“Real Change”, by Newt Gingrich, is a must read for anyone concerned with the direction our country is going. It is a book for those wanting real solutions, with clear examples, of how and why those solutions will work.

Since Speaker Gingrich left Congress he has focused on developing independent solutions and common-sense legislation that isn’t tied down to Republicans or Democrats but policy that will simply help our country succeed. This comes out very clearly in this book when he disagrees with decisions that have been made by both Republicans and Democrats. Speaker Gingrich is quick to admonish the Bush administration’s reaction to the Katrina situation as well as their handling of illegal immigration. He is also quick to point out the many faults in the Democrat’s view on how to create a successful economy.

Readers will have an opportunity to not only learn what we should do but why we should do it. Newt gives clear examples of how certain policies have worked when enacted in both the United States and other countries. Showing an impressively wide grasp of the issues, Newt tackles seemingly every imaginable policy. You won’t only read about the “top” issues like taxes, healthcare, illegal immigration, and national defense, but also everyday solutions for crime, prison systems, organized labor, NASA, energy, and the environment. Each policy position includes reform items and examples of how they have worked in the past. The former Speaker of the House has a real talent for writing and explaining things in a common-sense fashion, and the way he communicates in this book is proof positive.

For me, the combination of simple solutions given, clear examples explained, and “easy to read” writing, make this book a true delight and accessible to a wide audience. After reading this book I felt like I gained a better understanding and clearer vision of what can be done to ensure our nation continues as a leader in today’s world. I’ll conclude this review in the Speaker’s own words, “Real change must begin at the individual level, with each person deciding that the special interests, the bureaucracies, and the forces of the past will not determine the course of the future”.

Luke Macias