First Son: The Biography of Richard M. Daley
In this ripping political biography, Koeneman portrays the mayor who held office for 22 years and transformed Chicago from a gray working town into a gleaming global city. The story of the second Mayor Daley begins with the first, and Koeneman reveals exactly how the father ushered his oldest son into politics while keeping him on a tight leash. Young Rich, awkward and arrogant, also faced resentment from his peers. But as hostile as his critics are––and Koeneman, who conducted more than 100 interviews, quotes some stinging remarks––there is no denying that Daley underwent a “dramatic personal evolution” or that he cares deeply about people. As Koeneman charts the political calculations intrinsic to Daley’s rise and rule and takes a close look at his inner circle, with its ties to Barack Obama, he contrasts the epic viciousness and corruption of Chicago politics and the mayor’s own failings with Daley’s tenacity, empathy, “humanistic impulse,” and accomplishments. This brisk (though repetitive) portrait of a complex, colorful, and powerful American is a work of valuable living political history. --Donna Seaman