Mr. Bennett takes a look at the high and low events from the 1988 Presidential Election of the first George Bush through the 2008 Presidential Election of Barack Obama. As the story weaved in and out, I couldn't help but reflect on how each of the events had an impact on my life. I was four years old when this book kicks off and I remember going up town in our stroller decorated with red, white, and blue streamers to see George Bush when he stopped in my hometown during his campaign. The story rolls on throughout the end of the Soviet Union, Gulf War, the Clinton administration and scandals, Waco, the Oklahoma City bombing, the revolution of the Internet, the drama of the OJ Simpson arrest and trial, the 2nd George Bush election, the horrible events of 9/11, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina, and finally the campaign and election of Barack Obama. At the end of the book's events, I was 24 and working a full time. My unit was holding a conference for our zone partners on the day of Obama's inaguration and the conference was put on hold as the whole group watched his speech. While I don't agree with most of this President's views, it was evident that the world had changed over the past 20 years and this was a big day.
Another insightful part of this book was how Mr. Bennett shows the rising tensions between the United States and terrorists around the world during the 1990s. It was interesting to me how many times the United States should have maybe took more interest in the threats of Osama bin Laden during the 1990s. It may be just my ignorance, but I had never even heard of him until 9/11/2001. I remember my friend Chad telling me all about him in 2nd period Calculus on 9/11 (I still question why Chad knew all about him...)
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in how the events of the past 20 years have impacted our lives.
