Understanding Trump

A fantastic Book. If you didn't understand what our President was trying to do, read this book. It gives you a whole new perspective on politics and how the country can work for every American and every American can once again be proud of their country. I Highly recommend this book.?

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I am a Trump supporter but have also read books about Obama. Mr. Gingrich tells the story of a president who most of us know almost nothing about. It's an easy read. I especially like the concept of the IYI and am personally acquainted with many such people.

This is a great read. I didn't know how much I appreciated and admired Newt Gingrich until I got into this book. This is my first Gingrich read and now I'm looking for another. His insights and views of President Trump are informative, easy to understand and make complete sense.

N Gingrich is an excellent writer, both fiction and non-fiction, especially history, so I knew it would be well researched and fairer than most to this President. The overkill and undercutting of this President have become beyond boring and noise to any logical thinker, no matter your politics. As Trump would say, so sad! The joined at the hip Anti-Trump Media, Democrats and Republicans in name only remind me how Big Government, Big Business and Big unions always swim well together in the DC swamp. I'm still stunned American voters woke up last November to say enough is enough. When did putting America First become controversial?

I've always loved books about people who seem to accomplish the impossible. What makes this book so unusual is that Newt understands how Trump gets things done and combines it with his own deep understanding of how the US government operates.

Why I read this book: Trump has inspired the most hysterical criticism I've ever heard or read. I do want to "understand" him, as each president occupies an outsized space in my mind. We all "live" with this person for several years, so what makes him tick? Newt Gingrich has been a college professor, so I thought he could tell a competent story.

If you love Trump, then you have an opportunity to find out why so many people are exploding with hatred for him. That really needs explaining. Similarly, if you hate him, it would be interesting to find out what it was about him that appealed to enough voters to win the election. What did they see in him that you don't?

Praise: In the front of the book, Gingrich explains the methods behind some of Trump's crazy habits. The most interesting was Trump's approach to information management. According to the author, Trump purposely keeps information out of his head until it's needed. When a radio interviewer asked him to name some leaders in the middle east conflict, he quickly admitted he couldn't do that, but he'd know all about them when he needed to.

This may sound like a cop-out, and maybe it is. I work in a technical job, where there are too many domains and details to hold in consciousness all the time; they will literally paralyze me. I practice Trump's method, holding on to what I need to know about the job at hand, confident I can throw new data in when necessary.

Criticism: The main body of this book is 294 pages long. Note in passing, if you were Trump, would you question this? Should it require 294 pages to help people "understand" you? That's not a good sign, and Trump is all about appearances. After page 74, Trump is barely alluded to. The rest is all Newt's ideas about what Trump should do. Some of this could be interesting, if I wanted to know how Newt would approach a presidency, but I don't.

The poor author can't stop himself, he even has a section on balancing the budget, which he begins by admitting Trump doesn't care about balancing the budget. He plows ahead anyway, as if to say, "Donald, if you ever care about this, here's how I would approach it."

There's a big chapter on health care, and Gingrich outlines several proposals that may help, for all I know. Taken all together, they won't give us affordable health care, however, because the 'system' has gone way beyond adjustments and window-dressing. I love the free market and hate government intervention. I can't offer a solution but I'd like to say this: We'll never get anywhere until we admit that our present costs are unacceptable and that other countries do this MUCH better than we do. It's hard for Americans to admit we're not the best at something, but it's just a fact. If we can grow up and accept it, we may get somewhere. The 'solutions' Gingrich and other republicans throw out are insignificant next to the enormity of the problem. 60% of all personal bankruptcies now involve medical expenses.

Conclusion: This book is really thin on understanding Trump, the president. There are several biographies that will help you understand Trump the man. My favorite is "The Trumps: Three Generations of Builders" by Gwenda Blair.

Newt did it again! He nailed it with honesty and humor and truth! Once you read this you will get to know our president much better, and understand why he does many of the things he does. Good for all ages!

Excellent and very inspiring book. Learned so much about Trump's policies and his plans for this great land. Newt is a former professor of mine and reading his books are like going back to his classroom. Every member of the left should read this book and learn to appreciate President Trump and put their petty jealousies to bed.

Loved this book. Really highlites Washington failure and difference in a business approach verse approach of the "IYI" . The book shows Trump and the way he is successful in his approach. I understand all the fuss about Trump now he really wants to change Washington and give it back to the people. Washington Republicans or Democrats want nothing to do with that. Going to be a tough battle. Anyway great read.

Easy read and easy to understand. I usually lose interest in books like these, but NOT this one! It has you glued to it and wanting to keep ready more. Newt has a way of explaining Trump so that even those who act against him, can understand (and appreciate) what he is committed to accomplishing to make America great again!

Great insights into a man who truly loves
America. As a successful businessman and not a politician he has the insight needed to save our country from economic disaster. If America continues on the same road of the past presidencies we are bound to fail economically. He is a deal maker and not afraid of ruffling feathers. He means what he says and pulls no punches.

I absolutely LOVED the parts about President Trump. Mr Gingrich provides insights which friend and for alike should read. What I found unnecessary, was Mr Gingrich's use of this book to promote his agendas. This book is to understand an amazing man, President Trump. Not Mr Gingrich.

President Trump is just a darn GREAT American doing a darn GREAT job!

Newt's book does more than explain Trump. He outlines what Trump is up against. He gives historical perspective on the Left's past behaviors and duplicity in trying to destroy traditional America by the takeover of our education system. This isn't just dialogue. He gives dates, facts and names. He also lays out plans for taking back America and restoring the America we live.

I gave it 5 stars because of the added value in this book.
I was not expecting so many problems identified and so many solutions to the problems
We face as a country.
If Newt's solutions are enacted by Trump as a party band as a country we will be in great shape.
The book is an eye opener in so many ways and Newt is very very smart.

Great book. Delivers on the title for the most part. A fair bit of what Newt would do if he were president. Regardless, Newt is a smart guy. He explains complex topics very well. No one on the Left will ever read this, but if we can get past the Trump bombast, there are a lot of ways we can improve things that Americans would support, regardless of party affiliation.

Cannot put it down! Beautiful cover, looking similar to Trump's helicopter, it draws you in. Newt Gingrich is one of those professors that makes you never want to leave the class- and he has a personal relationship with the Trumps that provides a unique insight into this legendary political phenomenon. His writing is as exemplary as his poignant verbal abilities. His professional edification and historical comparisons are succinct and necessary for our time- If everyone read this book there might be a lot less hate in our nation . MAGA

The narration by Newt Gingrich brings the book to life! It is well worth the small extra expense. But the book itself is very insightful. I have learned more about Donald Trump in this book that I ever thought I could know! Although out the book, I keep asking myself; "How could we get the Dems to stop and read this?" Make it a required class in high school? Required class in college? I think making it a high school class in your sophomore year would be a great starting point. And of course one must pass the class with a B or above!

This informs people of how a businessman plans to rebuild and sustain the middle class that is the backbone and life blood of the USA. Read to become how President Trump is working to unravel and clean out the swamp.

I'm trying to read this with an open mind but I find it difficult. It's a slow read as I try to fact check all the superlatives that the author uses or quotes from. At one point he touts Mr Trump as embracing "traditional" morality! I think this is the one phrase that may be key to understanding Trump. What does HE think is the definition of "traditional Morality"? I have a feeling it's not the same as how the average American would define it. The book is defining the "HOW." In other words, how he used the media to win the election. It is too soon to tell how history will view the success of his presidency. But whether you voted for him or not we as Americans can't seem to not watch this irreverent and bizarre version of commander and chief unfold before our eyes.

After 31 years n education fighting the frustrating battle to help children learn in spite of the Oregon Dept of Ed, it appears we think alike. Every new Govenor has a better idea on how to educate regardless of no experence n the classroom n the unions have a strangehold on state n Local budget. In Oregon here is no Local control only state n union control.

While it sounds like Newt is giving advise to President Trump, he is really addressing "we the people." We need to get out of our "safe spaces," and start fighting for why our forefathers wrote the Constitution. Bring back what made America great and "Make America Great Again." It should not be Trump's job alone. We have to fight for it. There are plenty on the left that would like for America to fail.

Newt has the insights of an insider. He sees good things in Trump. If you hate Trump with all of your heart, you'll find nothing here to like. If you love Trump, you'll love Newt's take on the issues and challenges. If you, like me, couldn't bring yourself to vote for him, you will find this instructive. Newt is blunt on the DC world and the view from the perch of the insiders. I am now cautiously hopeful that Trump will be able to accomplish some things that an insider would never try and only an outsider could ever accomplish.

If you want to understand what is really going on in Washington, this is a great place to start!! Gingrich gives a look into the way our President looks at life. Insightful. Inspirational. Intriguing.

The USA society today, requires on understanding of the data you provided. Otherwise, how can any voter approach the poles with enough knowledge in order to make a reasonable decision? Trump was wise to base his campaign this data. For anyone to not recognize this, would be a disgrace to live in the society that they wish to improve !

A book that cuts through all the media hype and lays out strategy that our country so badly needs. It helps you understand the man behind the presidency. Are you hearing or are you listening ?Listen to what is being said about this man and what this party in power needs to do.

Excellent read, really helps you understand why Trump WILL succeed and the price he will pay to do so. Really lifted the fog on why the left and the ""swamp" are fighting him at every turn. Awesome book, read it in 2 days, could not put it down.

It really opened my eyes to what makes Donald Trump tick. Minus one star because I think there was a lot of unneeded background information and I would have liked more positive solutions. But I have a new appreciation for our President and why he does some of the things he does. I used to complain that he wasn't "Presidential" enough, but we've had plenty of "Presidential" for the past few decades and what has it gotten us? Donald Trump brings a new attitude to the White House and once we get the rest of the swamp out of there and people can learn to appreciate him more, I think we'll be better off.

There will always be reviewers who troll books like this and label everything from the right as "extremist white supremacist propaganda.' Don't listen to them. They're far-leftists who were so wrong about the Trump election that they have to convince themselves that Trump is a monster to save face with their egos. After decades, no centuries about complaining about phony politicians who don't mean what they say, break their promises and do everything behind closed doors, we finally have a President who is NOT bought-and-sold, says what he means, means what he says and is transparent about his thoughts, NOW people are protesting him? It makes no sense.

The book was very informative and cast a positive light on Pres. Trump which was refreshing! It held my interest more in the first half but maybe because I am not very knowledgeable about health and insurance, etc.

Only Newt Gingrich could capture the essence of the man who is going to make America great again and give the people the hope in retaking the country back to the. Values that have been destroyed be the liberals.

Speaker Gingrich was his usual lucid self in in explaining the vagaries of our President. I think for that reason the book was well written while I disagree totally with the "pass" he gives President Trump for his inconsistencies and irrational actions.

A well-expressed analysis of the President's approach, personality, and motivations. Much of the book is comprised of Mr. Gingrich's own (interesting and compelling) ideas and examples of how the President and the American people can make the most of the current political environment that has emerged as a result of the surprising 2016 election.

Excellent explanation of what President Trump must do to turn America around written by a Conservative politician that actually accomplished this herculean task a couple of decades ago.
A must read if you are a red blooded Conservative or a Trump supporter!

Bought for my husband as a Christmas present, he was instantly immersed in this book, eager to read on! Newt Gingrich explains the genesis of Trump's presidential bid, and how he helped him with advice along the way. "Understanding Trump," is an insightful work about this brilliant President. Gingrich makes it clear that Trump is not a typical president, and we are thankful for that - but Trump is unique in the history of this great country, a country which provides equal opportunity for any American to succeed - as Donald Trump has! MUST READ!

As usual Gingrich gives the reader plenty to think about. He is a smart man and he writes well, however I was a little disappointed in this book. He includes parts of speeches given by numerous people as well as Trump speeches. He also includes numerous excerpts from written material. A book can be written fast with this kind of material. Perhaps this is unfair? Gingrich knows Trump well, that is obvious. Understanding the man is a whole different story. I feel that we, all America have misjudged Trump. The thing that speaks to me the loudest is the Trump children. They know him and they speak from the heart. He is smart, he is sincere, and he DOES want to make America Great Again. All of this I just wrote is exactly what the book is saying.

I found this book to be very enlightening. It was good to see the man behind all the pomp and circumstance of the Presidency. Thank you, Mr. Gingrich, for taking the time to get to know President Trump and share him with us, his supporters.

And presents an analysis of the 2016 election from that perspective. Whether you like Trump or not, this book will certainly help you understand him. I highly recommend this look into the Trump philosophy and leadership style.

Very funny, the store. I got this as a Christmas present. On the dust jacket "Understanding" is replaced by the words "Al Franken", as well as on the spine. And the book within the dust jacket is actually "Al Franken: Giant of the Senate".

Yes, funny joke the store. Ha. Ha. I just hope I receive the correct book after I return it.

Title should be Newt's Dream for Trump. Any resemblance to understanding the Donald is purely incidental. Newt dissects the issues facing Trump as he would have them solved. One very interesting part of this was all the variables in the ACA that Newt explores. After reading this section it is obvious just how complicated we have made healthcare. His recommendations like both sides of the aisle really lead me to tell the government to get the hell out of healthcare while defining how we take care of only those who can not afford it. Other than the healthcare section the book was a waste of time and money

A thoughtful and detailed account of the mind and motivations of Donald J Trump. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and came away inspired by Gingrich's portrayal of the accomplishments and aspirations of our current president.

Enjoyed this so much; it is well worth the time to read. I knew Trump was attempting the impossible to take on the establishment; however, after reading Newt's perspective, I think Trump may be the only person alive that may be successful in saving our country from the career politicians that are threatening our very democracy. I actually pray for Trump every morning. I appreciate him and his family for all their hard work. This country needs him to be a successful president -- desperately. He is our last hope. Thanks Newt, I highly recommend this book.

As you read this book you can almost hear Newt talking to you. It is well written in his no nonsense way. I enjoyed the history comparisons to Lincoln. It is packed with insight into the corruption and explains the problems with the country and the government and what President Trump faces. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A powerful plan for success in making America Great Again. Newt underscores the enormous task ahead - especially as the progressives will block and tackle every move without a coherent argument on their side

Excellent writing! Excellent Subject! I intuitively knew a lot of this about Trump and his family and now Newt has validated my gut feelings about Trump. The left still doesn't know what it is up against but they should read this book and then try compromise. This guy Donald Trump is a force to be joined, not opposed. Thank you Newt for a great read!

This book is an interesting mix of politics and history. We have a responsibility to attempt to understand the world. I voted for Trump even though he was not my first choice. Since he was elected President we need support him whenever it makes sense. Gingrich describes the “four boxes” that he recommended to Trump. I think that even those who voted against Trump can find something in the four boxes that they agree with. I recommend that everyone read this book!

5 Stars are not enough, make it 10. Excellent and captivating read. Gives the reader an extensive look at how our political system has been fail Americans and how and why President Trump can be the answer. Liberalism is behind every failure in this country and must be stopped. Greed is synonymous with Liberalism.

Please read this: I have to get this out to you while this book is just launched - I pre-ordered the book (and audio CD's) following the heady days of election victory, inauguration, and the numerous keeping of campaign promises. While awaiting the book's release, the national media and Democrat Party have put Americans under unrelenting siege of negativity, adhering to their long-held weapon of the "seriousness of the accusation is more important than actual facts". I survived it all okay, up through the Comey Congressional testimony that Donald Trump is not, nor ever was, under FBI investigation for possible collusion with the Russians to rig the Presidential election. Finally, that media lie can be put rest, or so I thought. Then, they immediately dropped the Russian bull-crap campaign and switched to the brand new assault of 'obstruction of justice'. Another of their "we have the person, now we just have to find a crime to accuse him of". It was then that the book and CD's arrived at my home.

But by that time, I was so exhausted by the media's constant bruising that the new Gingrich material just sat on my table.

Now, to my point: Today, I went against my depressed mindset and began to listen to the unabridged reading of the book by Newt on the CD's and found myself almost immediately uplifted and ready to fight back, anew.

Please don't allow the ebbs and flows of media coverage and the cowardly position of entrenched Republican elites to dampen your desire to understand President Trump better.

P.S. Although I am thoroughly enjoying this book, I have not yet finished it. So, I am withholding a 5-star rating only because of that.

UPDATE 6/27/2017: Finished the book (audio CD set), and just had to add another star! 5 stars total. Newt did his homework, being the historian that he is. There is so much fascinating information, for which Newt provides support, that I know I'll re-visit this book again. I so enjoyed Newt's reading of his book, the dynamic, personable and spellbinding speaker that he is, that I know I made the correct decision to 'listen' to this benchmark in presidential history writing.

This book does not disappoint. If you don't like the President, are close minded and determined Mr Trump is out to destroy the country then don't waste your time or money. If you are open minded, not sure of the President or what makes him tick this book will help explain a lot to you. If you are a Trump loyalist, you will love it. Newt is brilliant, an American historian and the book is a definite must.

Reads like a friend talking to you about his up close and personal relationship with a very interesting guy. I love it and it really does give an understanding of how President Trump operates. He may be narcissistic but aren't they all in one way or another?

After getting my hands on this book, I could not stop reading it. It does a wonderful job at detailing who Trump really is, and what he stands for.

I especially enjoyed reading his speeches, while reading them, I could not help but tear up by the wonderful message our president conveys, and the amount of love he displays in them for all the people of this country.

After reading them, I was truly surprise to see how wrongly people perceive him. He is truly the president we the people have been waiting for, a president that will stand up for each and everyone of us no matter our ethnicity, color, background, or faith, he is truly a great man, and I hope that people will read this book and come to understand him better as well.

Gingrichs detailing of president trumps goals are explain very well, and I can truly see how his goals are aim at the people, and for the people. I hope that we the people can join with our president and truly help him accomplish this goals that are truly meant to help everyone.

Like president Trump, I to now dream strongly of making America great again. Because we truly can make our dreams come true if we work hard together.

So please buy this book, you won't regret it!

CURRENTLY READING THIS LATEST OF NEWT'S BOOKS AND HIS UNCANNY INSIGHT INTO TRUMP'S PERSONA HAS ME SCRIBBLING COMMENTS OF APPROVAL ON ALMOST EVERY PAGE I HAVE READ SO FAR. MR. GINGRICH HAS A WAY OF EXPLAINING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ACTION IN SUCH A LOGICAL AND UNEMOTIONAL WAY THAT HE IS HIGHLY CREDIBLE IN HIS ASSESSMENTS AND MAKES TRUMP SEEM LIKE A LOGICAL, WELL-INFORMED, MANAGER WHO CONSISTENTLY BEATS HIS OPPOSITION WITH PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE, AS HE WILL CONTINUE TO DO IN HIS ROLE OF OUR AMERICAN PRESIDENT. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS!

I have to wonder if the people who rated this at 5 stars even read the book. I'm a centrist, so I try to alternate viewpoints when reading anything political. I had just finished Comey's "A Higher Loyalty" to try to get a handle on his actions in the election, so I figured this book would be a good way to do the same for our president. Newt has a PHD in modern European history and is a fairly prolific author, and I expected a well written, honest assessment backed up by intelligent reasoning. Instead, I found the book to be full of sycophantic praise of the type I would expect from a communist party member when speaking of Mao Zedong. It is rife with illogic, partial truths, outright lies and justifications that play both sides. Here is an example of each (the last is a twofer), just from the first chapter:

- Stated that the crowd size at Trump rallys proved he had the most votes. Not only illogical, but patently false as Clinton won the popular vote by over 3 million votes.
- Stated that Trump won the GOP primary by the most votes ever (13-14 million). This is true, but misleading as he also holds the record for the most votes ever cast against a primary candidate (16 million, exceeding his votes by 2-3 million). In actuality, G.W. Bush (the prior record holder) had 62% of around 19.4 million total votes, where Trump had 45% of around 31 million total votes. He would have been better off highlighting the historic voter turn out that was due in large part to Trump.
- When speaking of "stupid regulations", he claims that the FDA prevents terminally ill patients from using experimental drugs they haven't approved. This both an outright falsehood and a justification playing both sides. The falsehood - The FDA does not make that call, the drug companies do and often deny the request because of liability and the possible bad press if there are complications. He even used the example of a young woman dying of cancer after being denied an experimental drug by the company. Where this plays both sides is that the "Right to Try" act just attempts to incentivize drug companies by stating that those patients may be sicker so any negative outcomes they experience will not be a factor in future approval by the FDA. In other words, adding a federal regulation instead of a simple FDA policy addition for something that is already on the books in 40 states as of 2018.

I am glad to finally hear a voice different from the main stream media who has long lost any credibility or integrity. The book gives people hope. It discloses things you don't learn from the media: violence on inauguration day, obstruction of "the fourth branch of the government", etc. A good case is made about tightening border with Mexico (to stem the drug flow). And it's interesting to know Trump administration supports space exploration and federally funded research. Trump is a force to disrupt the status quo. I somewhat believe his intention and his intelligence.

However, a lot has been wrong or unsaid in this book. Here are a few.
1. On the subject of free trade, the book gives the impression Trump is fighting Chinese or Mexican companies, when in fact, it is large US companies and multinationals (think the "made in China" Nike, and the "made in China" iPad) who are reaping the reward of free trade agreements. This is who Trump is fighting against, no wonder corporate-controlled media is so anti-trump.
2. America's wealth was not "distributed across the world", it is collected in the pockets of billionaires, American or foreign. The neglected military, neglected US infrastructure, quality of the life of the working class etc. are sacrificed not for foreigners, but for the billionaires.
3. There's no such thing as American generosity. US policy since the beginning has been to benefit the US, i.e. US large American companies. Read the book "Confessions of an economic hit man".
4. The book says socialism is "stealing from one person and give it to another", "dependency". This is over simplification and intentional misinformation. For one, deserting poor people to poor health and poor education increases instability of the society.

This book was the most eye opening and inspiring book I've read to date. Completely thorough and understandable for the masses. A must read for those who want to be part of Making America Great Again!

7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
HABIT 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD.
Newt does an outstanding job delivering the facts that only a leader of his experience and influence can bring. How does anyone understand the choices of a leader without being in their position, knowing what they know, carrying the responsibility they carry, you can not understand.

What really ignites my patriotism, welling up my God-given American birth right, a sort of holy-self-righteousness, self-awareness that I was given a gift at birth, the gift of being an American. So what does that mean? What is it to be an American? History teaches us a lot about what it means and why it is so important. There is no way for me to cover it all in this brief book review but it is worth noting that the very audacity of our forefathers to think they could be independent of the great monarchy of England is the true definition of being an American. Big harry audacious goals are what our history is. When we stop being audacious in our goals, we stop being American.

Trump is audacious. He believes in us. He believes in the American people so much he is working to give us back control. Give us the responsibility to determine our own results. What Newt really outlined in this book was understanding what it means to be an American. Trump is a great American. Just like all great Americans he has lots of enemies and lots of obstacles. I challenge you to name one person in our American history, world history for that matter, who did anything great without coming up against great opposition and great obstacles. Should we expect anything less from the leader of the most powerful and FREE country on the planet?

Newt also does an equally, if not more thorough delivery of outlining what he would do if he was president. Not all great leaders have to hold the top leadership role in order to get the job done. Great leaders surround themselves with others who could do their job equally or better than they can. Good job Newt! And thank you for your diligent service to our country.

Can anyone understand President Donald Trump? If anyone can, in a political sense, it's Newt Gingrich. The former Speaker of the House and congressman from Georgia, Gingrich was an early supporter of Donald Trump's presidential ambitions and became an advisor to his campaign. His book Understanding Trump tells a bit of the story that got Trump to the White House, discusses some of Trump's agenda and perspectives, and lays out policy prescriptions for a way forward for the Trump White House.

The story of Trump's entry into the presidential race and the first days of his administration is familiar to most readers. Less known is Gingrich's role. Gingrich gives a nice summary of Trump's background, primarily his business life, while emphasizing the skills Trump gained in the private sector which he can apply to presidential leadership. Trump has been known more for his "art of the deal," his practical approach to getting things done, and his emphasis on the bottom line more than for his ideological commitments. I hope Gingrich is right, and that Trump will apply his business instincts to reducing waste and mismanagement in government projects and operations. One example that stood out is the huge amount of money that the federal government spends to maintain vacant real estate space around the country. Since real estate has been one of Trump's fortes, why not use his experience to sell or lease space, rather than let it sit and drain the treasury?

Gingrich spends some time talking about Trump's opposition in the press and academia. There is no question that the press, as a whole, is vindictively out to get Trump and harm his presidency. Gingrich recounts some of the remarkable examples of lies and half truths the press perpetuates in the interest of discrediting Trump. The influencers of the nation are full of intellectuals yet idiots, the IYIs whose ideological commitments hold sway over facts and logic. Gingrich recounts the rise of the IYIs and the hardening of the left; the Democratic Party of today has little resemblance to the party of LBJ and JFK, as it has become more and more driven by collectivization and identity politics.

Gingrich strikes a great balance of personal insight, historical perspective (his is an historian by training, with a Ph.D. in history), and policy experience. Much of the latter portion of Understanding Trump is very wonky. In fact, this is the best part of the book and of Gingrich's connection with Trump. Gingrich's work in the congress brought a broad coalition together to pass significant legislation, and his conservative bona fides are strong. In my opinion, the more influence Gingrich can have on Trump, the better. I don't know what their current level of communication is, but Trump would be wise to keep those channels open.

If you're looking for criticism of Trump, you won't find much in Understanding Trump. But if you truly do want to gain a greater understanding of Trump from an insider's perspective, whatever your personal political inclination, Understanding Trump is essential reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

Understanding Trump provides an exceptional insider's perspective on all that is Donald Trump. Trump is an unpredictable and complex figure. Gingrich provides background and context to help explain how the man we can't seem to stop talking about came to be. Highly recommend!