“Never losing faith, we waited through the many years of struggle to achieve our rights. But women weren't just waiting; women were working. Never losing faith, we worked to redeem the promise of America, that all men and women are created equal. For our daughters and our granddaughters today we have broken the marble ceiling. For our daughters and our granddaughters now the sky is the limit.” —Nancy Pelosi, after being sworn in as Speaker of the House When Nancy Pelosi became the first woman Speaker of the House, she made history. She gavelled the House to order that day on behalf of all of America’s children and said, “We have made history, now let us make progress.” Now she continues to inspire women everywhere in this thought-provoking collection of wise words—her own and those of the important people who played pivotal roles in her journey. In these pages, she encourages mothers and grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters to never lose faith, to speak out and make their voices heard, to focus on what matters most and follow their dreams wherever they may lead. Perhaps the Speaker says it best herself in the Preface: “I find it humbling and deeply moving when women and girls approach me, looking for insight and advice. If women can learn from me, in the same way I learned from the women who came before me, it will make the honor of being Speaker of the House even more meaningful.” This is a truly special book to share with all the women you know. It is a keepsake to turn to again and again, whenever you need to be reminded that anything is possible when you know your power.
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"I may not agree with her politics or her stance on government, but I really enjoyed the book and enjoyed reading about her life and belief and values of family and service and love of mankind. I'm glad I read it and I think I would like her personally, even if we wouldn't agree politically."
— Sonia (4 out of 5 stars)
" This book was fine. I read it on the plane back from Denver. It is a fast and easy read. "
— Michelle, 1/29/2014" Short Biography of sorts from Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Given the references to her home town of Baltimore, also my hometown, it brings back memories from childhood on the Baltimore of many years ago. Interesting spin on being a woman is a traditionally man's political world. "
— Mary, 1/25/2014" I was expecting more inspiration. Just a memoir listing the details of her (well-off) upbringing. Title is deceiving. "
— Jodi, 1/21/2014" Not impressed. I had only two take aways from the book and the first was don't get into your career until your children are fully grown. So, not realistic in my mind. "
— Kara, 1/15/2014" I was very interested to read a book written by a professionally successful mother where she stated from the beginning that her biggest accomplishment is that of being a wife and mother. Although I greatly disagree with her politics I was reminded of the importance of how we as mother's present ourselves to our children. I believe that there are seasons in life for everything we'd like to accomplish and currently my focus is on my children. Nancy Pelosi seems to feel the same way but mentions ways that she continued to contribute to things she felt passionately about without having to give up any moment of motherhood. She had her children help her stuff envelopes and they delivered fliers together as a family. She hosted events in her home and taught her children from a young age to be involved and to care. I enjoyed this book if only for that reason. "
— Amber, 1/12/2014" I really liked a radio review I heard on this. There were some good sections that encouraged mothering and marriage and women getting involved. However, I was a little disappointed in what I felt were attacks on men, past government leaders, and republicans (I guess I must be one). Also, it suggests that women need more daycare options so that they can be involved in government rather than at home with the kids...wait a minute, I thought she was saying that her stay-at-home mothering was what prepared her to do what she is now doing?! "
— Julie, 1/10/2014" Very perochial. I did not feel like this was the real story, it seemed very glossed over and fabricated for political reasons. Once I got to her explaining her political stance I was disgusted. I lost a lot of respect for her after reading this book. "
— Tara, 1/8/2014" Great book on her rise thru politics and government. "
— Anna, 1/8/2014" A little disappointing. "
— Lynette, 12/26/2013" Great book, well written, teachs to never loose faith in what you believe and set out to get done, point well taken that education is a must for all. "
— Virginia, 12/24/2013" Very good book. Gave me a new respect for Nancy Pelosi. "
— Lora, 12/22/2013" I liked Nancy Pelosi better before I read this book. It is all about how a well-connected woman with plenty of money made it big in politics. Very little in the way of life-advice for the young. "
— Margie, 12/6/2013" Interesting that I would choose to listen to this book during a critical time in the House of Representatives. This is a book all young women need to read to get an understanding of the stages of life and how much you can accomplish. Choose wisely! "
— Anna, 11/25/2013" Don't be misled by the title; this is basically just a chatty autobiography, skimming the surface of NP's rise to power. "
— Anne, 11/24/2013" It was really more of an autobiography than giving advice to young women. "
— Kathryn, 9/17/2013" A birthday gift from mom... "
— Christine, 7/7/2013" While this did have a couple of wise phrases to quote, all-in-all I was left feeling unsatisfied. It seemed to be more like just another autobiography of a politician explaining how she got to the point where she is today. "
— Beverly, 10/1/2011" This was more like "know her power." "
— Issy, 6/29/2011" A bit of personal history and encouraging for young women, but simplistic and not "meaty" enough for a biography or manifesto. "
— Patty, 4/13/2011" Was a bit disappointed. Thought it would be more inspirational than it was. I am a fan of Nancy Pelosi's and wanted to hear more of her thoughts, perceptions, advice, lessons learned. The book was more of a narrative about her life and path to Speaker of the House. Wanted more depth. "
— Holly, 4/4/2011" Pretty basic biography "
— Pmanco, 2/22/2011" This would be a good book for high school girls. But it was nice to read about Nancy's life. Also she closes with some very nice thoughts about being involved and the the future. "
— Adrienne, 9/9/2010" It was really more of an autobiography than giving advice to young women. "
— Kathryn, 8/29/2010" This would be a good book for high school girls. But it was nice to read about Nancy's life. Also she closes with some very nice thoughts about being involved and the the future. "
— Adrienne, 2/8/2010" Great book on her rise thru politics and government. "
— Anna, 12/24/2009" she been around famous people with power all her life and she looks up to her mom. her mom was an inspiration. "
— Rebecca, 8/12/2009" Don't be misled by the title; this is basically just a chatty autobiography, skimming the surface of NP's rise to power. "
— Anne, 5/24/2009" This was more like "know her power." "
— Issy, 5/12/2009" Ok. Kind of short. Not as much detail as I would have liked. "
— Danielle, 4/16/2009" Part biography, part political who's who, part inspirational message. I found her background information fascinating, the list of committees she's been on in the House less so. Overall, I'm glad I read it, but it's not the most engaging book. "
— Jennifer, 1/16/2009Nancy Pelosi was elected the 52nd Speaker of the House in 2007—and served as the first woman Speaker for eight years, off and on until 2023. She came to Congress in 1987 for the children and to fight HIV/AIDS. Under her leadership, Congress enacted transformative legislation, most notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A defender of democracy, she directed the House of Representatives’ efforts to investigate the January 6th insurrection and has spoken out forcefully for human rights globally. She continues to represent San Francisco in the US House of Representatives, a privilege she has treasured for thirty-seven years.
Amy Hill Hearth, who lives at the Jersey Shore, is a New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselling author and a Peabody Award winner. She writes nonfiction as well as fiction, and books for both adults and young readers. This is her first thriller. Her areas of interest include American history, elder wisdom, and forgotten or little-known stories. Her ancestors, who include a Lenni-Lenape woman, called the Jersey Shore home for many generations. You can read more about her at www.AmyHillHearth.com.