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An American Son: A Memoir

Marco Rubio

3.82 · Rating details · 592 ratings · 87 reviews

Few politicians have risen to national prominence as quickly as Marco Rubio. At age forty-one he’s the subject of widespread interest and speculation. But he has never before told the full story of his unlikely journey, with all the twists and turns that made him an American son.That journey began when his parents first left Cuba in 1956. After Fidel Castro solidified his Few politicians have risen to national prominence as quickly as Marco Rubio. At age forty-one he’s the subject of widespread interest and speculation. But he has never before told the full story of his unlikely journey, with all the twists and turns that made him an American son.That journey began when his parents first left Cuba in 1956. After Fidel Castro solidified his Communist grip on power, Mario and Oria Rubio could never again return to their homeland. But they embraced their new country and taught their children to appreciate its unique opportunities. Every sacrifice they made over the years, as they worked hard at blue-collar jobs in Miami and Las Vegas, was for their children.

As a boy, Rubio spent countless hours with his grandfather, discussing history and current events. “Papa” loved being Cuban, but he also loved America for being a beacon of liberty to oppressed people around the world. As Rubio puts it, “My grandfather didn’t know America was exceptional because he read about it in a book. He lived it and saw it with his own eyes.”

Devastated after his grandfather’s death, Rubio was getting poor grades and struggled to fit in at his high school, where some classmates mocked him as “too American.” But then he buckled down for college and law school, driven by his twin passions for football and politics. He played football at a small college in Missouri, then came back to Florida to attend Santa Fe Community College and the University of Florida. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Miami and took a job at a law firm, which paid him a handsome salary that allowed his father to retire.

As a young attorney he ran for the West Miami City Commission, a role that led to the Florida House of Representatives. In just six years he rose to Speaker of the House and became a leading advocate for free enterprise, better schools, limited government, and a fairer, simpler tax system. He found that he could connect with people across party lines while still upholding conservative values.

His U.S. Senate campaign started as an extreme long shot against Florida’s popular incumbent governor, Charlie Crist. Undaunted by the early poll numbers and the time away from his wife and kids, Rubio traveled the state with his message of empowerment and optimism. He upset Crist in both the primary and a dramatic three-way general election, after Crist quit the GOP to run as an independent.

Now Rubio speaks on the national stage about the challenges we face and the better future that’s possible if we return to our founding principles. As he puts it, “Conservatism is not about leaving people behind. Conservatism is about allowing people to catch up.”

In that vision, as in his family’s story, Rubio proves that the American Dream is still alive for those who pursue it.

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Hardcover, 320 pages

Published June 19th 2012 by Sentinel (first published June 1st 2012)

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Apr 02, 2013 Michelle Burns rated it it was amazing

Living in Texas and just trying to survive in our crazy world, I had not payed any attention to Mr. Rubio's career. But after seeing the Republican response to the State of the Union Address I had to know more about this guy.

This book brought tears to my eyes and has made me want to join his campaign, which I have never felt compelled to do anything in politics into life.

My faith had been strengthened & I am relieved to know there are still REAL republicans working out there. I pray that Mr. Ru ...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Susan Grodsky rated it it was ok

Shelves: did-not-finish

I quit reading on page 220 in mid chapter. I'd had all my stomach could take of this self absorbed empty suit. A mediocre football player, Rubio seems to have chosen politics as a venue where he could win. But win for what? Rubio dispenses a few bromides on public policy while providing endless detail on the minutiae of campaigns. This Sarah Palin in sandals would be a disaster in the White House. ...more

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Jun 03, 2015 Debbie rated it it was ok

As I read Rubio's memoir, on more than one occasion, I thought to myself 'what a whiner'.
He seems grateful for his parents sacrifices, but his writing just seems to have a tone of whiney little boy.

Quite often he mentions how his family suffers because of his chosen path in politics. Which is very apparent in his writing as well. Events leading up to his various elections will be chapters long, yet the birth of a child last for a paragraph or two.

I was not expecting this book to be SO heavy on ...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Lillie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: autobiography-memoir, culture-politics, nonfiction, 2012-challenge

I've been an admirer of Marco Rubio since he came on the national political scene. Although he's very young to write a memoir, I found his story fascinating and inspiring. A strong theme in the book is his love for his family and his admiration for his parents and grandparents and the sacrifices they and other immigrant parents made for their children. I was impressed with his openness in admitting his mistakes and failures and showing how he learned from them. Most of all, I appreciated his exp ...more

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Feb 02, 2016 Shaun rated it it was amazing

Shelves: signed

I was at Books a Million with my dearest wife. She drew my attention to a book, and said something to the effect of, “Hey, Shaun, it’s a signed book by one of those politician guys you like.” A signed copy of “An American Son” by Marco Rubio. I wasted no time, and immediately seized it! I love autographs, love history, and love politics, so a politician’s autograph, especially a potential future president or whatever fate has in store for him --- I had to take it! There was also a signed book by I was at Books a Million with my dearest wife. She drew my attention to a book, and said something to the effect of, “Hey, Shaun, it’s a signed book by one of those politician guys you like.” A signed copy of “An American Son” by Marco Rubio. I wasted no time, and immediately seized it! I love autographs, love history, and love politics, so a politician’s autograph, especially a potential future president or whatever fate has in store for him --- I had to take it! There was also a signed book by Mike Huckabee, but it cost like $35 and frankly Huckabee isn’t worth that much to me. So I just got the Rubio book.

Anyway… I don’t really feel like posting a kiss-uppy review of how touching the book is or whatever. I think memoirs or autobiographies should always be distrusted in a way, but it’s still useful to see how the subject tries to present themselves. Of course they’ll want you to like them and have a favorable view, but how do they handle their mistakes, whom do they compliment; whom do they criticize? I think this is the best way to judge their character. Anyway, I don’t really want to go into detail describing everything in the book.

I will just say this: I think Marco Rubio has the best vision for America, the broadest appeal, charisma, knowledge of the issues, character, and ability to win in November. While it is increasingly looking like Trump may be unstoppable at least in the primaries, after which I think he will go on to lose in a landslide, the GOP will probably lose the Senate, and lose seats in the House, Hillary Clinton will be president, and our country will continue to be driven in the wrong direction and more and more of our freedoms will be eroded. I’m sad to see us heading down what is becoming the apparent path we’re taking, and I think only Rubio as our nominee and our president could switch things around. It’s sad to see so many people falling for Trump. We basically deserve whatever happens to us if he’s our nominee and, as a consequence, Hillary becomes president. We can’t make any apology. It was the bed we made. But for myself, I believe in Marco.

EDIT 2017: Presented without comment. ...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Manny rated it really liked it

Well Well. Mr. Marco Rubio is certainly an interesting person. I was attracted to this book because he is my same age and we grew up somewhat the same way as sons of immigrant exiles of Fidel Castro's regime and the long lost country.

The book details the plight of his parents and grandparents as they struggled to provide for their families both here in the US as well as in Cuba prior to coming here. Rubio details his life as a football loving, specifically Miami Dolphins, political junky. He sta ...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Malin Friess rated it really liked it

Senator Rubio has a compelling story coming from a spanish speaking Cuban immigrant to upsetting Charlie Crist (long time Florida politician) to make it to the US senate at a very young age.

He is an up and coming rising star in the GOP. In this book their are certain flashes of arrogance (frequently talking about the salaries he was offered at Law Firms, and the price of his house) that perhaps go along with most politicians who make it to where he has. This book mostly follows his political ele ...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Justin Green rated it it was ok

The rating is perhaps unfair, but I tend to find most memoirs to be a waste of time. In Rubio's case, he's far too young to NEED a memoir. But perhaps this is the norm.

Even still, you won't find me recommending memoirs from people who haven't yet lived enough to have the need for them. ...more

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Mar 04, 2016 Justin Tapp rated it did not like it

Shelves: politics, autobiography

Ultimately, this is a one-and-a-half star book. It is terribly boring, uninformative, and could be much shorter if Rubio had left out many of the trivial details about boyhood clothes, football games, his grandparents' and parents' lives, and other aspects of his life growing up. You think there will be some point to the details he remembers, but there is not; it is like reading from an ordinary average Joe's daily journal. We don't need to know about every odd job his grandfather had or every n Ultimately, this is a one-and-a-half star book. It is terribly boring, uninformative, and could be much shorter if Rubio had left out many of the trivial details about boyhood clothes, football games, his grandparents' and parents' lives, and other aspects of his life growing up. You think there will be some point to the details he remembers, but there is not; it is like reading from an ordinary average Joe's daily journal. We don't need to know about every odd job his grandfather had or every nick and scrape Rubio gets on the football field. What we do need to know is what drives Rubio and shapes his worldview, and preferably what principles he follows in his "conservative" politics. While the book outlines every decision Rubio made in his political life and campaigns, he rarely explains why he made those decisions. The only book he mentions as helpful in his political life is Jim Collins' Good to Great, which helped how he and others put together the House leadership team when he was Speaker of the House in Florida. What drives his economic, political, or even parenting philosophies otherwise is a complete unknown.

The book becomes slightly more exciting during his Senate campaign against failed Governor Charlie Crist, truly a unique election in that Crist was willing to change all his positions and even to switch parties (despite pledging not to) just to get elected. The Crist-Rubio campaign should be studied more, and Rubio's side of the story is worth hearing. The National Republican Senatorial Committee backed Crist and pushed Florida's Republicans to back Crist officially-- even pushing a Rule 11 letter (p. 220). Hence, the establishment looked stupid when Crist openly courted liberal votes and ran as an independent when it eventually became clear he would not be the Republican nominee. One thing I did not know was that Donald Trump (along with Arnold Schwarzenegger) was among those who urged Crist to run against Rubio as an independent (p. 287). That should be a note to those who think Donald Trump is a conservative today.

But it contains so much detail and repetition, so much reliving the rebuttles of Crist staff and the media, his family's thoughts, and more and it goes on forever in mundane detail. Much of Rubio's writing deals with his rebuttles against charges leveled by the media in 2010-- misspending funds, a foreclosed house, potential pork-laden deals, etc. What is sad is that this book was published in 2012 and, in my opinion, Rubio's facts rebut his critics well, but the New York Times and other publications regurgitated the claims in 2015. For example, the New York Times was credited with "revealing" Rubio's financial troubles and ties to donor Norman Braman, who employs Rubio's wife. But Rubio details all of this in the book and it was covered by the Florida media for all of 2010. The fact that so many media outlets have regurgitated the NY Times' reporting as original, when the reporters are either regurgitating this book without citation or the work of plenty of Florida newspapers in 2010, is rather eye-opening. Rubio explains in detail, repeatedly, every credit card transaction ever made and why. Perhaps, however, his ties with Braman are not sufficiently disclosed-- the NY Times reported that Rubio's teaching position at Florida International, which he held long before the Senate race, was funded by Braman; if true, this is never mentioned by Rubio. But Rubio himself detailed what his wife has done working for Braman in 2011-2012 more than the NY Times did in its reporting. Nobody reads books anymore, I suppose.

Besides chronicling the 2010 campaign, is there redeeming value? Yes. You will learn how much Marco Rubio loves his family and how open he is about his love for Jesus. His insecurity and efforts to "get the balance right between my career and personal life" and also live up to the standards of effort and sacrifice of his parents and grandparents stand out (p. 13).
"Why had my dreams come true? Because God had blessed me with a strong and stable family and parents who cherished my dreams more than their own, and with a wise and loving wife who supported me" (p. 332).
"And last but most important, I thank my Lord, Jesus Christ, whose willingness to suffer and die for my sins will allow me to enjoy eternal life" (p. 358).

Even a cynic would likely see his faith is not fake, the guy has been interested in theology since going from Catholicism to Mormonism and back to Catholicism. He closed out his stint in the Florida House with a speech outlining the basics of the Gospel. His family apparently current blends his wife and kids' preference of an evangelical Baptist church and Catholic Mass; his kids are currently in parochial school. He writes that the Bible-based sermons at the Baptist church on Saturday nights gives greater meaning to his understanding of the Catholic faith on Sundays. The writings of Scott Hahn, a convert to Catholicism from Protestantism influenced him (p. 164) . (That and the Collins book are the only two I remember him mentioning.)

The greater disappointment is that there is almost nothing in there about how he managed his campaign staff, tough issues and decisions he made in the Florida legislature, or what, if any, specific political philosophies have shaped his worldview. What does "conservative" mean to him? At one point he mentions "limited government and free markets" but the book, like the 2016 Republican primary generally, seems to assume that people know what defines "conservative" when candidates say it. Rubio speaks highly of Jeb Bush, borrowing from him by collecting ideas from around the state to propose as legislative initiatives. Rubio's House has to battle the Florida Senate that either want weaker or less-effective legislation; one particular story about autism legislation that Rubio wanted to expand to all children with disabilities was particularly interesting (p. 194). Rubio does give a careful look at immigration reform and why he did not support the DREAM Act in Congress; he wanted less-broad legislation that might be more effective, he writes. Where he stands on other key issues is woefully unclear, as are his campaign pledges in all his campaigns which are never mentioned.

I was planning on reading Rubio's second book supposedly outlining his economic policies but he has since dropped out. I say skip this book as well if you can. ...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Alexandria rated it it was ok

Marco Rubio might be a shining, rising political star, but he won’t be rising to the top of any literary talents list. Now, I don’t hate Republicans (or for that matter, Democrats), and I’m reviewing this book solely on its content — and I’ll take Rubio’s word that everything is true in the book to the best of his knowledge.

“An American Son: A Memoir,” Rubio’s autobiography, details his entry into politics and his remarkable election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, and of course, his family’s exile Marco Rubio might be a shining, rising political star, but he won’t be rising to the top of any literary talents list. Now, I don’t hate Republicans (or for that matter, Democrats), and I’m reviewing this book solely on its content — and I’ll take Rubio’s word that everything is true in the book to the best of his knowledge.

“An American Son: A Memoir,” Rubio’s autobiography, details his entry into politics and his remarkable election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, and of course, his family’s exile from Cuba (note: before Castro took power) and their hardships and struggle. Despite only being 41, Rubio’s memoir fills about 300 pages.

I initially questioned why someone so young and with limited experience in politics would pen a memoir, but he is a Republican golden boy and I have to point out that this an important (presidential) election year. His family history is compelling, but he doesn’t seem to have a lot of verified reporting to add to their story; instead, he winds up repeating the overcoming-poverty story every couple of chapters without adding anything new. Rubio’s family background is a valid story — but don’t be fooled that it’s the main plot.

I am most disturbed, however, by Rubio’s subtle explanations of how American politics work. He spends nearly half of his memoirs detailing his campaign for the U.S. Senate, and his main issue at the time was that he couldn’t raise enough money for other politicians or media to take him seriously as a contender.

Money — often lacking because of his political campaigns, Rubio writes — appears often in the book, and that should be a red flag for any red-blooded reader. When money equals influence and power (which it seems in our political system), there’s a problem. That Rubio takes no issue with this money/power exchange makes me cringe.

He openly writes about working tit-for-tat with other politicians — I work on your campaign, you help me with this campaign. That kind of party-line mentality is part of what’s wrong with the way our government works, and it’s not OK. Rubio makes the case that unless you’re loaded, you’re not going anywhere in politics — national, state-level, Republican, Democrat.

I know lots, if not most, politicians operate the same Rubio describes, and there’s probably nothing unusual about his behavior. But that doesn’t make it any better.

Rubio writes, “As often as it is remarked, it always bears repeating: in politics appearances are as important as reality.” I think he’s spot on, and i think that also is why this autobiography reads more like a repetitive press release. He mentions certain expense reports and campaign criticisms multiple times, and I can only speculate that is to make sure that I’m really understanding his side of the story.

Rubio also talks about that awful group of people called the liberal media that so unfairly get to pick and choose its news according to their liking (cue sarcasm). Some media is slanted, but not all reporters are out to get you, Marco Rubio.

He writes about being criticized in the press: “I had hoped the press would first focus on the one hundred innovative policy ideas the house would pursue during my speakership. But that was naive of me. The experience taught me an unpleasant although useful lesson about how reporters, especially print reporters, are under constant pressure to uncover controversy and scandal even where none exists.”

[For the record, I am not nor have I ever been pressured to falsify or create controversy and scandal. From, a print reporter.]

I couldn’t stomach too many more of the pretend pities for the press and political challengers.

Rubio just wasn’t able to show the complexity of himself or his family. I know he’s supposed to be a great example of the American dream, but the story didn’t feel relatable because it wasn’t complex or deep. I would’ve like to have seen Rubio discuss more his relationship with his wife because, from his own words, he appears to be a somewhat absentee — albeit emotionally devoted — father and husband. But you don’t hear directly from his wife or his siblings or his family — the reader gets what Rubio says they said instead. Maybe that’s just not by preferred writing style. ...more

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Apr 18, 2020 Derrick rated it liked it

The first time I came to know Rubio was during Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2016. I didn't make much of him at that time but there were some incidences that ingrained themselves into my head, that eventually influenced my decision to buy this book and increased my appetite to read it.

First, it was the incessant back and forth between him and Trump, and the insults they hurled at each other. It was quite a spectacle. Secondly, I was struck at how young he was when The first time I came to know Rubio was during Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2016. I didn't make much of him at that time but there were some incidences that ingrained themselves into my head, that eventually influenced my decision to buy this book and increased my appetite to read it.

First, it was the incessant back and forth between him and Trump, and the insults they hurled at each other. It was quite a spectacle. Secondly, I was struck at how young he was when he was vying for his party's ticket to become the president - ideally, the thought of becoming the US president is conceptualized at a young age but the process of making it come to fruition is usually later down the road, and mostly, it's the last office politicians give a stab at before they pack back their bags into oblivion. Though we have some notable exceptions, Clinton and Obama being a perfect case in point.

Rubio is not intellectually gifted as the names I have just mentioned, and he doesn't pretend to be, but he has certain attributes that clearly sets him apart from the crowd. And I'm certain that once his boat has sailed through the waters and storms of politics and safely harboured, he will be remembered as one of the greatest American politicians, especially within the Cuban community.

His style of writing is simple, plain and easy without the obfuscation that characterizes most politicians' writings more so those that are lawyers, and he makes An American son a fascinating and compelling read.
"We all crave to make our mark in this life, and sometimes forget that our place in the next one matters more. I have been ambitious for worldly success. I hope I have been for the right reasons."

While he is a man embedded deeply in his faith, even through his own lenses, one couldn't help but see certain character flaws and schoolboy errors that he has committed, paid for and will continue paying for in the years to come. As a politician who knew that one day he will want to become the president of the US, Rubio displayed lack of judgement in employing his relatives in certain key positions and negligence in using GOP's charge card to purchase personal belongings. These are errors that no explanation will ever suffice.

The true hero of the book is his grandfather who shaped his thoughts growing up, and I thought he gave to much time to his competitor Governor Crist who he mentioned and gave reference to more than even his wife Jeanette, but averagely, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. ...more

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Jun 07, 2014 Daniel rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2015, politics

Rubio is an inspiring politician, especially when discussing immigration, citizenship, the opportunities America gave him, and his faith.

As someone who has followed his career since the early days of his primary challenge against Crist, it was exciting to read of the internal strategy and thinking behind that campaign. I told friends back then that this unknown Cuban background politician from Florida will not just become a senator, but will be president one day- no one took much notice of him. ...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Julia rated it liked it

I became interested in Marco Rubio's career when he ran against Charlie Crist for the senate seat in Florida. Rubio is my age, with young children, and was moderately conservative. I did not like Charlie Crist; that tan alone creeped me out. Crist seemed to assume he would get the senate seat because of who he was, not what he wanted to do for Florida or the US.

Marco Rubio gives an in-depth look at how his political life was created and proceeded. He discusses his family, up-bringing, education ...more

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May 05, 2015 Jeff Kelleher rated it really liked it

These reviews are supposed to be of the book, not the Presidential candidate. But it's probably impossible to separate one from the other, so the reader's disposition to the book will likely be correlated with his disposition to the candidacy.

When he announced in April, Rubio noted that he was the same age--43--as John F. Kennedy. But Kennedy, who was very reticent about himself, and very cautious, would never have written so freewheeling and self-exposing a memoir. One could find Obama-like nar ...more

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Oct 10, 2017 Koren rated it it was ok

Shelves: politicians, political, politics

This was published in 2012, so nothing here on his presidential bid. Now that would have been interesting. This guy paints a rosy picture of family life and goes on and on and on about his campaigns in Florida. Not much here about his actual job in the Senate, but a minute by minute account (almost) about the campaigns. I would just skip this. Maybe in the future he will come out with a book about his term in the senate and his presidential bid.

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Aug 20, 2012 Kelly rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, memoirs

Even though I really like Marco Rubio, I have to disclose that I skimmed some of this book. I found myself very interested in some chapters and not so much in others. His parents were remarkable people. They worked really hard to provide for their children and never took a hand out from anyone. I admire that so much!

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Jul 07, 2012 Dave Jones rated it really liked it

Another interesting political autobiography that hopefully has a sequel.

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Aug 08, 2015 Melissa rated it really liked it

I vote for Marco Rubio. A man who stands on principles and isn't afraid to tell the truth when it is needed and isn't afraid to admit he isn't perfect. ...more

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Nov 23, 2018 Toby Michaels rated it it was amazing

Shelves: signed-copy

Got my hands on a signed copy. Dearly wished he could've gotten the nomination in 2016. ...more

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Aug 03, 2012 Patrick rated it liked it

It is interesting how Rubio starts the book with an apology to his family for not being there for them due to the strenuous demands of the campaign trail and the fact all his energies was focused on winning including visualizing what it would feel like to win. Rubio was a selfish popular self-described autodidact that was not interested in getting good grades. From this book, I have learned that if any of my children has ADHD the best way to counter that is to allow them to play sports.

Rubio is ...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Darren rated it really liked it

I thoroughly -- and perhaps surprisingly -- enjoyed Marco Rubio's memoir.

Throughout the book he is sometimes brutally honest and harsh on himself. For a politician (who still holds public office) to admit to many failures, I found it rather refreshing. I'd just finished a book partially written by Paul Ryan and the contrast was incredible. Ryan never admitted to any mistakes, was light on any policy outside of the economy and was extremely partisan. Some of Marco's admissions were a bit jarring I thoroughly -- and perhaps surprisingly -- enjoyed Marco Rubio's memoir.

Throughout the book he is sometimes brutally honest and harsh on himself. For a politician (who still holds public office) to admit to many failures, I found it rather refreshing. I'd just finished a book partially written by Paul Ryan and the contrast was incredible. Ryan never admitted to any mistakes, was light on any policy outside of the economy and was extremely partisan. Some of Marco's admissions were a bit jarring, including admitting to the fact that he regrets a time (not that long ago) when he was just waiting to see what Charlie Crist did in Florida and then he'd opportunistically run for the job that Crist wasn't running for that election year. He admits he's not proud of that game plan. He never ended up going that route either.

He also admits to being choked up with pride on election night 2008 watching Obama deliver his victory speech.

He recalls supporting Ted Kennedy for the Democrats over Jimmy Carter and watching the convention on TV and being distraught over Kennedy's loss. He also mentions attending a Bill Clinton rally in Florida in 1992.

I don't have many political views that are in line with Rubio's but I found, at least in his memoir, he was extremely respectful of those with opposing viewpoints. Again, another stark contrast to Paul Ryan's writings in his book Young Guns.

I don't think I have any criticism of the book itself but instead the decision to write the book now. Although I'm grateful for the good read (no pun intended), I question his decision to write it now and not in a couple more years. His story is a bit light on actual political accomplishments. One could argue Barack Obama's was too but this is someone with a similar story to Obama but he also wants to differentiate himself from Obama too.

He certainly has a couple of impressive electoral accomplishments but I was hoping to read a bit more about bills and causes he fought long and hard for throughout his political career. Instead he's a rising star who hasn't been able to spend much time in places where he's elected because he keeps getting promoted so the fights for causes and bills is very short in this book.

I suspect Rubio will run for the top job of the GOP at which time he's going to need to introduce himself even more to the country. This book is a good starting point but he's going to need to add in some policy accomplishments to an already intriguing and inspiring story.

This book was exceptionally detailed and I got the impression it wasn't a ghost write that was just rushed to the publishers ahead of a rising political star's attempts to ascend to the White House or make the 2012 ticket. He put a lot of thought and detail into telling his story. ...more

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Mar 14, 2016 Marilyn rated it liked it

Shelves: book-club, memoir, politics

Our book club members are each reading a different book by a candidate, someone you likely wouldn't vote for, and the idea is to be open-minded, and not just read things you already agree with.

This book is all about his family history, and campaigning. I was disappointed that it really didn’t contain his ideas, other than general platitudes about how, as the son of an immigrant, he is proof that America is a land where dreams come true, and hopes it still will be. Early on, he sets a humble tone Our book club members are each reading a different book by a candidate, someone you likely wouldn't vote for, and the idea is to be open-minded, and not just read things you already agree with.

This book is all about his family history, and campaigning. I was disappointed that it really didn’t contain his ideas, other than general platitudes about how, as the son of an immigrant, he is proof that America is a land where dreams come true, and hopes it still will be. Early on, he sets a humble tone, telling stories that depict himself as a self-centered youth and a poor student. Given that, it's surprising he became a lawyer and a politician?

At 150 pages in, came the first mention of a policy or idea to help real people. As incoming speaker of the Florida house, he printed book jackets titled “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future.” The pages inside were blank. He passed them out to opening session of legislators, and said the pages would be filled after enlisting the help/ideas/priorities of constituents. What a great idea; unfortunately the rest of the book barely dealt with ideas or policies. It was simply the endless detail of all the campaign tactics, fundraisers, staff changes, competitive strategy and complaints about leaks and dirty tricks. It’s clear that this man thrives on the adrenaline rush of campaigning.

It’s disheartening to read the behind-the-scenes instances of political games, which are common to both parties. He notes that it is always easier to defeat an idea that to pass it. Of introducing an alternate tax plan, he reports that Democrats “who had at first supported or shown interest in the idea received instructions from their party leadership to begin attacking it, and retreated to their default position of opposing it….playing the usual Tallahassee game of seizing major house initiatives as a hostage to use in negotiations over the senate’s legislative priorities.”

Rubio seems like someone in a hurry to get to next job - he gets elected and almost immediately begins running for the next job. He talks a lot of his longing to see his family more, and yet it’s hard to see how he’s actually doing the work for his employer when he was a part-time state legislator, or doing work for his constituents when in office.

Such is the nature of politics and our lengthy campaign season, and it’s disgraceful. It was excruciating to read the final chapters describing competing for the U.S. Senate seat – it’s all about who raised the most money. In the end, this book had more impact reinforcing the need for campaign reform, than in illuminating the ideas of Marco Rubio.

...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Ben Chapman rated it really liked it

This book is very [VERY] interesting. I enjoyed learning about Mr. Rubio's family coming to America in hopes of finding the American dream we cherish. I also enjoyed learning about what he was like going from a young boy to a young man. I find I have similar attributes, which is what prompted me to read this book in the first place. Of course, it was not the only. The pages then began to run pretty dull as he started in on the race between himself and an incumbent, Charles Crist. More and more, ...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Kathy rated it really liked it

Why anyone would want to enter politics is a mystery to me. The media and party leaders seek to destroy some of these politicians and their families...not sure why but I will assume both party leaders and the media have their own agenda. Marco Rubio had a humble childhood. His parents were hard working immigrants who wanted their children to have it all. Marco himself was a lacklustre student until he reached college. When he applied himself he was a stellar student and went on to Law School. Ru ...more

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Feb 20, 2015 Anthony Galli rated it liked it

I think he'll make an amazing Vice President.

This book was surprisingly honest. He talks about falling short sometimes as a husband and a father, a son and a politician.

He acknowledges he didn't get much done as Speaker of the Florida State House, which he blamed on Charlie Christ.

Later on he blurted out he was running for US Senate in a moment of anger, which he later regretted because he was still considering whether he should run or not against a popular sitting governor, and almost dropped o ...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Deborah rated it liked it

Shelves: nonfiction

I supported and had decided to vote for Marco Rubio even though it looked like he had no chance to win against Charlie Crist in the Republican primary race. So, this story was particularly of interest to me. I quite enjoyed his tribute to his parents and grandparents by telling their stories - as well as his own. What I absolutely disliked about this audio book was the abridgment. I thought it was horrible. At times I felt like I had missed listening to half the book as it jumped all over the pl ...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Kate rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: those interested in politics and immigration

Shelves: politics, non-fiction, biography, 2012

I was deciding between a 3 or 4 star rating. So I rounded up. I would have I preferred to learn more of his philosophies than his facts of life. I was very interested in his early years and how his grandfather influenced him. Some parts of this book were very boring and some parts held my attention. He touched on immigration and how media can give negative impact. It's one of those books that once you start you're afraid you may miss something good of you quit before the end. Autobiography is ...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Donna rated it really liked it

Whatever your politics Marco Rubio has an inspiring story. My parents were not immigrants but I think they would have related very closely to the Rubio family - a love for this country and appreciation for the opportunities it provided them and their children. It is nice to read something positive about our heritage and see how it influenced someone to fight hard for what he believes even at great personal cost and risk.

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Aug 01, 2012 Marta B rated it really liked it

I was surprised by An American Son. I expected it to be a story of politics. I found it more a story of faith and (real) hope (not Obama-type hope). As a Cuban-American, I was proud of Marco Rubio's success. As a human being, I'm moved by his love for his Cuban heritage, for the United State - the country of his birth, for his family and above all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless him and his family. ...more

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Aug 03, 2012 Cindy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012

Definitely a great read! Made me like Marco even more after reading this book and I didn't think that was possible!

I'm not really into politics but as a Floridian I have admired Marco Rubio. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There wasn't too much political things in it but what was there was interesting. To me it was more of a story of his life. He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth and was raised to work hard just as his parents had.

He makes me proud to be a Floridian!

...more

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About Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio

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United States Republican Senator from Florida, serving since January 2011.
A Cuban American native of Miami, Florida, Rubio is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. In the late 1990s, he served as a City Commissioner for West Miami and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 111th House district. He was elected Speaker ...more