Fire on the Prairie: Chicago's Harold Washington and the Politics of Race by Gary Rivlin — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/461943.Fire_on_the_Prairie[5/17/2014 12:38:59 PM]

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Fire on the Prairie: Chicago's Harold Washington and the Politics of Raceby Gary Rivlin

Chicago--a name synonymous with tough urban politics and racial conflict. In 1965, Martin Luther King, Jr., set the nation's sights on the city when he said, "If we crack Chicago, then we crack the world". Black empowerment "would take off like a prairie fire across the land". Here is the story of Harold Washington's election in 1983 as the city's first black mayor. Photog...more

Paperback, 464 pages Published March 1st 1993 by Henry Holt & Co (P) (first published 1992)

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4.49 · rating details · 45 ratings · 13 reviews

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Fire on the Prairie: Chicago's Harold Washington and the Politics of Race by Gary Rivlin — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/461943.Fire_on_the_Prairie[5/17/2014 12:38:59 PM]

Jason rated it

As a white American, it is easy to think about the civil rights movement as something that happened back in the 60's and that most of our racial problems were put to rest back then. If anyone begins to think in that way, I recommend that they read Gary Rivlin's book. This is the story of Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the country, and how its first African-American mayor, Harold Washington, beat the vaunted Chicago political machine against great odds.

Harold got his start with the...more

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Scott Smith rated it

Along with American Pharoah, this is required reading for anyone who seeks to understand modern Chicago politics. Rivlin is a former Chicago Reader reporter and he brings that pedigree to bear here with a critic's view of the daily newspapers' reporting and a columnist's sense of detail. Gives a rounded view of all the players, including Washington, who is treated not as a savior but as a politician who understood the rules of the game and how to work within them and without them. In doing so, h...more

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Nathan rated it Shelves: politics, non-fiction

I am amazed with the struggle and determination of this man. I am excited to finish it when i have time.

well I had the time and finished it. I truely am amazed at how much hope of changed can be shattered when the current faulty system will not give up and die. I would recamed the book to anyone. A good read especially considering the up coming election.

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Chad rated it

When I read this in 2003, this was the book that revived my faith in electoral politics. Rivlin is a phenomenal writer, writing on a topic that he knew very very well. The depth of understanding, love for the political-racial-power issues that Chicago politics are immersed in come a-flying off of the page.

One of the best books of my last decade.

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Julie rated it · review of another edition

Find this book, fire up the This American Life episode about Harold Washington, and think of the many more things Harold Washington could have done had it not been for his death... and the Daleys, and the Democratic machine, and the city council...

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HeeJai rated it · review of another edition

Great insight into Harold Washington as a mayoral candidate and Chicago politics and its machinery, in general. In light of today's presidential race, it is fascinating to see how far we have come (or perhaps not) since the Washington days. If you live in Chicago - you must read!

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Caroline rated it

Started to feel a little long, but I don't think anything should've been left out. Excellent

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Fire on the Prairie: Chicago's Harold Washington and the Politics of Race by Gary Rivlin — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/461943.Fire_on_the_Prairie[5/17/2014 12:38:59 PM]

analysis - not just a chronological retelling of events. I especially enjoyed reading about the 1980s political life of my current alderman.

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Steven Kent rated it Shelves: features-an-evil-republican

I loved this book. I absolutely adored this book.

This is the story of a man who defied an indefatigable political machine to become the first black mayor of Chicago. Great story well told.

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Jamiko rated it · review of another edition

This is a must read for anyone interested in Chicago politics. Interesting and very entertaining. You will not want to put it down.

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Kristen rated it · review of another edition

been wanting to read history of washington and how he defeated the machine, oh so briefly.

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Ann rated it · review of another edition

Review here:http://bookdork.livejournal.com/64871...

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Stephen Schiavone rated it

Great book on race and politics in America.

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Chuck rated it

amazing book.

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Fire on the Prairie: Chicago's Harold Washington and the Politics of Race by Gary Rivlin — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/461943.Fire_on_the_Prairie[5/17/2014 12:38:59 PM]

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