For the Record

For the Record is David Cameron's memoir of his time as British Prime Minister, published by William Collins in 2019. The book presents Cameron's perspective on pivotal moments during his leadership, including the EU referendum, the Scottish independence vote, and major policy reforms. The memoir chronicles Cameron's personal journey through British politics and his rise to become Prime Minister. It details the challenges and decisions faced during his tenure at 10 Downing Street, from economic policies to social reforms like the legalization of same-sex marriage. The narrative includes Cameron's experiences with family life while serving as Prime Minister, including the loss of his young son Ivan. The book is dedicated to his wife Samantha and provides insight into balancing public duties with private life. This political memoir examines themes of leadership, responsibility, and the intersection of personal conviction with public service. The account offers a window into modern British governance and the complexities of decision-making at the highest levels of government.

Readers found Cameron's memoir overly defensive of his decisions as PM, particularly regarding Brexit. Many noted his detailed explanations of policy but criticized the lack of emotional depth or personal reflection. Liked: - Clear writing style and organization - Inside perspective on UK-EU negotiations - Coverage of coalition government formation - Background on modernizing Conservative Party Disliked: - Self-justifying tone throughout - Limited accountability for Brexit outcome - Minimal insight into personal relationships - Too much focus on day-to-day government operations - Repetitive policy explanations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon US: 3.9/5 (400+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Reads like a long defense of his premiership rather than a true memoir" The Guardian readers poll rated it 2.5/5, with comments focusing on its "sanitized" portrayal of events and "lack of candor" about Brexit consequences.

A Journey by Tony Blair Blair's memoir as British Prime Minister chronicles parallel experiences with modernizing the Labour Party and implementing sweeping reforms in Britain.

Decision Points by George W. Bush The presidential memoir details executive decision-making during pivotal moments that shaped early 21st-century Western politics and international relations.

My Life by Bill Clinton Clinton's autobiography provides insight into the challenges of leading a major Western democracy while navigating personal scandals and policy reforms.

The Coalition Effect by Anthony Seldon This analysis of the 2010-2015 coalition government presents context for the political landscape Cameron operated within and the compromises required for governance.

Margaret Thatcher: The Downing Street Years by Margaret Thatcher Thatcher's account of her time as Conservative Prime Minister presents another perspective on leading Britain through periods of significant change and controversy.

🔷 Cameron wrote this memoir in a specially constructed £25,000 shepherd's hut in his garden, equipped with a wood-burning stove and sofa bed, which became known as his "writing shed" 🔷 The book deal was reportedly worth £800,000, one of the largest advances for a political memoir in British publishing history 🔷 Within the memoir, Cameron reveals he took the anxiety drug Xanax before his final Prime Minister's Questions following the Brexit referendum 🔷 The book's release in September 2019 broke a three-year silence that Cameron had maintained since leaving office in 2016 🔷 Cameron donated a portion of the book's proceeds to charities supporting disabled children and their families, inspired by his experiences with his late son Ivan who suffered from severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy