Scopena: A Memoir of Home - Heartwarming Story of Family & Belonging | Perfect for Book Clubs, Gifts & Inspirational Reading

A very personal account of an unusual childhood with glimpses of what has come after, Scopena is an unusually good memoir. In today's world of FaceBook and other social media in which people think the details of their lives are as fascinating to others as to themselves (and should be breathlessly and immediately reported) this little book stands out as a relaxed read of the truly significant events in this unique man's life.I am 4 years younger than Buddy and grew up the son of a merchant in the northern part of his childhood parish/county. My father's brother was a businessman and farmer with experiences similar to Buddy's father (on a smaller scale) even down to owning the local International Harvester dealership. Buddy lionizes his father and shows his great admiration for his mother and siblings, as well. This touching book focuses on a fun childhood that also carried responsibilities beyond his years. I can't imagine doing many of the things he did from age 8 on.At times, as he matter-of-factly points to his accomplishments, readers may get a sense of arrogance - the same perception that limited his ability to accomplish the reforms he enthusiastically sought as Louisiana's governor. I did not know Buddy as a young man, but I was fortunate to have served as state budget director helping him dig the state out of a deep financial hole that had been many years in the making. I NEVER perceived him as arrogant. Being super smart and knowing it is not arrogance. Lording it over others is and I never saw him do that.While he was governor I had a passing acquaintance with the other members of his family and was impressed with them to a person. He was quite simply the best governor with the best chance of bringing true reform to this state in my lifetime. He accomplished a lot as governor that is forgotten today and I don't see a worthy successor on the horizon. His honesty and altruism were never and have never since been matched.