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About
A moving and inspiring memoir from the first Iraq war veteran to be elected to the United States Congress.
Congressman Patrick J. Murphy, the Irish American son of a Philadelphia policeman and a former nun who raised their family in a tough-but-loving blue-collar neighborhood, grew out of a scrappy childhood to become a community college student and then-quickly-army officer, lawyer, and the youngest professor at West Point. He served in Iraq as a captain in the elite 82nd Airborne "All-Americans" where he earned a Bronze Star for service, and successfully prosecuted one of Muqtada al-Sadr's top lieutenants. Returning from Iraq with a determination to help change the direction of this country, Murphy, a political novice, ran an inspirational grassroots campaign against a popular Republican incumbent while being outspent by more than $2 million.
Told with passion and candor, Taking the Hill is a powerful and moving tale of love for family and the belief that the American dream is still within reach. More than anything, Murphy's life demonstrates the joys and necessity of serving others, whether that means one's family or students, community or fellow soldiers, or one's nation.
Congressman Patrick J. Murphy, the Irish American son of a Philadelphia policeman and a former nun who raised their family in a tough-but-loving blue-collar neighborhood, grew out of a scrappy childhood to become a community college student and then-quickly-army officer, lawyer, and the youngest professor at West Point. He served in Iraq as a captain in the elite 82nd Airborne "All-Americans" where he earned a Bronze Star for service, and successfully prosecuted one of Muqtada al-Sadr's top lieutenants. Returning from Iraq with a determination to help change the direction of this country, Murphy, a political novice, ran an inspirational grassroots campaign against a popular Republican incumbent while being outspent by more than $2 million.
Told with passion and candor, Taking the Hill is a powerful and moving tale of love for family and the belief that the American dream is still within reach. More than anything, Murphy's life demonstrates the joys and necessity of serving others, whether that means one's family or students, community or fellow soldiers, or one's nation.
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Reviews
"Taking the Hill shows us why Patrick Murphy is one of the brightest stars in the next generation of American leaders. With characteristic passion and candor, Murphy gives us a powerful indictment of the Bush administration's failures in Iraq. And his inspiring life's story offers hope to all who have the courage and determination to reach for the American Dream."
Barack Obama
"From Bosnia to Baghdad to the Kerry campaign and Murphy family's dinner table in the working neighborhoods of Pennsylvania, the pages of Taking the Hill overflow with hair-raising adventures, thoughtful observations, and a story of service, sacrifice, and good old fashioned courage. Accomplished as a professor, paratrooper, and now a public servant--Patrick Murphy is an American original with a v
John Kerry
"Political observers have buzzed about Patrick Murphy as the only member of Congress to have served in Iraq. Yet in these pages, he thinks of himself as the son of a cop and legal secretary whose best friend works for Budweiser. And therein lies the lesson he offers in this account of his meteoric political rise. This is a story of humility, honesty, and honor which will serve the politician and
Michael Smerconish, radio host, columnist and author