The Confession

by James E. McGreevey

Book Overview

In August 2004, Governor James E. McGreevey of New Jersey made history when he stepped before microphones, declared "My truth is that I am a gay American," and announced his resignation. The story made international headlines--but what led to that moment was a human and political drama more complex and fascinating than anyone knew. Now, in this extraordinarily candid memoir, McGreevey shares his story of a life of ambition, moral compromise, and redemption...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060898623
• ISBN13: 9780060898625
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 369 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

eye opener

This work was one of the most helpful tools in gaining insight into the political machine. Governor McGreevey constructed a great read following his path through probably one of the greatest experiences of his life. I applaud his work and effort and recommend reading this book. It had me frustrated and angry during the read, but I emerged happy and able to place him on a higher pedastal. If redemption was necessary, Jim has earned it by putting this out. I hear people say he did it for the money - and to that I say: It is well earned. Read the book and get a grip. Bravo, Jim.

Jim McGreevey The confession

All of New Jersey and the country were probably anticipating the release of former Governor Jim Mcgreevey's book. Some of the hype may have been due to the scandal involving his sexual encounters. I am completing the book and am very impressed with the wealth of information included. Governor Mcgreevey shares all of himself in relation to his sexual escapades, but he also connects these escapades to the many emotions and experiences that brought him to his political end and to his new beginning. There were many selfish acts and many acts of kindness performed by Jim Mcgreevey. There were hurts and pains thrust upon others as well as happiness and joys given. I make no judgments as to the truths or untruths of his book. I evaluate based on the emotions that were left with me as a reader. I am highly appreciative of the wealth of knowledge on history, philosophy, psychology and other educational topics that were included. Jim Mcgreevey has shown his ability to take the English language and develop a stellar performance as an author. His development or lack of development of his life is for him to decide. I thank Governor Mcgreevey for sharing. Elaine Butler NJ

Powerful and imperfect

While I am no political expert, and had never heard of Jim McGreevey before I happened to be in NYC on vacation when his "Gay American" scandal broke, I remember thinking at the time that his was a story of another politician falling from grace in a magnificent spectacle that had little or nothing to do with government or governing. But 2 years later, having just finished the book (note to some reviewers: reading a book is a good step to take before reviewing it) it was, for me, a powerful lesson in a number of ways, many of which might have been unintended. First and foremost, it was a brutal reminder of how hypocritical and utterly ridiculous Western society has become with regards to politicians and politics in general. Elections and subsequent terms have seemingly little to do with doing the work of the general population; elections have become excruciating exposes focusing on things that have little if anything to do with governing or policymaking, fueled by a lethal combination of our own complacence/apathy and our increased hunger for information about things that are absolutely none of our business nor of any import. And, once elected, the work of the elected is less about doing good for the people than it is about paying back all of the devils they had to sell their souls to in order to get elected. We, the public, are guilty for allowing - and, by our voracious appetite for the salacious and scandalous, encouraging - this unhealthy and ultimately counterproductive weakening of the government that is supposed to serve us. Jim McGreevey's homosexuality was only political because we've allowed it to become such. The second major lesson I took from this book, as a gay man, is that without taking it on unabashedly and with full honesty, 'the closet' remains a factor in all of our lives even many years after we think we've blown the door off and forever exited the confines and constraints, What will linger with me for some time to come is the basic questions he poses: how and where are we duplicitous in our everyday lives and how much of a toll does it take on us? In a society so obsessed with the superficial, celebrity and mass adoration, how many personal and ethical compromises do we all make on a daily basis to achieve a specific end, forcing us further and further down the path of self-imposed duality? I came out 15 years ago, and reading this book was a painful reminder that I still have a long way to go before I will ever complete that process, let alone getting to a place in my life where I am at peace with all that coming out truly entails. I make no judgments as to whether or not Mr. McGreevey was corrupt, and I don't excuse (not that it's my place to - another flaw of the judgment-prone American public) the pain he inflicted on those closest to him. However, his willingness to share his personal journey in such a soul-baring way, and his thoughtful analysis of what it means (and how hard it truly is) to be authentic in

But What About Dina?

I'm half way through "The Confession," and I'm sure I will finish it. Indeed, it's well written. And it certainly offers an inside look at what it's like to grow up as a gay person and to feel the need to hide who you really are. It's painful reading at times. One cannot help but to feel for James McGreevey and to sympathize with how society has made it unbearable for people like him to be honest with their families, their employers, their friends, their colleagues and themselves. But by having this book be all about him, McGreevey so inadequately addresses the feelings of Dina, the wife he left behind. In my view, McGreevey has done a real disservice to the thousands and thousands of women who learn their husbands are gay. What about Dina's feelings in all this? She's the one who will ultimately have to deal with McGreevey's coming out for the rest of her life. I know this firsthand. My wonderful ex-husband of 17 years came out in January 1996 when our two kids were 15 and 13. He, like McGreevey, had been married twice -- once to his high school sweetheart, with whom he also had a child, and then to me. While I have always felt my ex-husband's pain and certainly recognize and abhor the discrimination that gays still experience, I can say with all candor that it's the "surviving straight spouse" who is ultimately left to pick up the pieces -- and often times in total isolation. After all, the gay man who comes out is warmly welcomed by the gay community from Day 1. But his wife has few with whom to turn. I remember being shocked, sad beyond words, embarrassed and in total disbelief. My life and the lives of our children were turned upside down overnight. My entire belief system was shaken. I'm a resourceful person and, thank God, quickly figured out how to tap resources to help me begin to understand it. But it's been a painful and long process, and one that only time and faith have helped. I've been changed forever by my ex-husband's shocking revelation. But life indeed goes on, and, thankfully, I've been able to find happiness again. But....the experience will never go away. I shudder at the thought of the many women out there who live in rural areas, who aren't financially independent, who don't have familiues who support them (when they learn their husband is gay), or who aren't as resourceful. My heart goes out to them all. The incredible betrayal that Dina certainly feels cannot be explained adequately. As my therapist told me shortly after my ex came out, "Your husband spent years and years coming to terms with this. Now it's your turn."

You are missing the point

I think folks are missing the point of the book in many respects. It is not psycho-babble, nor is he trying to explain away political transgressions. He is being completely honest for the first time in his life. If you read the whole book it is very clear why he made the decisions he did. Unless you have lived what he went through, spending your formative years being told you were abomination and mentally ill, and watching a society allow hateful behavior toward gays in all of its institutions, you cannot understand why he chose to try to conform to what is considered normal behavior. This story is not unique to McGreevy; literally thousands of men and women are living the story in this book every day. I find his words inspiring, honest, and candid. This issue is not going away, folks. Many of you are going to find out you have gay sons and daughters. Then you will understand the McGreevy story. As the son of a Baptist minister, McGreevy's story is mine. I praise him for having the courage to write it and I thank those of you who bash it, because then more people will buy it and get it out there. It is a very important book.