Never Give in: Battling Cancer in the Senate

by Arlen Specter and Frank J. Scaturro

Book Overview

This is not simply the memoir of a cancer survivor. Nor is it just the memoir of a respected senator. This is an unprecedented glimpse into a man who is both. It is inspiration for people of all political persuasions; of how to persevere and succeed---despite what the doctors may say, despite what the tests might show. In early 2004, Senator Specter was in the midst of a grueling primary race, facing significant opposition from the right as he worked...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312383061
• ISBN13: 9780312383060
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

We could use him NOW!

I am neither a Democrat or Republican. I saw Senator Spector interviewed on a late night program and was fascinated by his demeanor. He was charming, witty , and spoke freely of his battle with cancer. He had many foes in his political career, but none as strong as this one. Some of his 'good friends' offered synthetic sympathy, but he kept smilin through the rain and the pain. I bought the book the same night and, although it ddin't keep me glued to it throughout, it was well worth the time spent reading. With the way things are going today, we could certainly use him on the Presidential ticket in November.

Arlen Specter is incredible

As a former intern for Sen. Specter, I can say that working in his office and watching him work was fascinating and inspiring. The more I observed him on the floor and as ranking member on the Judiciary committee, the more I respected him. Senator Specter is an icon for Republicans and Democrats alike, and his thinking transcends party lines. This book is a wonderful read, and I couldn't recommend it more. His dry sense of humor and great anecdotes are unmatched.

A Terrific Read and an Important Work

I'm somewhat biased, as a former staffer and co-author for Sen. Specter, but Never Give In is a terrific read and an important work. This first-hand account of a solon's battle with cancer offers expert advice on combating deadly disease, an inside view of the highest levels of government and politics, and timeless insight into the human spirit. All the more rare and revealing -- and courageous -- from a senior U.S. Senator, who operates in a world in which any personal detail is potential fodder for critics and opponents. My 10 years working for and with Sen. Specter gave me the equivalent of a PhD in politics, government and life. Readers can get a good chunk of that value in this one volume.

Insightful and interesting..

What a wonderful read.. it has been a long time since i've found a book that I could not put down. It is so interesting to see Senator Specter's relationships with his family and other members of Congress. The detailed exchanges with Senators Biden, Harkin, and Coburn provide a rare look into the camaraderie of our elected officials-- something that cannot be found on CSPAN 2. I highly recommend this book to anyone who knows someone battling cancer or anyone who has an interest in politics. I hope he writes another one in the near future.

Hanging In There

As we enter a period of all-politics, all-the-time tv, this is a good break from the usual talking heads. Senator Specter provides a behind the scenes look at the Senate--from whence the presidential nominees spring. In addition to an inspiring story of battling cancer, and of the life and death struggles of other senators and their families, are memorable vignettes about the politics of judicial nominations, senate committee campaigining, and medical misdiagnoses of terminal illness---all stirred with dry wit and frank discussion of illness and fate.