Huckabee: The Authorized Biography Book Review

Barton Dempsey on September 5, 2016

Huckabee: pastor, politician, and friend. What most people know about Mike Huckabee is encapsulated in his political life, yet there is more to the man than a Governor’s seal or presidential campaign button. To truly know the man behind the suit you must first start in a little Arkansas town called Hope. This is exactly how Scott Lamb begins in his in-depth look at the life and heart behind one of the most well-known American politicians in recent history. In Huckabee: The Authorized Biography, Lamb unveils the man behind the legend with first-hand insight and unprecedented access to all of Huckabee’s personal and professional files.

Lamb weaves a picture of Huckabee by intertwining his personal and professional life, from childhood to presidential aspirations. Pat Harris, Huckabee’s sister, recounts the influence their parents had on the Huckabee children growing up, instilling in them a desire to study and “be lifelong learners.” Harris remembers how this affected Huckabee, developing within him a desire to read continuously, including the World Books from A to Z.

Lamb paints a picture of Huckabee which remains consistent throughout his life, a man of determination and conviction. During his college years at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), he made quite an impression on an unsuspecting classmate who would turn life-long friend. Randy Sims recalls being quite impressed with the young and bold Huckabee who had the nerve to speak up against a college professor in their shared Introduction to Political Science class. Sims reminisced about his early assessment: “This Huckabee guy is going to either be the next Billy Graham or he’s going to be a politician. He is clearly headed somewhere.” Evidently, Sims was a bit of a prophet.

Huckabee served as the governor of Arkansas form 1996-2007, yet before all of his government service he was a passionate preacher man. During his freshman year at OBU, he began pastoring a tiny local Baptist church congregation. While most college students were wasting time in the world, he lived out the nurture of his parents and admonition of the Lord by preaching on Sundays and working hard the rest of the week. Yet, even with his desire to preach, he had a deep urge to get involved in government and to help better the nation.

In 1996, Huckabee stunned the “Natural State” and became the Republican governor in an overwhelmingly blue state. Many thought his term would be short lived and quickly forgotten, but as Lamb documents, Huckabee proved them wrong and served for three terms until 2007. And, after more than ten years of service as the Governor of Arkansas, he had new aspirations—the White House.

Lamb details Huckabee’s presidential campaign starting on January 28, 2007 with his interview with Tim Russert on NBC’s Meet the Press, during which he officially announced his bid for President. Although the election didn’t end the way he hoped, Lamb showed that his optimism didn’t suffer. “I was raise to believe that where a person started didn’t mean that’s where he had to stop. I always believed a kid could go from Hope to Higher Ground,” Huckabee stated.

Lamb wonderfully captures the man whom many Americans came to support in their 2008 presidential primary vote. A man full of conviction, deeply rooted Christian faith, and strong determination; someone who can relate to the heart of the country and knows the hard work needed to make a positive difference.

Unfortunately, Lamb ends the book at Huckabee’s 2008 presidential campaign, so it lacks insight into the development of Huckabee’s life and career including his recent endorsement of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in presidential biographies or particularly fond of Mike Huckabee, you’ll especially appreciate this all-access pass to his life.

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