Promises Betrayed: Waking Up from the American Dream

"Essential reading for anyone concerned about the state of the American people--and, by extension, of our country." --Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Few journalists can match Bob Herbert of "The New York Times" in bringing to life the stories of ordinary people caught between the American dream and American realities. From partisan politics to popular culture, from race relations to criminal justice, Bob Herbert's work is characterized by a strong moral vision and a deep understanding of the human costs of political decisions. In "Promises Betrayed," Herbert makes the case that America too often fails to live up to its creed of fairness and justice, and his tenacious reporting offers cautionary tales that keep us all honest. He truly lives up to the journalist's credo: to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. "Heartfelt essays by a man disheartened by the direction of the nation." --"Booklist" " ""Earnest, rueful, angry . . . Herbert writes with effective passion." --"Publishers Weekly"

About the Author :
Bob Herbert has been an op-ed columnist for "The New York Times" since 1993. He was previously a correspondent for NBC News and a reporter, columnist, and member of the editorial board for the New York "Daily News." He has taught journalism at Brooklyn College and at Columbia University, and has won numerous awards for his reporting and commentary. He lives in New York City.

Review :
"Beneath the sharp analysis and straightforward prose of Bob Herbert's columns is dogged and, often, ferocious reporting. Herbert is determined to narrate in vivid detail the tragedies and triumphs of invisible Americans in their everyday lives. Whether writing about criminal injustice in Tulia, Texas, or worlds at war in Iraq, Herbert brings to bear on his subjects fierce intelligence, no-nonsense reasoning, and unflinching honesty. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the state of the American people-and, by extension, of our country-as we plunge headlong into the twenty-first century." -Henry Louis Gates, Jr. "Bob Herbert's strong, brilliant voice consistently reminds America of where we still fall short of the ideals of the nation we want to be and can become." -Marian Wright Edelman "You will not forget the people in this book. They are people Bob Herbert will not let us forget. His journalism has the power of Dickens to enable us to see life as others experience it. In an era that may one day be known for the tragic meltdown of American journalism, Bob Herbert brings us back to the fundamentals-to what happens to our craft when it is practiced by a man who considers it a calling." -Bill Moyers "Bob Herbert is the conscience of a great newspaper, a powerfully compelling and consistent voice for underdogs of all colors, ages, and genders. With "Promises Betrayed," you can read him in one big, bracing, highly nutritional dose that will propel you off the couch and into action!" -Barbara Ehrenreich