NANCY PELOSI

In this biographical paean to a “one-woman political machine,” Jones, who served as John Lewis’ longtime communications director, and Trotman, an executive editor at Hachette Books, examine the life of the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Pelosi’s father, a respected progressive politician, was one of her most important role models. The other was his homemaker wife, who understood the subtleties of community and family dynamics and could “multitask and strategize like a subway train car juggler.” One taught her about public life; the other, how to “navigate the echelons of power” with pragmatism and grace. Though interested in public service, like many women of her generation, Nancy opted to become a homemaker after marrying up-and-coming financier Paul Pelosi. They moved to San Francisco, where Pelosi built strategic relationships and coalitions to support progressive causes through her skills as a hostess. Her renown as a power broker eventually led her to chair the California State Democratic Party and, later, launch a successful campaign for Congress. There, she became involved in such landmark legislation as the Ryan White Act and quickly gained notoriety for “her willingness to skillfully stand up to presidents, whether Democratic or Republican.” The authors call special attention to Pelosi’s fearless handling of Donald Trump during the impeachment proceedings that she helped instigate, lauding her for wielding “a distinctly feminine type of power.” The authors’ occasional asides and insistence on addressing readers as “sis” may strike some as irritating, but their spirited defense of this trailblazing politician still makes for inspiring reading. For deeper insights into Pelosi and her career, turn to Molly Ball’s Pelosi.

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