The Restless Wave

Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations

By: John McCain, Mark Salter

Narrated by: Beau Bridges, John McCain

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“History matters to McCain, and for him America is and was about its promise. The book is his farewell address, a mixture of the personal and the political. ‘I have loved my life,’ he writes. ‘All of it.’ The Restless Wave is a fitting valedictory for a man who seldom backed down.” —The Guardian (US)

“A book-length meditation on what it means to face the hard challenges of long life and the sobering likelihood of imminent death…A reflection on hardship, a homily on purpose, a celebration of life — and a challenge to Americans to live up to their values and founding principles at a time when both are in jeopardy.” —The Boston Globe

In this candid political memoir from Senator John McCain, an American hero reflects on his life and what matters most.

“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here. Maybe I’ll have another five years…Maybe I’ll be gone before you read this. My predicament is, well, rather unpredictable. But I’m prepared for either contingency, or at least I’m getting prepared. I have some things I’d like to take care of first, some work that needs finishing, and some people I need to see. And I want to talk to my fellow Americans a little more if I may.”

So writes John McCain in this inspiring, moving, frank, and deeply personal memoir. Written while confronting a mortal illness, McCain looks back with appreciation on his years in the Senate, his historic 2008 campaign for the presidency against Barack Obama, and his crusades on behalf of democracy and human rights in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Always the fighter, McCain attacks the spurious nationalism and political polarization afflicting American policy. He makes an impassioned case for democratic internationalism and bi-partisanship. He recalls his disagreements with several presidents, and minces no words in his objections to some of President Trump's statements and policies. At the same time, he tells stories of his most satisfying moments of public service and offers a positive vision of America that looks beyond the Trump presidency. The Restless Wave is John McCain at his best.

John McCain is my personal hero

After listening to this book I can truly say that if there were more men like him in our government, there would be no problems anywhere. He is a true patriot and a man of unquestionable honor. As a navy brat myself I can understand how the moving when you're a kid every 2-3 years may seem bad at the time but it also gives you a better acceptance of people. A true hero and a true politician, unlike what we have in office now. And he's still fighting, fighting for his life and us till the end. I seriously recommend this book to anyone who thinks there are no more American hero's. He's right here.

very moving

candid and brave look at a life well-lived. McCain faces death with the same honesty with which he faced life.

So inspiring!

without a doubt the best political book I have ever heard. made all the more poignant by his passing. a detailed account of his involvement with such pressing issues like campaign Finance reform, immigration, human rights, torture, , the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Syria, the involvement of Russia in compromising our democracy,, and immigration. All the while self-effacing, humble, and forward-looking. Senator McCain was an imperfect vessel., he is the first to admit that. however, he was a force for good. He championed American values end Global Leadership. he represented the State of Arizona for over 30 years and is the embodiment of what Arizona could and should be.

Inspirational

Senator McCain is an inspiration to all of us and a hero. He is a man that'll make you appreciate what America stands for in the world. Why it's important what we do. I feel enlightened. It made me want to serve our nation.

Inspired

A great story by a great American. It was a pleasure to learn more about his life and some of his decisions in Congress - many of which I disagreed with over the years. But his intentions were pure and we were lucky to have him serve as a member of congress. Thank you again for your service Senator.

A salute to a great man.

One would hope that as many people as possible would read this book and take its lessons to heart.
Who would've thought that the senator with the perceived, hot-headed reputation would be our greatest voice for diplomacy and bipartisanship.
Thank you sir for ALL of your loyal service.

July 4th was the perfect day to finish this book

There were times, listening to this book, that I wanted to cheer and to grab a flag and wave it! In these days, that is not a thing I've wanted to do much, but John McCain reminded me of who we are, who we aspire to be, and who and what we stand for. Politically, I've disagreed with McCain a whole bunch of times, and I don't agree with some of the things he says here, but he taught me much about the history I thought I knew and remembered; he taught me about and paid beautiful tribute to some of the courageous warriors for and defenders of human rights that he has known around the world; and he made a strong, passionate, and proud statement for the essential qualities of the country that he has served his whole life.

To tell you the truth, once I'd gotten past the intro, read by McCain, I was a reluctant reader for a while, not thrilled by Beau Bridges voice, nor with what figured he was going to say with each new chapter; and I thought that maybe I'd just skip this one and move to the next. But, I'd stick with it, and eventually, I noted that at the end of each chapter, I was pretty glad that I'd listened; finally I noted that I was feeling pretty stirred, and I looked forward to each new chapter opening. And, sometime along the way, I found myself wondering why McCain wasn't pronouncing some of the the international names with the fluidity I'd expect from a man who'd been so close with the characters, then I'd remember that I wasn't actually listening to McCain's voice, no matter how much it seemed so - Bridges voice had become such a very good conduit for McCain's words. And then, at some point in the book, I found that I was giving unsolicited testimony to family members and others about how very good this book was.

I wish this proud and passionate patriot who has served his country his whole life, well.

Pride

Such respect for this man who knew who he was, embraced his mission in life and taught us all the value of debating and working together for the greater good.

He will never be forgotten

Great book and narrator. A must read book written by a true, American hero. We have lost the last lion left in the Senate and this book is the final straight talk.

McCain only read 2 chapters. Still great listen

I was surprised I git used to the narrator who I think souns almost like McCain