Jesse Ventura Tells It Like It Is: America's Most Outspoken Governor Speaks Out About Government

Grade 5-9-Ventura offers his personal opinions in the guise of an explanation of the American political system. The self-congratulatory first chapter recounting his rise to political prominence sets the tone for the entire book. In an informal, conversational style laced with words such as "wanna" and "gonna," Minnesota's governor talks about the history of government in general and in the United States in particular. He discusses the Constitution, voting rights, lobbyists, and many other topics. Throughout, he makes clear his dislike of government and politicians. For example, he explains that the Second Amendment forbid laws against gun ownership and is designed to "protect you from too much government." He believes that "candidates are selling themselves to the highest bidder" and that the two major parties are manipulated by special interests.