I Never Did Like Politics

How Fiorello La Guardia Became America's Mayor, and Why He Still Matters

By: Terry Golway

Narrated by: Jon Vertullo

Fiorello LaGuardia was one of the twentieth century's most colorful politicians—on the New York and national stage. He was also quintessentially American: the son of Italian immigrants, who rose in society through sheer will and chutzpah. Almost one hundred years later, America is once again grappling with issues that would have been familiar to the Little Flower, as he was affectionately known. It's time to bring back LaGuardia, argues historian and journalist Terry Golway, to remind us all what an effective municipal officer (as he preferred to call himself) can achieve . . .

Golway examines LaGuardia's extraordinary career through four essential qualities: As a patriot, a dissenter, a leader, and a statesman. He needed them all when he stood against the nativism, religious and racial bigotry, and reactionary economic policies of the 1920s, and again when he faced the realities of Depression-era New York and the rise of fascism at home and abroad in the 1930s. Just before World War II, the Roosevelt administration formally apologized to the Nazis when LaGuardia referred to Hitler as a "brown-shirted fanatic."

There was nobody quite like Fiorello LaGuardia. In this immensely listenable book, as entertaining as the man himself, Terry Golway captures the enduring appeal of one of America's greatest leaders.

©2024 Terry Golway (P)2024 Tantor

Great biography!!

Going into this story I knew absolutely nothing about Mayor LaGuardia. However, from the onset of the very first chapter, I was completely enthralled in his life! I loved the way that the author told us about little bits and pieces of what happened in the years after his death that were similar to and affected by the things that he had said and done. This book truly made me think about and process how we do things as a society and the way that our government works and functions. I loved this book!

Starts great, turns ugly!

As someone whose parents were born in Italy and who raved about the Little Flower, I looked forward this book and reading LaGuardia's history. Unfortunately, this book turned out to be a big disappointment. Although off to a great start, midway through the author decides to start using comparisons to current day politicians, eviscerating one's he dislikes while applauding those he favors. It was uncalled for, offensive, and distraction from the history of a great man. I immediately stopped listening and requested a refund.