Official Review: A Higher Calling by Don Bonker

[mmm17]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Higher Calling" by Don Bonker.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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A Higher Calling: Faith & Politics in the Public Square is a non-fiction book written by Don Bonker, a former US Congressman for Washington State. Throughout the book, readers follow the author as he recounts his life story, with a focus on his memorable public career, using the first person. “A soliloquy from this lifelong political op-ed of a career.”

Bonker’s eventful journey starts as a young dance instructor in Denver, then progresses through college and into his election to the US Congress. He served seven terms on Capitol Hill, and his notable and value-guided public life includes being chair of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on international economic policy and trade. The author also narrates how meeting his supportive, lifelong wife Carolyn and embracing the Christian faith helped shape and give purpose to his life.

What I most enjoyed about this book was how balanced, ethical, and principled the author was in his political views and analyses. It is increasingly rare to see a politician of values and character, and Bonker’s heart sure seems to be in the right place. I agree with so many of his points of view. For instance, I strongly agree that the level of shame that could end a political career in the past might now even embolden some politicians.

I believe that a memoir can still be an entertaining read when the events themselves are somewhat mundane. What matters is how it gets told; it’s about the writing, I believe. Conversely, even lives full of relevant achievements, which is the case with Don Bonker, can be rendered dull by a bland writing style. Unfortunately, although the author has remarkable stories to tell, the prose wasn’t particularly distinctive or surprising. He provides an inside look at an accomplished life and career, but it feels like reading a dry chronological account of events in the order they happened – a history book of sorts.

In closing, the book seems professionally edited, for I found no spelling or grammatical error. The author comes across as a competent and distinguished man who has valuable stories to tell. Unfortunately, though, the bland writing style did not make the book a page-turner. I believe an experienced writer or editor could do wonders with this material. However, as it is, I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars. Readers with interest in politics, partisanship, and foreign affairs might appreciate it. If you expect a nuanced memoir, you should probably look elsewhere.

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A Higher Calling
View: on Bookshelves

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds like an interesting memoir; it's too bad that the storytelling wasn't more engaging. Thanks for your honest and interesting review.

[mmm17]

This sounds like an interesting memoir; it's too bad that the storytelling wasn't more engaging. Thanks for your honest and interesting review.

Thank you for reading!

[Joshua Momanyi]

This sounds like a memoir written from the heart. The author seems to believe that the service he was called to, was one he had to serve with all he had; a very encouraging quality that all should emulate.

[readerrihana]

Sounds like an interesting memoir to read, coming from someone from US Congress, thanks for the review