Courage in the People's House

Nine Trailblazing Representatives Who Shaped America

By: Joe Neguse

Narrated by: Leon Nixon

Featuring the remarkable stories of nine US Representatives who helped shape America, Courage in the People’s House is a “reminder of how courage can make a difference, and how, especially in the darkest of times, the lessons of history are most needed” (Booklist).

In this “well-written addition to the history of Congress” (Kirkus Reviews), Courage in The People’s House tells the “accessible and well-researched” (Booklist) stories of nine individuals who served in the US House of Representatives—the “People’s House”—during a span of over one hundred years, from the 1870s to the 1990s. From the first African American to serve in the House to immigrants elected at the dawn of the 20th century, all were trailblazers who made significant contributions to the country. The book provides an inspiring story of America through profiles of each of them, representatives of all political stripes who overcame the odds and demonstrated the courage to challenge powerful interests, and at times, their own political allies. The nine members of Congress are:

-Joseph Rainey, South Carolina
-Josiah Walls, Florida
-William B. Wilson, Pennsylvania
-Adolph Sabath, Illinois
-Oscar Stanton De Priest, Illinois
-Margaret Chase Smith, Maine
-Henry B. Gonzalez, Texas
-Shirley Chisholm, New York
-Barbara Jordan, Texas

In this “brisk and spirited debut” (Publishers Weekly), Representative Joe Neguse, the first African American elected to Congress from Colorado, shares how these nine ordinary Americans served nobly despite the barriers before them and did extraordinary things in service to their constituents, the Constitution, and the country.

©2023 Joe Neguse (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Presenting the prologue of this inspiring audiobook, the author, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, sounds utterly appealing and authentically grateful for the people he profiles. His performance is a hard act to follow for narrator Leon Nixon.... But listeners' focus will easily shift to the author's impressive research and rich perspectives. The trailblazing lawmakers whom Neguse chronicles served from the 1870s to the 1990s. Their achievements were broad but frequently aimed at addressing injustices to Blacks that had persisted after the Civil War. Challenging racist attitudes, their segregationist colleagues, and entrenched business interests, these lawmakers demonstrated remarkable character that offers timely lessons about the responsibilities of public life." (AudioFile)

An intriguing look into Congressional Hero's

I recently listened to Joe Neguse's "Courage in the People's House" and was deeply impressed. This book stands out for its engaging biographical narratives, a solid understanding of historical contexts, and a compelling call for rational cooperation within the hallowed walls of Congress. What elevates this book even more are Neguse's insightful opening and closing remarks, which frame the stories with historical relevance to today’s acrimonious circumstances.

As an avid listener of approximately 40 books yearly, many of which are biographies of notable figures such as Lincoln, Musk, Romney, Clinton, and Obama, I found Neguse's book refreshingly unique. It deviates from the typical focus on well-known political figures, instead shining a light on unsung heroes of Congress, a theme rarely explored in the books I've encountered.

Initially, I expected the book to cover prominent personalities like Charlie Wilson, Nancy Pelosi, John Quincy Adams, Sam Rayburn, and Abraham Lincoln. However, Neguse pleasantly surprised me by highlighting nine lesser-known yet immensely impactful members, such as Shirley Chisholm and Adolph Sabath. Each chapter offers a concise yet illuminating glimpse into their contributions to American history, providing an engaging journey through the lives and legacies of these underrated figures.

In summary, "Courage in the People's House" is a standout read, offering a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked champions in Congress who have played pivotal roles in shaping our nation. Neguse's storytelling prowess and historical insights make this book a valuable and addition to the genre of political biographies.
Mo Siegel Boulder, Co.