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Title details for The Art of Power by Nancy Pelosi - Available

The Art of Power

My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House

by Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Audiobook
1 of 5 copies available
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1 of 5 copies available
The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker—how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.
When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: "Mother, get a life!" And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.

In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history—not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in our nation, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden. She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.

Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government's long record of misbehavior. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress. Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives—and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi's own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.

The woman who has been lauded by her opposition as "the most powerful Speaker" ever shows us why she is not afraid of a good fight. The Art of Power is about the fighting spirit that has always animated her, and the historic legacy that spirit has produced.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    August 6, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781797178738
      • File size: 310049 KB
      • Duration: 10:45:55

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Listeners hear Nancy Pelosi describe herself as a dedicated patriot with an unwavering code of ethics demonstrated by years of focus on the American people, especially their children, and a fierce protection of the Constitution. As described in her own words, Pelosi's tenacity spans decades of maneuvering through political ups and downs, especially as the first Lady Speaker of the House. Her political savvy shines through, and the listener cannot help but be inspired by her ability to strategize her way through complicated issues, bills, political quagmires, international and domestic intelligence, and dealing with those across the aisle and in the Executive Office. This is a remarkable historical account of an authentic politician who is dedicated to her country and its people. B.J.P. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      September 2, 2024
      Former House speaker Pelosi (Know Your Power) recalls in this uneven memoir how her values both guided her through momentous decisions and made her and her family a target. In a narrative largely focused on newsworthy episodes from her more than three decades in Congress—among them her opposition to the Iraq War, the hard-won passage of the Affordable Care Act, and the chaos of January 6—Pelosi shines when discussing “issues of conscience,” such as her longtime outspoken criticism of China’s human rights abuses. But this palpable passion fizzles during extended, eye-glazing recaps of wonky negotiations over legislation. Eschewing chronological order for a thematic greatest hits is partially to blame for the pacing problems. It also buries less consequential stories that humanize Pelosi, like how she sewed two panels of the AIDS quilt for friends (including one who “couldn’t wait to go to heaven to see John F. Kennedy”). For those looking for juicy political red meat, there’s enough here to satisfy (her disgust at Donald Trump leaps off the page—she was prepared to “punch him out” on January 6). But, despite some exceptions, including a harrowing account of the 2022 attack on her husband, Paul, this is short on insight into the private person behind the historic figure. Readers will be left wanting.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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