John Edwards and the Hot New Political Book Trend

Posted on June 1, 2005

Former Democratic Vice-presidential nominee John Edwards has inked a book deal with HarperCollins. The book will be a photo essay book focusing on American values and dreams using pictures of the childhood homes of notable people, HarperCollins Publishers announced today. The book will be titled, Blueprints: The Architecture of Our Lives and is scheduled for release in the fall of 2006. Edwards will donate his royalties to charity. Edwards said in a statement that part of the book's impetus came after a visit to one of his childhood homes, in Seneca, S.C.

"The architecture of those homes was and is unremarkable to just about everyone who sees them, but to me, they're my life -- they're where I became, who I am," Edwards said. "I know there are countless stories like mine from people from all around America. I want to share those stories -- and what they say about America and Americans -- through this book."

This is clearly the beginning of a new trend in political books. After the deluge of serious books in the last presidential election, the electorate is exhausted. So, those who are making a run for the presidency in 2008 are taking a different tack. Governor Mike Huckabee has written a book about his massive weight loss, and now Edwards is doing a feel-good photo essay with commentary by notable Americans. It's pretty smart, really. Look for more lightweight titles in the future from heavyweight politicians.