New York, March 9, 2017―Former Secretary of State John Kerry will publish a memoir with Simon & Schuster recounting childhood years in Cold War Europe, service to his country in the Navy and his decision to speak out against the Vietnam War when he came home, nearly three decades serving in the United States Senate alongside colleagues including Ted Kennedy, John McCain, and future President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, his 2004 presidential campaign, in which he came within one state of winning the presidency, and his recent experience as Secretary of State.

“This is the first opportunity I’ve had in a long time to pause and look back, with an eye towards looking forward. I hope we can produce a good book that captures for readers not so much my story, but some of the lessons learned along the way, including lessons learned the hard way,” said Secretary Kerry. “I am grateful that Simon & Schuster is working with me to revisit meaningful moments lived at the intersection of history, and to help readers get to know some of the compelling people I’ve known, learned from, admired, and even debated with across my years.”

“John Kerry’s life story reflects our country’s journey during the last 50 years,” said Carolyn Reidy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simon & Schuster. “Through it all―whether as an idealist signing on to the civil rights movement during the Kennedy Years, as a naval officer in Vietnam, an activist, a Senator from Massachusetts, the Democratic Presidential nominee  or our indefatigable Secretary of State―his lifelong commitment and work to fight for change mark an exemplary career and life in public service.  Simon & Schuster are delighted to publish his extraordinary American story.”

Jonathan Karp, President and Publisher of the Simon & Schuster imprint, and Bob Bender, Vice President and Executive Editor, who will edit the book, acquired world publishing rights in all formats. Secretary Kerry was represented by Robert B. Barnett of Williams & Connolly. No publication date has yet been set. The book will also be published by Simon & Schuster’s international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and in audiobook by Simon & Schuster Audio.

“This is a great American life, and what’s exciting about John Kerry’s memoir is that he’s finally got the time and perspective to tell the full story, in all of its sweep,” said Jonathan Karp, Publisher of Simon & Schuster.

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Simon & Schuster, part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.