Synopses & Reviews
The charismatic former President of Mexico offers a clear and candid perspective on the state of world affairs When Vicente Fox swept into office in 2000, he broke the dictatorial one-party rule that had strangled Mexico for over seventy years. A native son of Mexico, grandson of immigrants from the United States and Spain, Fox worked his way from ranch hand and truck driver to the youngest CEO in the history of Coca-Cola. His political rise from precinct worker to world leader was equally swift. As president, Vicente Fox steered Mexicos fragile young democracy through turbulent times, ushering in six years of economic stability and reform in health care, education, and housing, with increased freedom of the press. His presidency also reduced poverty and tackled corruption.
Vicente Fox embodies the American Dream in its broadest sense as a vision of the New World, as well as the story of Mexico. Elected as a political outsider with a message of honesty, change, and hope, he is truly a world hero of democracy. This vivid book interweaves his inspiring personal story with his bold ideas for the future of the planet.
For the first time, President Fox reveals the ups and downs of his close but rocky relationships with world leaders from President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair to Fidel Castro, Vladimir Putin and Hugo Chávez.
In Revolution of Hope, President Fox outlines a new vision of hope for the future of the Americas. He speaks out forcefully on hot global topics like immigration, the war in Iraq, racism, globalization, the role of the United Nations, free trade, religion, gender equity, indigenous rights and the moral imperative to heal the global divide between rich and poor nations.
From the man who brought true democracy to Mexico, Revolution of Hope is a personal story of triumph and a political vision for the future.
Review
Memoir of the former Mexican president, whose remarkable rise to power was followed by a six-year tenure in office that was marked by an extraordinary upswing in the country's fortunes.
Published less than a year after his presidency came to a close, this wide-ranging overview of Fox's life unfolds at a furious pace, as he catalogs his many personal and professional achievements. Fox and co-author Allyn keep the political rhetoric to a minimum, only occasionally lapsing into corny sweeping statements about the state of the world. Instead, they focus on Fox's transformation from a truck driver for Coca-Cola to the first Mexican president to be elected from an opposition party since 1920. The book initially focuses on Fox's early life, offering insight into his upbringing, details about his family life and vivid descriptions of the poverty that beset the country in the future president's formative years. Though his family was by no means wealthy, his father's career as a ranchero earned enough for Fox to study at a Jesuit school in Wisconsin. Menial jobs followed, and, in a move that paralleled his astounding rise to president, Fox managed to work his way up from truck driver to CEO of Coca-Cola's Mexican operation. As Fox reveals his admirable achievements, he litters the text with asides, comments and anecdotes, most of which make for revealing and entertaining reading. He unravels his encounter with Arnold Schwarzenegger (Fox had his own "Schwarzenegger problem," as his mother was not a native Mexican citizen), offers his timely opinion on Barack Obama, discusses his differences with George W. Bush, presents a passionate argument for globalization and explains why he's a voracious reader of political memoirs. These elements, along with the thrilling descriptions of the buildup to Fox's election victory, provide a welcome personal touch to an already well-documented story.
Cynics looking for PR spin may be surprised by this book, which is driven by Fox's undeniable raconteurial skills and his keen eye for drama.
Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
The charismatic former president of Mexico offers a candid and provocative perspective on the state of world affairs. As president of Mexico, Vicente Fox brought true democracy to the country after seven decades of one party rule. Elected as a political outsider with a message of honesty, change, and hope, he is truly a hero of democracy, and this vivid book interweaves his inspiring personal story with his hopeful new vision for the future of the Americas. President Fox candidly reveals the ups and downs of his relationships with world leaders from George W. Bush and Tony Blair to Fidel Castro, Vladimir Putin, and Hugo Chávez. He also speaks out on hot global topics such as immigration, the war in Iraq, racism, the United Nations, free trade, and the moral imperative to heal the global divide between rich and poor nations. Outspoken, impassioned, sincere, and engaging, Vicente Fox embodies a quality that seems all too rare in world politics these daysthe moral character of a genuine leader.
About the Author
Vicente Fox, born in Mexico in 1942, was the president of Mexico from 20002006. Before being elected president he was a rancher, boot-maker, Coca-Cola CEO, and governor.
Rob Allyn is an author, commentator, speech writer, and political consultant who has worked closely with Fox for a decade.