Obviously this book is a campaign document, so it’s impossible to tell how much of this polished account Mayor Pete *actually* wrote. But it’s clearly informed by his unfailingly positive values of respect, a love for learning, and a desire for justice for those around him. He relates his life story—a somewhat charmed life with loving parents, supportive community, and stellar education—but the narrative really takes off when he becomes South Bend’s youngest Mayor. It is clear that Mayor Pete believes deeply in the power of politics and government to change lives and he refuses let the cynicism of others shape his practice of it. He is respectful and even-handed even to opponents like then-Governor Mike Pence and his Restoration of Religious Freedom Act that would have allowed Indiana businesses to discriminate against gay men and women in the guise of protecting their own religious freedom. In our vicious dark environment, it’s a little difficult to get used to Buttigieg’s determination to stay positive. But by the end, when he ventures an argument about what national greatness *really* should look like, I was won over. We’re lucky to have people like this in American politics.