Review by Booklist Review
Haskell graduated from Georgetown University days before accepting the nomination to run for state senator in the 26th district of Connecticut. After the 2016 presidential election, he was inspired to work against what he saw as a turn towards extremism. Looking at the voting record of Toni Boucher, the Republican senator who represented his hometown of Westport since 2008, Haskell learned that Boucher had voted against many causes that he championed. After numerous coffee chats with local political figures and many calls to the local Democratic party, he decided to run against Boucher. 100,000 First Bosses chronicles Haskell's decision to run for office and his first term in the Connecticut State Senate. He recounts lessons learned along the campaign trail and reflects on how his age, race, and gender were assets and challenges to winning over his constituents. Even when discussing detailed legislative negotiations and difficult decisions, Haskell's memoir is an engaging guidebook for members of Gen Z who want to make a positive impact in their communities.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this spirited debut memoir, Connecticut state senator Haskell recounts his 2018 upset victory over a Republican incumbent who had been in office for more than 20 years. Raised by his divorced parents in Westport and Bridgeport, Conn., Haskell recounts being taken by his father to hear Barack Obama speak during the 2008 New Hampshire primary, and how the election of Donald Trump "transformed our generation from kids into adults." While still a senior at Georgetown University, he decided to run against his hometown senator, whose opposition to paid family medical leave and criminal justice reform "felt like a mismatch for the moment." Haskell shares amusing anecdotes about filming his first campaign ads and organizing a dorm-room fundraiser, and details the legislative challenges he's faced since taking office. He also argues persuasively that "millennials and Gen Z are systematically underrepresented" in government and that, until more of them get a seat at the table, issues such as gun control and climate change will not be adequately addressed. His passion is infectious, and he provides plenty of instructive insider details. This earnest and enthusiastic account is a welcome introduction to politics for young people interested in making their voices heard. (Jan.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The youngest man to ever occupy a seat in the Connecticut state legislature tells the story of his unlikely run for office and the lessons learned as a freshman senator. When all his fellow college juniors were thinking about their first jobs or graduate school, Haskell decided to run for the Connecticut General Assembly. Though he didn't boast "the typical résumé of a candidate for state Senate--no law or business degree, no decades of service on a local board or commission, no spouse and kids to put on a glossy mailer," he did have an Obama-inspired belief in the power of positive change and a profound distrust of the Trump administration. His underdog status against a far more entrenched political insider fueled his determination to not only win, but also break the Democrat-Republican tie in the state senate and end political gridlock. Coffee-shop conversations with local politicos that felt like "job interviews" led to discussions with other plugged-in political figures, who regarded Haskell with extreme skepticism. Undaunted, he found the beginnings of support in a state representative who began schooling him on major issues affecting Connecticut. A grassroots campaign effort followed along with the eventual support of seasoned political consultants who helped Haskell win over older voters. Seeking to stay "above the fray" and ignore his opponent's attacks, Haskell won the 2018 state senate race. He then began his yearlong political education in fighting for the policies about which he was passionate, including free college and gun control, while learning from his mistakes (dozing off during a congressional session). Refreshingly candid and optimistic, this account offers much-needed hope to all Americans and especially to the politically underrepresented younger generations seeking change in a world increasingly hostile to their pursuits of health, wealth, and happiness. Inspiring reading for aspiring politicians or anyone seeking substantive change. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
