A review by dougsasser
Pelosi by Molly Ball

5.0

This is the kind of political biography I like. A small amount of space at the beginning of the book describes Pelosi's early life and how this influenced her values. She is a devote Roman Catholic. When Bishops and Cardinals suggested she should not receive communion while the affordable care act was being legislated (due to debates on abortion funding in the bill), she rotated where she attended mass. Ball looks at how Pelosi has fought sexism throughout her career. Although Republicans have demonized her as a controlling, left winger, she is a pragmatist who is able to negotiate bipartisan deals if she is in the majority or minority. This is not a puff piece but Ball clearly respects Pelosi. I consider her depiction of the Speaker as factually accurate. I knew Pelosi was a fixture among Washington DC leadership but I didn't have a strong opinion on her. This book gives me great respect for her and the value of skilled leadership among members of congress.