Barney, my former college Government tutor for two years and my Congressman for many more, writes a political autobiography that is both readable and informative.  Structuring the narrative around the two themes of government activism and LGBT rights, he points out how his 50 years in politics saw the former sink in popularity while the latter rose.  He traces his rise from Mayor Kevin White’s chief of staff, to Congressman Michael Harrington’s staff, to a state rep from the Back Bay, to Congressman redistricted four times and yet the winner of 20+ races.  His involvement in LGBT rights and his coming out of the closet as well as his current relationship to Jim Ready are all discussed with candor and passion.  His involvement in the Clinton impeachment, TARP, and Dodd-Frank are similarly discussed with clarity and insight.  A fine book from a complicated man.