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Rating: 
Summary: Correction
Review: As a Black Man, I am truly honored that a Black Man is not afraid to adhere to his morals. Once, I started to read this book, I could not put it down. It is an excellent book. I think if some Black people would read this book, the United States would be a greater country than it already is.
Rating:
Summary: Even Better than I Expected!
Review: It's a shame that one anonymous person can lower the overall rating of such a well-written, inspirational book. It's also obvious that the coward didn't read the book at all, for such hateful generalizations on the part of people incapable of an original thought are exactly what J.C. Watts has dealt with both in Washington and throughout his life. Fortunately for the country, he has never lost his sense of humor or his perspective about his origins. Do read this book to learn about a very talented and humble young man. I only wish there were many more like J.C. Watts, and perhaps through this book some will be emboldened to take a chance or two like he has.
Rating:
Summary: An Inspirational Autobiography
Review: J. C. Watts' book can be read on two levels. On the one hand, it is an inspirational story of a boy from a small town who grew up to achieve the American Dream. On the other, it is a manifesto which boldly describes how a "compassionate conservative" approach to solving problems can make America "a better place."Watts, who is black, grew up in a rural community in eastern Oklahoma and came of age before racial segregation and Jim Crow policies had completely died out. Although he faced formidable obstacles to success, he found inspiration from his parents, his coach, the legendary Barry Switzer, and others who molded his character and instilled in him the virtues of faith, personal responsibility, hard work, and tenacity. Armed with these virtues, Watts found success on the football field, where he become a star quarterback for the University of Oklahoma, and on Capitol Hill, where he quickly gained a reputation as a mover and shaker after his election to Congress. Throughout his book, Watts emphasizes his formula for success: focusing on an objective, acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve that objective, and maintaining the right mental attitude. Watts describes how his conservative beliefs are a natural outgrowth of the virtues and values in which he had come to believe and from his growing realization that the Welfare State has been a failure. His views appear to fall into the school of thought which Ronald Reagan dubbed "the Creative Society" in 1967, and which George W. Bush later rechristened "Compassionate Conservatism." He believes that the federal government's approach to solving domestic problems should be to set an agenda for action and then remain in the background while private and faith-based organizations do most of the work aimed at carrying out the agenda. This approach, argues Watts, can be effective in dealing with issues ranging from social security reform to pollution abatement. Accordingly, Watts calls for removing government restrictions on such organizations so they can act effectively. Although he is a committed conservative, Watts remains an independent thinker, and he recounts the occasions in which he has crossed swords with his fellow Republicans and conservatives. Whether or not readers agree, Watts' arguments should inspire them to think "out of the box" and consider new approaches to solving social problems. In any case, readers should find his life story to be inspirational.
Rating: 
Summary: the book is worth reading
Review: J.C. Watts is a true American hero - in every sense of the word. From humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma to star Sooner QB to luminary Congressman, Watts recounts his life in expert fashion to make for an enthrallingly good read. Watts has always been a leader grounded in good faith and family values - a true original when in comes to Washington, D.C. demagoguery. And that's exactly what has endeared him to his many fans and supporters - and conversely that's what also has angered many outside - and within - the Republican pary. Watts was never known to back down from a good fight. He is willing to take a principled stand for what he believes in and resists the coercive influence to always vote in deference to party leadership. As Watts explains, character-building experiences have helped him to see beyond political orthodoxy and the rigid constraints of group identity to make him the extraordinary leader that he is today. He is willing to embrace new models to solve old problems - unlike most politicians. Watts has always been a man of God, resiliency, resolve, unwavering principle, and old-fashioned family values. He is sorely missed in Washington as there are few true leaders like him remaining. "No man is free who is not master of himself."
Rating:
Summary: The Story of J. C. WATTS is the Story of America
Review: Julius Caesar Watts, Jr. recently became the chairman of an organization of which I am a member; since I only knew of him as an outstanding wishbone quarterback from the Barry Switzer glory years at the University of Oklahoma and as the first black member of the Republican Congressional leadership, I figured that reading his autobigraphy was the best way to begin to learn about the man. My hopes were tempered by my usual skepticism concerning books by and about politicians because of the agenda and vanity of the writers, but I was encouraged by the fact that J.C.'s book was published after he had announced his retirement from Congress rather than as a stepping stone to higher office. This book exceeded all my expectaions. You learn about J.C. - his family, his upbringing, his values, and the crucial experiences in the formation of his character and outlook on life. The story is told in a straightforward yet very interesting manner, by the end of the book I had developed a real understanding of what makes J.C. "tick". Usually, I have trouble staying interested in this type of book because they are either boring, BS, or both. This was an easy read, several times when I had planned to only read a single chapter I found myself continuing due to my fascination with the story. The other surprising aspect of the book is that the subject of race does not dominate every discussion; obviously it is one one the key formative factors in J.C.'s life and is dealt with openly, as are the subjects both of religion and the role of faith in his life and also politics and the impact of him being the first black southern Republican Congressman since the reconstruction era. This story begins with J.C. as a boy growing up during the struggle to end segregation; he was one of two blacks to integrate his town's all white elementary school. He later faced the pressure of becoming the first black quarteback for OU. His parents "never gave [him] an excuse to fail", rather he learned the ethic of hard work from his father Buddy who had grown up during the depression with the added burden of being black. He also had the love and discipline of his mother Helen, the "sheltering oak" in his life who counterbalanced "the strong wind" of his energetic and ambitious father. In addition, he learned from the example of his Uncle Wade, who overcame the prejudice and animosity of the Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan so completely that this former KKK member actually spoke in tribute at Wade's funeral. In summary, this is an inspiring story which provides the insights necessary to understand a remarkable man, but it is also the story of America. It is about personal responsibilty, hope, faith, belief in our power to overcome obstacles (even when the mountain is as high as our past history of racial injustice) and create a better tomorrow for future generations. As he explains, J.C. Watts is an American of African descent who has chosen not to let his race either deter or define him; as such he has confounded not only the proponents of victimhood who view him as a "traitor" to their cause but also those Republicans who had hoped that he would become the "black spokesman" for their party. While his experiences inform his choices and viewpoint, as he often says - most issues should not be about the black or white view, but about the facts and your goals. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., J.C. Watts Jr. is clearly delineated by "the content of his character" rather than the color of his skin. He is living proof of the view espoused by John McWhorter in AUTHENTICALLY BLACK (Amazon review 3/20/03) that while blacks undoubtedly often still face additional hurdles on the road to success, that the biggest stumbling block to their success today is the culture of victimhood that denies the opportunities that do exist and creates a feeling of self pity rather than self worth.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating As Any Novel!
Review: The election of a politically unknown African American as a Republican representative from Oklahoma was news. The story of how he arrived there is as fascinating. The book is so refreshing in that Watts recounts both his successes and his failure - all the experiences of a teenager are there. The issue of race did not trap Watts into forgetting he was a man who could think for himself. The book is fully of amusing stories. Even those who do not share his views will find this a delightful reading experience. Borrow a copy from the library or better yet, secure your own.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable Story!
Review: This book changed my life and allowed me the courage to stand up for what I REALLY believe, despite popular opinion. JC Watts, Jr. is hugely courageous and open the doors for many conservative african americans who have elected to reject "victimization," and embrace true independence through education, hard-work, faith, and family.
Rating:
Summary: Correction
Review: This is a brief correction posted in response to the review dated December 2, 2003. The "quoted" words do not appear on page 168 or anywhere else in the book. Additionally Mr. J. C. Watts, Jr. gets five stars from me, not only because I highly doubt that he would say such things, but also because I admire anyone who is willing to go against the grain in ways that may provide valuable learning experiences for us all.
Rating:
Summary: Not All Republicans Are Bad.
Review: This is an inspiring book for all Americans to read, even if you are not a conservative!! This book is not hateful, ugly, and distorted like alot of conservative books that's on the market. The only problem I have is he gives certain Republicans too much credit. Credits they do not deserve. Republicans are not going to win, if people like Ken Hamblin, Gordon Liddy and Sean Hannity keep preaching their message of hate. JC Watts is a republican we can all respect.
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