Florida Governor, DeSantis, Reveals Five Things About Himself in New Book, Courage to Be Free

What big revelations does Governor Ron DeSantis include in his new book? Published by HarperCollins in 2023, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival”  Take a look at five big reveals DeSantis puts on the table in this highly anticipated release.

 1. He Has a Sister

 DeSantis briefly mentions a sister named Christina somewhat early on in the book. Readers who don’t follow DeSantis closely may not be aware of the fact that Christina died tragically from a sudden illness at the age of 30. Prior to her death, Christina DeSantis attended her brother’s swearing-in ceremony when he was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018.

 2. He’s Aware of His Political Clout

 In his memoir, DeSantis makes it clear that he understands just how persuasive and effective the political clout he’s been able to build during his time in office can be for affecting policy.  He cites his words to the Ultimate Fighting Championship president about overruling mayors interfering with events when going into detail about his approach to governing.

 3. He Was Deeply Affected by His Wife’s Cancer Diagnosis

DeSantis describes his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 as feeling like a “ton of bricks” falling over his family. He also reveals that Casey DeSantis spent time contemplating what would happen to her young family if she didn’t pull through. These passages are by far the most vulnerable and emotional ones in the book.

4. He Doesn’t Believe His Fellow Republicans Should Get a Pass

 DeSantis is quick to chide elected officials in his own party for campaigning on free-market ideas while operating as corporatists who serve the interests of “big business.” The governor cites corporate tax breaks, subsidies, and legislative loopholes that benefit well-connected corporate interests as things that grind his gears.  This part of the book serves as a call to action to stand up to “corrupting forces.”

 5. His Ideas About Foreign Policy Are Shaped by His Military Service

 While attending Harvard Law School, DeSantis earned a commission as a U.S. Navy JAG officer that led to a deployment to Iraq to serve as an advisor for SEAL missions in Fallujah, Ramadi, and Al Anbar. In his memoir, the Bronze Star Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal recipient discusses his dissatisfaction with the results he saw from President George W. Bush’s attempt to create a Western-style democracy in post-fall Iraq. He goes as far as describing the impulse to spread Western values as a “messianic impulse.”  With Governor Ron DeSantis being a top contender for the 2024 presidential election, there’s no doubt that both political strategists and curious citizens will be hurrying to buy this book in bulk in an attempt to decipher the headline-making politician’s game plan.  While detractors may read “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival” with a skeptical eye, fans of the governor will no doubt be eager to get their hands on signed copies.