The Way Forward: Renewing the American Idea
 First edition | |
| Authors | Paul Ryan |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Twelve |
Publication date | 2014 |
The Way Forward: Renewing the America Idea is a 2014 political book written by Paul Ryan, an American Republican Congressman from Wisconsin and 2012 vice presidential nominee.
Content[edit]
The book starts with an autobiographical account of Ryan's childhood in Janesville, Wisconsin, up to the point when he found his alcoholic father's dead body when he was sixteen.[1][2][3] He reveals that he used government assistance to survive during that period.[4]
He goes on to explain that this tragedy motivated him to work harder and eventually run for office.[1] He then explains how he handles congressional bills and politics in general, including his experience as a vice presidential nominee in 2012.[1] He stresses the idea that civil society, not government, is what leads to job creation and growth.[3]
Ryan goes on to argue that Republicans should stop preaching to the choir and start reaching out to new voters like Hispanics and African Americans.[5]
Critical reception[edit]
 | The examples and perspective in this section may not include all significant viewpoints. (June 2018) |
The book was only sold as an e-book on Amazon.com until Ryan complained about it on television.[6] It was then sold at a discounted price with a quick shipping period.[6]
In The National Review, George Will praised the book, suggesting it was a response to President Barack Obama from "a man who has a better mind and better manners".[7] Similarly, Peter Wehner of Commentary Magazine described it as "both candid and self-reflective, and at times even self-critical".[8]
Writing for The American Conservative, Ross Kaminsky suggested, "It is not an election tell-all, nor a screed intended to rile up the right-wing or harangue Democrats."[1] He added, "Ryan's book is reasoned and explained well enough that even the mainstream media is having a hard time criticizing it."[1] He concluded that the book was "a welcome and valuable addition to our ongoing political conversation".[1] In The Washington Post, Matt Miller compared it to "drooled-upon pages of Ayn Rand".[9] However, he agreed with Ryan that health-care expenditure would have to be curtailed.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f Ross Kaminsky, Paul Ryan's Way Forward, The American Spectator, March 9, 2014
- ^ Susan Page, Paul Ryan on focus, in archery, politics—and life, USA Today, August 18, 2014
- ^ a b Paul Ryan Plots ‘Way Forward,’ Hinting at Presidential Aspirations, ABC News, August 19, 2014
- ^ Joan Frawley Desmond, Paul Ryan on ‘The Way Forward’ and the Catholic Faith, National Catholic Register, September 30, 2014
- ^ Rebecca Ballhaus, Book Highlights: Paul Ryan’s ‘The Way Forward’, The Wall Street Journal, August 19, 2014
- ^ a b David Streitfeld, Amazon Is Not Holding Back on Paul Ryan, The New York Times, September 30, 2014
- ^ George Will, Paul Ryan's Way Forward, The National Review, August 30, 2014
- ^ Peter Wehner, Paul Ryan's Way Forward, Commentary Magazine, August 29, 2014
- ^ a b Matt Miller, Paul Ryan’s memoir preaches to the choir, The Washington Post, August 19, 2014