Sen. John McCain's new book, The Restless Wave, released Tuesday, calls for an end to the divisiveness in American politics and reflects on the people and places which inspired the Arizona Republican.
The memoir includes lessons learned from McCain's 2008 presidential bid, which he lost to Barack Obama.
Friends say they long knew McCain's first choice for a running mate was former Sen. Joe Lieberman, but advisers pushed McCain to choose a Republican instead.
Looking at the failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, McCain blames "misinformation and downright lies that enflame opponents."
RELATED: Arizona State University keeper of Senator John McCain archives
In the book, McCain offers some "straight talk" on border issues, saying any attempt to round up all 10-12 million unauthorized immigrants would "destroy the spirit of our communities" and hurt the economy.
A reoccurring theme in The Restless Wave is the need to return to "regular order" in Washington and to work together for a cause bigger than oneself.
He makes mention of his 2016 Republican primary opponent Kelli Ward, although he doesn't use her name.
McCain writes, "'He's a champion of compromise,'" she warned. Yikes! What horrible transgressions might I yet be capable of committing."
McCain is living full time at his ranch near Sedona, as he battles an aggressive form of brain cancer. The senator's friends hope Arizonans are inspired by the message.
"I think they will want to read this book, hear his own words about facing this last battle," said longtime McCain friend Grant Woods.
"They'll be reminded again what he stands for, what America has stood for, and hopefully then the rest of us can carry on that fight."
McCain, as he reflects on his life, also explains how Arizona has "enchanted and claimed" him after 40 years of moving during childhood and his military career.
He admires the state's "hardworking, self-starting dreamers."
He also gets nostalgic about the "cottonwoods whispering in the wind" and other simple pleasures on his ranch.
