At a time when the meaning of America is up for grabs, Cody Keenan's new book chronicles ten days that tested us and ultimately showed us at our best. Its a captivating story about whats worth fighting for, an antidote to cynicism that will make you believe again. President Barack Obama, via Twitter
Grace is a beautifully written, gripping tale of a monumental week in the life of America. As a political memoir, it is a masterpiece, rendering the White Houses charactersincluding President Barack Obamain deeply human terms, with unforgettable behind-the-scenes accounts of how history was made. But in Grace, Cody Keenan does something even deeper by opening up the chilling rise of white supremacism, delving into the horrific costs of racial injustice in America, and showing howwith courage, decency, and a rich, expansive form of patriotismour better angels can prevail. Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of A Problem from Hell and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
"Grace is an exuberant love letter to public service and a beautifully written record of how a President and his speechwriter faced down the darkest demons of American identity to offer a better, truer story of who we can be. At a time when cynicism and apathy endanger democracy, Cody Keenan lets us all experience how it felt to be in the room and reminds us of the things that are worth fighting for. Ben Rhodes, author of The World As It Is
Cody Keenan's Grace, like the speeches he wrote with President Obama, is a compelling force. People of faith will know the grace of which Cody and Obama speak; political and history buffs will appreciate the look inside these tragic, triumphant moments; and all Americans will be moved to tears of sorrow and joy through Codys retelling. Grace is whats needed in our country right now, and Keenan's Grace is likewise a needed, essential read. Joshua DuBois, spiritual advisor to President Obama and author of The Presidents Devotional
Cody Keenan has the heart of a novelist, the agile mind of an historian, and the acuity of someone who knows politics inside out. This remarkable book speaks in epic ways to the beauty and turmoil of the intimate moments that shape our lives. This is a heros journey, told with humility, insight and of course, grace. Colum McCann, National Book Awardwinning author of Let the Great World Spin
At a time when cynicism permeates every ounce of our news and our politics, reading this hopeful, inspiring, gorgeous book is as refreshing as skinny dipping in a mountain lake. Grace is an invigorating reminder of the power each of us have to change the things for the better. Read this book! And then buy another one for your friend who thinks nothing matters and the world is doomed. Kal Penn, author of the national bestseller You Cant Be Serious
An absorbing book debut with an insiders view of the pressured, often fucking terrifying workings within the White Housea moving portrait of a presidency and its top speechwriter. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A compelling memoir.[ Keenan] offers a candid slice of life in a West Wing characterized by camaraderie, integrity, and hard work. Library Journal (starred review)
Uncommonly franka rarity in presidential histories these days: an argument for public service. Chicago Tribune
Powerful...a fascinating backstage passno matter your political persuasion, Grace is a generous, lively and worthwhile read." BookPage
Students of politics will gain an insiders perspective in presidential power and leadership in time of crisis. Booklist
Grace is a refreshing departure from the flood of scandalous literary flotsam that typically washes up in the wake of the transfer of power. . . Like the president he served, Keenan tells his story with conviction, compassionand amazing grace. Washington Monthly
[ Grace is] less a standard Washington memoir with a scorecard of political wins and losses and more a reflection on the painful process of forging change. Its a meditation on the craft of speech writing itself, and its place in a presidency that, more than most, was rooted in the power of rhetoric. CNNs Meanwhile in America
There are plenty of romanticized depictions of the presidency on film, TV and written form. And then there is Cody Keenans new book, Grace. . . The heart of the book puts political realism to literature a showcase about how the goal of a White House is often to fend off bad things, claw for incremental progress and, above all else, fight off cynicism. Politico
A much-needed literary remedya story that is gripping, nail-biting, and steeped in the best and worst of humanity. 48 Hills
