📖 Overview
Dick Cheney is an American politician and author who served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. His written works focus primarily on political memoirs, foreign policy, and national security matters.
Prior to his vice presidency, Cheney held several high-ranking positions including White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush. His extensive political career and involvement in key historical events inform his writing perspective.
His most notable book is "In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir" (2011), which details his experiences in public service and provides his viewpoint on major policy decisions during the Bush administration. The memoir addresses controversial topics including enhanced interrogation techniques, the Iraq War, and the response to 9/11.
Cheney has also co-authored "Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America" (2015) with his daughter Liz Cheney, advocating for American leadership in global affairs. His writings consistently emphasize national security themes and support for robust American military and diplomatic power.
👀 Reviews
Reader reviews of Dick Cheney's books reflect sharp political divisions. His memoir "In My Time" receives polarized ratings, typically 1-star or 5-stars with few in between.
Readers who gave positive reviews cited:
- Detailed accounts of decision-making during crisis moments
- Clear explanations of complex policy positions
- Direct writing style without apology for controversial choices
"He tells it exactly as he sees it," noted one Amazon reviewer.
Common criticisms include:
- Selective memory and lack of accountability
- Limited self-reflection or admission of errors
- Defensive tone throughout
"More justification than insight," wrote a Goodreads reviewer.
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ reviews)
Goodreads: 3.6/5 (3,800+ reviews)
"Exceptional" received similar polarized responses:
Amazon: 4.6/5 (500+ reviews)
Goodreads: 3.4/5 (400+ reviews)
Reviews suggest readers' political views strongly influence their reception of Cheney's works, with few neutral assessments.
📚 Books by Dick Cheney
In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir (2011)
A firsthand account of Dick Cheney's four decades in public service, covering his roles as White House Chief of Staff, Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President, with detailed discussion of 9/11, the Iraq War, and other major events of the Bush administration.
Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America (2015) Co-authored with Liz Cheney, this book examines American foreign policy and argues for the importance of American leadership in international affairs, analyzing historical examples and contemporary challenges to U.S. power.
Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America (2015) Co-authored with Liz Cheney, this book examines American foreign policy and argues for the importance of American leadership in international affairs, analyzing historical examples and contemporary challenges to U.S. power.
👥 Similar authors
Donald Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense during the same administration as Cheney and wrote memoirs covering similar historical events and policy decisions from the Bush years. His books "Known and Unknown" and "Rumsfeld's Rules" provide direct accounts of post-9/11 security policies and military operations.
Robert Gates succeeded Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense and wrote about American foreign policy and military strategy across multiple administrations. His memoirs "Duty" and "From the Shadows" detail national security decision-making from his perspective as both CIA Director and Defense Secretary.
George W. Bush worked directly with Cheney throughout his presidency and wrote about many of the same events and policies from the presidential perspective. His memoir "Decision Points" covers the major choices and challenges of his administration including the War on Terror and Iraq War.
Condoleezza Rice served as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State during the Bush-Cheney years, writing extensively about foreign policy and national security. Her books "No Higher Honor" and "Democracy" examine American diplomatic and security challenges during critical periods that overlap with Cheney's service.
Henry Kissinger shaped American foreign policy as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in earlier administrations that influenced Cheney's worldview. His books "Diplomacy" and "World Order" analyze international relations and American power from a realist perspective that aligns with Cheney's foreign policy outlook.
Robert Gates succeeded Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense and wrote about American foreign policy and military strategy across multiple administrations. His memoirs "Duty" and "From the Shadows" detail national security decision-making from his perspective as both CIA Director and Defense Secretary.
George W. Bush worked directly with Cheney throughout his presidency and wrote about many of the same events and policies from the presidential perspective. His memoir "Decision Points" covers the major choices and challenges of his administration including the War on Terror and Iraq War.
Condoleezza Rice served as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State during the Bush-Cheney years, writing extensively about foreign policy and national security. Her books "No Higher Honor" and "Democracy" examine American diplomatic and security challenges during critical periods that overlap with Cheney's service.
Henry Kissinger shaped American foreign policy as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in earlier administrations that influenced Cheney's worldview. His books "Diplomacy" and "World Order" analyze international relations and American power from a realist perspective that aligns with Cheney's foreign policy outlook.