Helpful Score: 9
Governor Palin was obviously unprepared for the national political scene, but vice versa. The best part of the book for me was her take on the 2008 campaign and the way McCain's team (not necessarily McCain, himself) essentially threw her under the bus. The first 2/3 of the book is her biography, which is very interesting when she describes growing up in Alaska, but kind of tedious when she details the political scene in that state. Keeping in mind that this is her personal spin on everything, it is obvious that there is much more to her story than is being shared, probably because of her future aspirations.
At times she is all sour grapes, especially when she discusses her infamous interview with Katie Couric. And her jabs at Obama (mild), Democrats, the media and vegans show a general disrespect for those with which she disagrees. She is not as venomous as Ann Coulter, but Palin speaks with the voice of a divider and not a uniter. She also showcases her thin grasp of both the political process and global affairs throughout the second half of the book. But her compassion for special needs children and her pledge to have government do more for them makes one believe she might be able to effect a positive change in that sphere, should she choose to focus on that important work.
I was interested in her story because I wanted to get it straight from her and not from the national media she so abhors (a somewhat justified position). Whether or not the reader is a political supporter of Gov. Palin, her story is quite fascinating.
At times she is all sour grapes, especially when she discusses her infamous interview with Katie Couric. And her jabs at Obama (mild), Democrats, the media and vegans show a general disrespect for those with which she disagrees. She is not as venomous as Ann Coulter, but Palin speaks with the voice of a divider and not a uniter. She also showcases her thin grasp of both the political process and global affairs throughout the second half of the book. But her compassion for special needs children and her pledge to have government do more for them makes one believe she might be able to effect a positive change in that sphere, should she choose to focus on that important work.
I was interested in her story because I wanted to get it straight from her and not from the national media she so abhors (a somewhat justified position). Whether or not the reader is a political supporter of Gov. Palin, her story is quite fascinating.
Helpful Score: 4
I wasn't sure I was all that interested in reading this, but I got it as a gift and I loved it! I was always a fan of Palin's during the campaign, and this book was a real eye-opener to what she is really all about and her background. The first half of the book deals with her growing up and early years with her husband and her first jobs in the public sector. The second half of the book starts with the McCain camp calling her up and the campaign and the aftermath. She clarifies a lot of the lies and half-truths that were circulating about her during the campaign (and after) and the reason why she wasn't able to defend herself or even have her Alaska staff clarify. I recommend this one for anyone who has an interest in politics or seeing America change for the better.
Helpful Score: 3
BORING!!!!! I made it 125 pages until I started skimming and then gave up altogether. It started out well enough, but it lost my attention after she was elected governor. Rest assured, she has never done anything wrong, she is a wonderful mother, politician (even though she is so unconventional that she is not a politician at all) and wonderful human being. That being said, regardless of her political aspirations etc, I think she is just a regular person who got caught up in a lifestyle she was not ready for. I attempted the read because I though she was just a rregular person, but I think some Washington has seeped in, especially given she almost broke her arm patting herself on the back!
Helpful Score: 2
My friend Ron likes the cute pictures of Todd on the inside and the back cover.
Helpful Score: 1
In all fairness, I decided to read this book after reading Game Change and wanting to hear from the horse's mouth her experience in the 2008 election. The election didn't show up until the very end, so I will start by saying - I enjoyed the first two parts of the book.
Part one - Palin tells of her absolute and unending love for her state - Alaska. I felt like she was writing a love story to Alaska and writing a book trying to convince everyone to move. Me and my dislike for cold weather - I am not convinced!
Part two - Palin's political career pre-2008 election. I found this to be the most interesting part, basically because she was able to brag about her successful career in both the mayor and governor's offices. A great local politician, I believe Palin made a great impact in Alaska. She enacted several initiatives that will benefit Alaska for years to come, but maybe she should have stayed focus on what worked.
Part three- The part that was full of excuse after excuse and left me feeling like I was listening to someone whine, complain and find fault in everyone except herself. I wish I had skipped this part because I could have left with a great feeling of "wow, she has done a ton in her short career," except I left thinking "wow, I don't want her to be President ever." I kept reading this part, hoping that I would become a fan and potentially support her if she made any future runs towards a higher office. I was not convinced because I felt like she kept pointing fingers in every which direction, instead of looking in the mirror and stating that she made some mistakes along the way.
The book - yes, I would recommend it. I loved reading about her family and career in Alaska. Did it make me feel like I would support her future endeavors? Nope, don't think so. Unfortunately, I think she wrote this book in order to gain some support for some future career aspirations.
Part one - Palin tells of her absolute and unending love for her state - Alaska. I felt like she was writing a love story to Alaska and writing a book trying to convince everyone to move. Me and my dislike for cold weather - I am not convinced!
Part two - Palin's political career pre-2008 election. I found this to be the most interesting part, basically because she was able to brag about her successful career in both the mayor and governor's offices. A great local politician, I believe Palin made a great impact in Alaska. She enacted several initiatives that will benefit Alaska for years to come, but maybe she should have stayed focus on what worked.
Part three- The part that was full of excuse after excuse and left me feeling like I was listening to someone whine, complain and find fault in everyone except herself. I wish I had skipped this part because I could have left with a great feeling of "wow, she has done a ton in her short career," except I left thinking "wow, I don't want her to be President ever." I kept reading this part, hoping that I would become a fan and potentially support her if she made any future runs towards a higher office. I was not convinced because I felt like she kept pointing fingers in every which direction, instead of looking in the mirror and stating that she made some mistakes along the way.
The book - yes, I would recommend it. I loved reading about her family and career in Alaska. Did it make me feel like I would support her future endeavors? Nope, don't think so. Unfortunately, I think she wrote this book in order to gain some support for some future career aspirations.
