Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics is a memoir written by Joe Biden, then a U.S. Senator from Delaware, and ghostwritten by Mark Zwonitzer. Published by Random House on July 31, 2007, the book details Biden's personal life and political career, including his early life in Scranton, Pennsylvania, his entry into politics, and key legislative achievements like the Violence Against Women Act. It covers his responses to tragedies, such as the 1972 car accident that killed his first wife and daughter, and the challenges of raising his sons Beau and Hunter as a single father while serving in the Senate. The memoir also addresses his Catholic faith, family values, policy views on issues like crime, foreign affairs, and civil rights, and his admiration for figures like Hubert Humphrey. Released ahead of Biden's unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign, it offers insights into his motivations. Reception was generally positive, with praise from outlets like The New York Times for its compelling personal narrative and The Christian Science Monitor for Biden's storytelling, though some critics noted its political undertones. A paperback edition followed on August 28, 2008.