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marisbest2's review against another edition
3.0
Nancy Pelosi is a remarkable politician and listening to this book made me even more aware of that. It captures her triumphs (and losses) in rich detail. It places her in the current historical context. It does a great job showing how she's the only woman in the room and why that matters.
But this book fails in two respects. First, despite the author's afterwords, this is straight hagiography. Nancy here is a master, who rarely loses, and when she does its pretty much ignored. Theres no analysis of her voting, no analysis of her deeper values, and critique is hard to find. Nancy is a hero in this book, without equal.
Second, the author claims that Pelosi has no inner life, and it shows. She spends one tiny intro chapter on her life before running for office. She doesn't really talk about her relationships, what she learned over time (other than count votes). There's nothing here about her life outside the leadership, nothing about the people she's inspired by. There's barely anything about her constituents. This book ends up being just at the political level, and so it makes for a good political biography but can hardly be considered complete.
Pelosi deserves a really full biography. Maybe that can't happen until she retires, but one thing is for sure, this isnt it.
But this book fails in two respects. First, despite the author's afterwords, this is straight hagiography. Nancy here is a master, who rarely loses, and when she does its pretty much ignored. Theres no analysis of her voting, no analysis of her deeper values, and critique is hard to find. Nancy is a hero in this book, without equal.
Second, the author claims that Pelosi has no inner life, and it shows. She spends one tiny intro chapter on her life before running for office. She doesn't really talk about her relationships, what she learned over time (other than count votes). There's nothing here about her life outside the leadership, nothing about the people she's inspired by. There's barely anything about her constituents. This book ends up being just at the political level, and so it makes for a good political biography but can hardly be considered complete.
Pelosi deserves a really full biography. Maybe that can't happen until she retires, but one thing is for sure, this isnt it.
pleaseruiz's review against another edition
5.0
I know y’all hate her, but wow what an amazing profile of such an iconic leader.
Nancy Pelosi is the
Nancy Pelosi is the
callahadam's review against another edition
5.0
An engaging, well researched and written biography of the most consequential woman in American politics period. Makes the case for Pelosi to be recognized as the towering figure she is in American political history while also managing to be balanced and critical. Must read for any serious or armchair student of politics
tannercurtis's review against another edition
4.0
An informative and entertaining look at the life and ascent of Nancy Pelosi, the most powerful woman in American politics.
mollyfischfriedman's review against another edition
4.0
A very well-written, well-researched, and enjoyable read. It's clear that Molly Ball put a lot of care into reporting and writing this book, and there were so many anecdotes that were perfectly placed and illuminative of Nancy Pelosi's outlook and attitude. Would love to see an addendum that goes through the 2020 as well.
codyboteler's review against another edition
2.0
A broad book that expertly covers Nancy Pelosi’s life. It has a clear narrative of her impressive political career. It’s got pages and pages of notes, so you know it’s well-reported.
But I just didn’t jive with the writing. It was narrative rather than journalistic, which I think was to its detriment. It painted Pelosi as a nearly flawless figure, rather than grappled with any of her difficult decisions, mistakes or regrets.
But I just didn’t jive with the writing. It was narrative rather than journalistic, which I think was to its detriment. It painted Pelosi as a nearly flawless figure, rather than grappled with any of her difficult decisions, mistakes or regrets.
shireybear09's review against another edition
5.0
YAS QUEEN!
I have so much to say I am rendered speechless. Thank you Molly Ball for an honest and fair biography for Pelosi. Now that’s an inspiration and a role model who is authentic, stays on the issue, and got shit done.Praise the lord for badass Nancy Pelosi!
“In the end it didn’t matter what they called her. In the end they did what she wanted.” OPERATIONAL queen indeed.
I have so much to say I am rendered speechless. Thank you Molly Ball for an honest and fair biography for Pelosi. Now that’s an inspiration and a role model who is authentic, stays on the issue, and got shit done.Praise the lord for badass Nancy Pelosi!
“In the end it didn’t matter what they called her. In the end they did what she wanted.” OPERATIONAL queen indeed.
emily_sea's review against another edition
5.0
I seldom write reviews but WOW did Ball crush this book.
Detailed, exacting, measured reporting. The book is as much about Pelosi as it is about the daily functions of Congress.
Read this book for a deeper understanding of American governance.
Detailed, exacting, measured reporting. The book is as much about Pelosi as it is about the daily functions of Congress.
Read this book for a deeper understanding of American governance.