Two JK stories from yesterday - he bought a house on Martha's Vineyard and signed a book deal
First the book deal - there are many articles in the NYT and elsewhere, but the one I like best has comments from places other than the US. In the last year, Kerry has received many presteigious British and European honors for his contributions as Secretary of State. It was clear that his peers - and some of the mediia who have covered him there - are not seeing him through the GOP (and domestic opponents) prism that the US press developed to make him more marginal.
I love the UK quote referring to his common touch and humanity. Having followed his work since 2004 through this group, those words are - in addition to his dedication and brilliance - why I am compelled to follow what he does. Those words are true and they go to the essence of who he is -- and these are attributes which are strengths that opponents did not want people to see as real. I suspect that when someone first used the phrase "the real deal" -- this was what they meant.
From the article:
Iain McGregor, publishing director for non-fiction at S&S UK added: John Kerry has not only been a mainstay in American politics, across decades of public service, but here in the UK and Europe we have also witnessed his common touch and humanity up close. The causes he believes in and has fought for are global ones that we all share. We are delighted to publish his memoir to celebrate his life and work.
Carolyn Reidy, president and c.e.o of S&S US said Kerrys life story reflected the countrys own journey during the last 50 years.
"Through it all whether as an idealist signing on to the civil rights movement during the Kennedy Years, as a naval officer in Vietnam, an activist, a Senator from Massachusetts, the Democratic Presidential nominee or our indefatigable Secretary of State his lifelong commitment and work to fight for change mark an exemplary career and life in public service. Simon & Schuster is delighted to publish his extraordinary American story.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/former-secretary-state-john-kerry-publishes-memoir-simon-schuster-505391
Here is a link to an article on the property that he bought, which looks liike a lovely place for him to write and be with his family.
https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2017/03/09/john-kerry-buys-historic-marthas-vineyard-property