Democrazy

February 6, 2017
Former Florida congressman Trey Radel proposes in his amusing memoir that although American democracy is imperfect, as epitomized by congressional dysfunction, the problem lies more with human nature than with the democratic system itself. Radel was a popular conservative radio host before his 2012 election to Congress, and resigned a year into his term after being arrested for cocaine possession. He offers a humorous glimpse into his short-lived political career, acknowledging and apologizing for his personal failures while also demonstrating the common-sense approach to politics that got him elected in the first place. His stories include attending fundraisers with chain-smoking then–Speaker of the House John Boehner, shockingly befriending Democrats while butting heads with fellow Republicans over the excesses of the sheep shearing industry, and avoiding Paul Ryan’s early morning P90X workouts. These light anecdotes are contrasted with the soul-searching that followed his drug arrest, adding a thoughtful side to the carnival that is Congress. Radel’s book gives the infamously unpopular body a breath of fresh air, which is a hopeful sign in this murky current political climate. Agent: Flip Brophy, Sterling Lord Literistic.