Grace

At a time when the meaning of America is up for grabs, Cody Keenan's new book chronicles ten days that tested us and ultimately showed us at our best. It's a captivating story about what's worth fighting for, an antidote to cynicism that will make you believe again. - President Barack Obama, via Twitter Grace is a beautifully written, gripping tale of a monumental week in the life of America. As a political memoir, it is a masterpiece, rendering the White House's characters-including President Barack Obama-in deeply human terms, with unforgettable behind-the-scenes accounts of how history was made. But in Grace, Cody Keenan does something even deeper by opening up the chilling rise of white supremacism, delving into the horrific costs of racial injustice in America, and showing how-with courage, decency, and a rich, expansive form of patriotism-our better angels can prevail. - Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Problem from Hell and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Grace is an exuberant love letter to public service and a beautifully written record of how a President and his speechwriter faced down the darkest demons of American identity to offer a better, truer story of who we can be. At a time when cynicism and apathy endanger democracy, Cody Keenan lets us all experience how it felt to be in the room and reminds us of the things that are worth fighting for. - Ben Rhodes, author of The World As It Is Cody Keenan's Grace, like the speeches he wrote with President Obama, is a compelling force. People of faith will know the 'grace' of which Cody and Obama speak; political and history buffs will appreciate the look inside these tragic, triumphant moments; and all Americans will be moved to tears of sorrow and joy through Cody's retelling. Grace is what's needed in our country right now, and Keenan's Grace is likewise a needed, essential read. - Joshua DuBois, spiritual advisor to President Obama and author of The President's Devotional Cody Keenan has the heart of a novelist, the agile mind of an historian, and the acuity of someone who knows politics inside out. This remarkable book speaks in epic ways to the beauty and turmoil of the intimate moments that shape our lives. This is a hero's journey, told with humility, insight and of course, grace. - Colum McCann, National Book Award-winning author of Let the Great World Spin At a time when cynicism permeates every ounce of our news and our politics, reading this hopeful, inspiring, gorgeous book is as refreshing as skinny dipping in a mountain lake. Grace is an invigorating reminder of the power each of us have to change the things for the better. Read this book! And then buy another one for your friend who thinks nothing matters and the world is doomed. - Kal Penn, author of the national bestseller You Can't Be Serious An absorbing book debut with an insider's view of the pressured, often 'fucking terrifying' workings within the White House...a moving portrait of a presidency and its top speechwriter. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) A compelling memoir....[Keenan] offers a candid slice of life in a West Wing characterized by camaraderie, integrity, and hard work. - Library Journal (starred review) Uncommonly frank...a rarity in presidential histories these days: an argument for public service. - Chicago Tribune Powerful...a fascinating backstage pass...no matter your political persuasion, Grace is a generous, lively and worthwhile read. - BookPage Students of politics will gain an insider's perspective in presidential power and leadership in time of crisis. - Booklist