Sarah Palin, a hockey mom and small town mayor, thought her dream of making a difference in the male-dominated realm of Alaska politics was over when she clashed with the state chairman of her Republican Party and went head-to-head with the powerful Republican governor. In 2006, she became a long-shot candidate for governor, demanding a higher ethical standard in state government—and then fate intervened. When a major political scandal rocked Alaska politics, her populist reform message suddenly became front-page news—and when Alaskans began listening to her, they liked what they heard.
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"When we first heard about this book on our local news, that the little known publisher from out of Washington State, had run out the last 3000 copies, I knew I needed to have our Regional Library purchase this book. This book was rushed out in paperback last month just in time. This little book is a quick read, just a bit over 100 pages, but it has a lot to reveal about Sarah. Even though she's young, her politics are fresh, and she has come up through the grass roots to win the hearts of thousands in Alaska. She is full of tenacity, is honest to a fault, which is what we need to get this country back to where it was. She is for total reform, esp in ethics in government. This is a story of a down-to-earth woman with energy and idealism. If you want to know more about Governor Sarah Palin, read this little gem of a book. You'll be glad you did!!!!"
— Teri (4 out of 5 stars)
“Probably the most popular public official in any state.”
— FOX News Network“She’s proceeding to shatter the traditional political mold.”
— USA Today“Cassandra Campbell’s narration of the now-familiar story of the bold, athletic girl who grew up to balance motherhood and politics is mostly admiring, even when the book touches on controversies Palin has dealt with.”
— AudioFile“Wildly popular, she’s more than just a pretty face.”
— Alaska Magazine" A brief explanation of Sarah Palin's rise in Alaskan politics. "
— Ashley, 2/14/2014" This was a great book. My favorite parts were the parts about her growing up in Wasilla. They were interesting and I learned a lot. "
— Tess, 2/13/2014" She carries nick names like "Barracuda" and "Pitbull with Lipstick" for good reason. If I could have my wish granted to throw out all the good-old-boy career politicians and replace them with fresh leadership, I would put a Sarah Palin clone in every seat on both sides of the aisle. Tough, honest, smart, hard-working, genuine and in touch with her people. I wouldn't worry about partisanship or ideology if we had national leaders and lawmakers cut from such cloth. This book isn't going to win any awards, but it makes clear the no-nonsense get-er-done credentials and spirit of this woman. A short, light read. "
— Kirt, 2/11/2014" I learned more than had known about Sarah Palin, but I don't think the book was very well written. If you just want information, it's OK. I enjoyed the pictures and was amazed at the variety of things Sarah has accomplished. She's got guts and seems to thrive in harsh environments and active outdoor adventures. "
— Barbara, 2/5/2014" This was a quick read to get a better understanding of her path to the governor's mansion. Indeed an interesting, focused and passionate person. "
— Susan, 1/30/2014" We grew up in neighboring home towns. I had to! I gave it a two not because of how scary she is, but because the book was just a simple piece of puffery. "
— Caleb, 1/23/2014" This was an interesting view of an amazing woman. While it now looks like she may not be the next veep, she is an awesome example of a mom who has made some pretty big waves. Her values are similar to mine and I'd like to know there were more people like her in politics. "
— Nicki, 1/23/2014" A short bio of Sarah Palin up until the time she took office as Governor in 2006. Good depiction of her and easy good read! "
— Maria, 1/18/2014" I liked this book. She has such a wonderful place in our history, I will use it as I am teaching American History this year. "
— Aimie, 1/16/2014" written by an Alaskan - really let me 'get acquainted with' Palin. Very timely. "
— Leila, 1/5/2014" Easy read, that gives you a view into her way of doing business and her devotion to her family. "
— Susan, 1/5/2014" Phenomenal book! What a woman and a Godly one too! My hero! "
— Winnie, 12/11/2013" Sarah is a self made women who has a passion for public service and is a rising star in the republican party. I am looking forward to her run for president in 2012 against Hillary. That should make for an interesting presidential race! "
— Ken, 12/10/2013" My father in law gave me this book to read...it's actually interesting and though I've never been a Palin fan, I have to admit her experiences in Alaska are pretty impressive. Her moral compass seems to be pointing in the right direction...which is unheard of in politics! "
— Leigh, 10/24/2013" I learned a lot about Saran Palin from this book before the election. She is a very impressive lady with strong Christian and family values. I admire her strength. "
— Stephanie, 10/4/2013" So far not so hot. Poor writing style, feels very rushed to publication. "
— Hockey, 7/22/2012" A very simple, very quick read about Sarah Palin. My impression was that it was written by her campaign staff or someone in the GOP to present her in the best light to the American people. "
— Ray, 7/8/2012" officially throwing in the towel. i don't know why i was so obsessed with palin and i guess i thought the answer would be in this book. i was reading obama's second book when she took the vp nominee position and was reading this was obama got elected. sweet irony. "
— Nicole, 1/31/2012" A good, clearly written synopsis of Sarah Palin's political life through 2006. "
— Anna, 11/30/2011" I expected more out of this book. I found it to be mediocre, was pretty boring in the format and kind of sloppily written. "
— Naomi, 10/14/2011" Excellent. Well written, concise and informative. "
— Carol, 7/2/2011" Interesting background on Sarah Palin up through the beginning of her term as governor. "
— Lillie, 4/5/2011" You could tell this was written in a hurry...it was really at the level of a 5th or 6th grader that needs to do a biography book reprt, in my opinion. But the content was good! "
— Tiffany, 3/24/2011" Political props book, but more interesting than most. "
— Andy, 1/21/2011" I liked this book. She has such a wonderful place in our history, I will use it as I am teaching American History this year. "
— Aimie, 8/9/2010" I expected more out of this book. I found it to be mediocre, was pretty boring in the format and kind of sloppily written. "
— Naomi, 6/22/2010" My father in law gave me this book to read...it's actually interesting and though I've never been a Palin fan, I have to admit her experiences in Alaska are pretty impressive. Her moral compass seems to be pointing in the right direction...which is unheard of in politics! "
— Leigh, 3/11/2010" Interesting background on Sarah Palin up through the beginning of her term as governor. "
— Lillie, 1/17/2010" An enjoyable read, but you could tell it was mostly written as a local Alaskan book. I'd love to read a follow up which includes all of the campaign and post-campaign activities, with the same insiders look as this book. "
— Stacy, 9/7/2009" This was a great book. My favorite parts were the parts about her growing up in Wasilla. They were interesting and I learned a lot. "
— Tess, 8/31/2009" Good insight into her life before the 2008 race with John McCain. "
— Debora, 7/27/2009" It wasnt bad. I'm not sure what I was expecting. "
— Kim, 7/1/2009" This book has the least amount of substance about the subject that I have ever read. "
— Patti, 4/20/2009" Read this one on Ms. Palin's birthday; an interesting character sketch, but not as detailed about her career as I had hoped. <br/> <br/>I'm a big fan of Sarah Barracuda, and I hope we see more of an emergence from her in the upcoming years. A lady who believes she CAN have *it all*...you go girl! "
— Maurean, 2/10/2009" Short read. I like Sarah Palin...a lot but I was extremely disappointed in the writing of this book. It was bad. "
— Brooke, 2/6/2009" I learned a lot about Saran Palin from this book before the election. She is a very impressive lady with strong Christian and family values. I admire her strength. "
— Stephanie, 1/5/2009Kaylene Johnson is a writer and long-time Alaskan who makes her home on a small farm outside Wasilla. She enjoys hiking, skiing, and horseback riding in the backcountry. She is married with two sons and two grandsons. Her award-winning articles have appeared in Alaskan Wilderness Discovery Guide, Alaska magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Spirit magazine, and other publications. She received a BA from Vermont College and holds an MFA in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.
Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.