when you think about it, back when the alleged thing happened it was in an era most everyone didn't really pay attention to those things. So sorry, but as a woman, I do not see why he was asked to step down. It was rampant during that time and us gals just said - Boys will be boys. Like my dad would say - Don't let them get your goat! So I never did! I just chalked it up to another experience. Thank you, Al for a great book! You did great things while in Congress and do hope you continue your contributions to our society.

Overall a wonderful and entertaining read, especially if you share Mr. Franken's political views. Having read the book after Mr. Franken's resignation from the U.S. Senate, there is definitely a bittersweet, melancholy mood infusing his words. It is clear that he truly enjoyed serving as a senator representing the people of Minnesota, and he took his responsibility seriously and passionately. After years as an comedy writer, entertainer, and political pundit, he at last found a higher calling, one that motivated him to reinvent himself and provided him great job satisfaction. As a U.S. Senator, he learned to be more serious and respectful in order to avoid being cast as the clown of the Senate. Despite his desire to make flippant remarks (as his previous self), he discovered the concept of "dehumorization" which is mentioned throughout the book.His political observations are razor sharp and laugh-out-loud hilarious as in his previous books as a political pundit, but this time with more credibility as he was writing as a full-fledged U.S. senator. He sheds interesting light on the inner workings of the U.S. Senate, as well as the day to day grind he went through. His observations of his fellow senators are enlightening. His stories about Ted Cruz are particularly funny. But rather than just blasting the Republicans as he did in previous books, he also illustrates the importance of working across the aisle with fellow senators. I particularly enjoyed reading which senators he liked working with, and which ones he would rather avoid at all costs. The descriptions and anecdotes he shares are not to be found in most newspapers or magazines.It is bittersweet that he had to resign from the job that has given him the greatest satisfaction of his life. But his words, often funny, and always insightful, make "Giant of the Senate" a worthwhile read for progressives.

I've bought all of Al Frakens previous books so I am already a fan and this book just reinforces that. Although not quite as funny as his other books because he has to reign in some of his broader commentary his sense of duty to his job and his frustration at how things are in the States right now makes me wish there more politician's like him in the world.

It's Al Franken, it's gonna be amusing, engaging and thoughtful. It's also gonna be liberal and warm. If you like that kinda thing, read and enjoy. If you don't, don't pick it up.I had a great time with this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

A humorous, entertaining, and at times heart breaking story ... Full of hope, doing the right thing in an enjoyable and easy read.

A candid insight into one of the more sane members of the senate. Well written, interesting and useful to gain an understanding of the inner workings of the Washington 'swamp'.

Love Al Franken and his honesty, also the insights into SNL is fun to know!